Melbourne has been the indisputable surprise packet of 2026.
Its win over Hawthorn has lifted the club to fifth on the ladder with a 7-3 record, with their edginess on and off the field yielding exciting results.
Victories over top six sides Hawthorn, Brisbane and Gold Coast have franked their credentials as a team to be taken seriously in 2026.
Leadership change has liberated several players to perform above expectation, which has made the Dees a tough opponent once more and fun team to watch.
7Jack Steele
The poster boy for an excellent off-season of list management by Melbourne. The Demons acquired Steele, Changkuoth Jiath and Max Heath who have all played roles, and cleared midfield duo Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, which has proven a win for both parties, while drafting exciting youngsters Latrelle Pickett, Xavier Taylor and Tom Matthews.
No player has attended more centre ball-ups than Steele this year for the Demons, who has been the chief contributor to Melbourne currently sitting second in the competition for centre clearances and third for first possession rate.
As an in-and-under player, he has capitalised on his side's ruck dominance, and his experience means it is hard for teams to get a run-on when he is in there.
