NINE players driving Melbourne's 2026 form explosion

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. [caption id="attachment_174287" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 15: Steven King, Senior Coach of the Demons during the 2026 AFL Round 01 match between the Melbourne Demons and the St Kilda Saints at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 15, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James Wiltshire/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Harvey Langford Unlike many of the others on the list, it has not been a sharp spike for Langford, rather a natural progression in the wing role for Melbourne. A 27-disposal, three goal game in Melbourne's biggest win of the season, against reigning premier Brisbane, was his standout performance of the season. Has poise on the wing, works hard both ways and can take a big grab; his move since arriving at Melbourne from inside midfielder to winger has proven a masterstroke. Dan Turner Following the retirement of Steven May on the eve of the season, there was worry about whether Melbourne's backline would hold up against the most potent forward lines. Having been played at both ends across the past two seasons, Turner has settled in defence, where his ability to read the footy, peel off and either spoil or intercept mark has made Melbourne tougher to score against. Had 12 intercept possessions and took eight marks against Hawthorn in his strongest performance of the season. Jack 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. Kade Chandler Has been a mainstay of Melbourne's lineup since 2023, with his running power enabling him to outwork opponents, and he is an important piece in giving Melbourne repeat looks inside 50s with his manic pressure. The growth in his game this year has been his ability to impact in scoring chains, averaging more than a goal per game for the first time in his career and career-highs for score involvements and goal assists. Jacob van Rooyen After a strong first two seasons at the grade, van Rooyen plateaued in 2025, but two key factors have unlocked great improvement in 2026: Brody Mihocek's arrival and Melbourne's new game-style. The arrival of a five-time club leading goal kicker has shifted attention away from van Rooyen; at 193cm and still less seasoned than most clubs' primary defenders, Mihocek's presence has allowed him more freedom to play his natural game. Meanwhile, the speed and unpredictability of Melbourne's ball movement has given him more looks in one-on-one contests where his forward craft has shone through. Koltyn Tholstrup As much as the stars, it is the output of role players which separates sides jostling for finals positions, and Tholstrup has played two critical roles, in particular, which have significantly contributed to Melbourne wins. In Round 1, he effectively tagged Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, keeping him to just 18 disposals and minimising his impact in a high-octane affair the Dees won by 13 points. Then in Round 10, he shut down Nick Watson – the Hawks small forward finished with three goals, but two of those came once the result was sewn up, with Tholstrup matching him for speed and limiting his impact at stoppages. Max Heath The form of Max Heath has allowed Melbourne to manage an ageing Max Gawn, with the pair playing side-by-side in five games this season. Heath rates elite for hitouts to advantage and above average for hitout win percentage, giving Steven King the confidence to utilise him at centre ball-ups in virtually a 50-50 split with Gawn. Many of the top teams are opting for a two-ruck setup, with Heath's emergence allowing Melbourne to do likewise. Tom Sparrow There was concern entering 2026 that Melbourne's midfield may be one-dimensional, with Jack Viney and Jack Steele leaning on their contested game without having speed the modern game demands. Viney's injury opened up an opportunity for Sparrow who has taken it with both hands. Sparrow's emergence as a midfield protagonist has offset those concerns, and perfectly complemented Steele's sturdiness. The role of midfield coach Nathan Jones in the Dees' uplift should not be underestimated either; arrived with his only coaching credentials being two years at school side Peninsula Grammar, but his playing experience has helped transform the Melbourne midfield. Sparrow averages five clearances per game, with his acceleration allowing him to burst the ball forward. Harry Sharp Emblematic of the Melbourne's lift under Steven King, the winger has kicked a goal in every game this year. His dash has helped Melbourne's transition game, assisting in shaping the ball, while his running power has enabled the Demons to run out games well – the Dees have averaged more than five goals in the last quarter of their last five games. No team has averaged more than Melbourne's 9.7 goal kickers per game, and Sharp has been at the forefront of that with his willingness to push forward aggressively and find a handball receive.

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	SYD	10	9	1	36	152.2
2	FRE	10	9	1	36	134.9
3	GEEL	10	7	3	28	123.5
4	GC	10	7	3	28	119.9
5	MELB	10	7	3	28	107.6
6	HAW	10	6	3	26	110.2
7	BL	10	6	4	24	116.6
8	ADEL	10	6	4	24	109.7
9	STK	10	5	5	20	112.8
10	WB	10	5	5	20	91.7

NINE players driving Melbourne’s 2026 form explosion

Several players have reached new heights which has Melbourne knocking on the door of the top four.

3Max Heath

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