Melbourne Demons forward Jake Melksham has informed the club of his decision to retire at the conclusion of the club's 2026 campaign.
Melksham has played at the highest level on 254 occasions, and will be hoping to add to that tally as the Demons eye a deep finals run under first-year coach Steven King.
The swingman played his first 114 games in Essendon's red sash, before defecting to the Demons ahead of the 2017 season, having missed the 2016 season as part of the Essendon supplements saga.
He has managed 140 games since, infamously missing out on the club's drought-breaking 2021 premiership - one of the true hard-luck stories from that period.
The Demons will be looking to rectify that unfortunate piece of history this September.
The popular teammate addressed his club on Monday, with gratitude a feature of the announcement.
“I am so appreciative of everyone who has been involved in my journey,” Melksham said.
“I'd like to thank Melbourne for allowing me to come into the club each day and be unconditionally myself.
“To the fans, thank you for your unwavering support through the highs and lows. This club wouldn't be where it is without you.
“I can't wait to see what we can achieve over the next month.”
The Melkman's route is coming to an end 😢🥛
After 17 years, Jake Melksham will call time at the end of our campaign.
📝 | https://t.co/tmpLpz1x0A pic.twitter.com/VQqYCzQfsy
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) August 24, 2026
Melksham joins teammate and fellow swingman Tom McDonald in deciding to hang up the boots at season's end.
