New Melbourne president bares scars of Dees’ post-flag struggles

Melbourne's new president Steven Smith has spoken openly about the Dees' internal struggles since a drought-breaking flag in 2021.

In an article for this weekend's edition of the AFL Record, Smith didn't mince his words when describing the issues that had, until recently, plagued the club.

"We had guys fighting, guys on drugs, internal legal battles with ex-directors and it was just a mess," Smith said.

"It was important that we claim that culture and reset that culture."

The Demons have had a full exorcism over the past six months, with premiership coach Simon Goodwin losing his job and stars Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca being traded to Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast, respectively.

Another key change at Melbourne this season has been new coach Steven King who arrived after being an assistant coach at Geelong.

The Demons will play their first game under King on Sunday when they host St Kilda at the MCG.

Smith, who took over the role as president from Brad Green in late 2025, continued his strong sentiment on the need for a fresh start at Melbourne.

"It was really important for us to have a reset because our culture got to a point in the past three to four years where it wasn't acceptable," he said.

"It was a hard call because Simon had been a premiership coach. He's the only living premiership coach. That was tough, but after nine years we needed a fresh voice."