2008 Melbourne Football Club season
Australian rules football club season
The 2008 Melbourne Football Club season was the club's 109th year in the VFL/AFL .
In conjunction with the AFL celebrating 150 years since the sport of Australian rules football was first created, the Melbourne Football Club also celebrated its 150th anniversary since its foundation in 1858.[ 1] [ 2] Paul Gardiner as chairman of the club and installation of Jim Stynes midway through the season. During August, Jim Stynes attempted to eliminate Melbourne of its major debt with a program called "Debt Demolition".[ 3]
Melbourne hosted 10 of its 11 games at the MCG , which included its first "home game" against the Brisbane Lions outside of the Gabba since 2000 . They also played a home game at Manuka Oval in the nation's capital Canberra against the Sydney Swans during Round 13. Dean Bailey coached his first year as senior coach at Melbourne. David Neitz captained his ninth year for the Demons, however after aggravating a disc in his neck during the Round 5 clash against Carlton ,[ 4] [ 5] Cameron Bruce and James McDonald .[ 6]
Melbourne's horrid year on-field form caused them to win only three matches and ensured they received their 11th wooden spoon .
2008 list changes
2007 trades
Retirements and delistings
National draft
Pre-season draft
Rookie draft
2008 squad
Melbourne Football Club
Senior list
Rookie List
Coaching staff
Head coach
Assistant coaches
Legend: (c) Captain(s) (vc) Vice-captain(s)
2008 season
Pre-season
NAB Cup
Week 1
Round 1
Saturday, 16 February (4:40 pm)
Geelong
def.
Melbourne
Skilled Stadium (crowd: 15,000 est)
[1]
0.8.1 (49)2.22.11 (161)
Q1
0.2.4 (16)2.11.5 (89)
Umpires: Rosebury , Nicholls , Sully , Kamolins Television broadcast: Foxtel
Byrnes , Wojcinski
Super Goals
Buckley , Garland
Johnson 6, Lonergan 2, Gamble 2, Davenport 2, Kelly 2, Byrnes , Ablett , Stokes , Hunt , Prismall , Milburn , Mooney , Wojcinski
Goals
Newton 2, Garland 2, Valenti , Meesen , Sylvia , Zomer , Green , Weetra , Robertson
Johnson , Prismall , Ling , Stokes , Milburn , Mooney , Bartel , Wojcinski , Kelly
Best
Jones , Buckley , Valenti , Garland
Ablett (calf)
Injuries
Record: 0 Wins, 1 Loss, 0 Draws
NAB Challenge
Week 2
Week 2
Friday, 22 Feb (7:30 pm)
Richmond
def.
Melbourne
Cazaly's Stadium (crowd: 5,321)
[2]
5.3 (33)14.10 (94)
Q1
2.3 (15)8.11 (59)
Umpires: Kamolins , Armstrong , Kennedy Television broadcast: none
Pettifer 3, Schulz 2, Hughes 2, Howat 2, Pattison , Foley , Morton , Brown , Raines
Goals
Newton 2, Bartram , Petterd , Green , Maric , Weetra , Davey
Pettifer , Newman , Simmonds , Tambling , Foley , Bowden
Best
Newton , Jones , Davey , Sylvia , Johnson , Valenti
Record: 0 Wins, 1 Loss, 0 Draws
Week 3
Week 3
Friday, 29 Feb (7:00 pm)
Western Bulldogs
def.
Melbourne
Queen Elizabeth Oval (crowd: 7000 est)
[3]
2.3 (15)14.9 (93)
Q1
5.4 (34)9.9 (63)
Umpires: Head , Kamolins , Mollison Television broadcast: none
Murphy 2, Akermanis 2, Eagleton , Minson , O'Keefe , Ward , Hahn , Johnson , Boyd , Mulligan , Griffen , Welsh
Goals
Davey 2, Robertson 2, Neitz 2, Bate 2, Jones
Akermanis , Eagleton , Higgins , Hill , Cooney , Johnson
Best
Davey , Jones , Bate , Yze , Buckley , Sylvia
Reports
Robertson (charging)
13 minutes into the last quarter a power failure caused a black-out of the stadium. The match was therefore abandoned with the Western Bulldogs leading Melbourne 14.9.93 to 9.9.63.[ 9]
Week 4
Week 4
Saturday, 5 Mar (2:00 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
North Melbourne
Casey Fields (crowd: 6000+ est)
6.3 (39)14.10 (94)
Q1
6.4 (40)22.14 (146)
Television broadcast: none
Home and away season
Round 1
Round 1
Sunday, 23 Mar (4:40 pm)
Hawthorn
def.
Melbourne
MCG (crowd: 40,141)
[4]
5.5 (35)23.16 (154)
Q1
1.1 (7)6.14 (50)
Umpires: Farmer , Kennedy , Nicholls Television broadcast: Foxtel
Franklin 6, Roughead 3, Osborne 3, Dew 2, Boyle 2, Stokes 2, Campbell 2, Taylor , Young , Rioli
Goals
Robertson 3, Green 2, Newton
Bateman , Franklin , Mitchell , Gilham , Osborne , Ladson , Dew , Birchall
Best
Jones , Buckley , Green , Moloney
Croad (wrist)
Injuries
Melbourne lost its first game by over 100 points since Round 18, 1997 . Cale Morton , Isaac Weetra Chance Bateman (Hawthorn ), 2. Lance Franklin (Hawthorn ), 3. Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn )[ 11]
Round 2
Round 2
Saturday, 29 Mar (2:10 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
Western Bulldogs
MCG (crowd: 27,821)
[5]
2.4 (16)9.12 (66)
Q1
2.5 (17)24.17 (161)
Umpires: Farmer , Kamolins , Ryan Television broadcast: Network Ten
Neitz 2, White 2, Robertson 2, Davey , Green , Jones
Goals
Murphy 4, Hill 3, Welsh 3, Akermanis 3, Johnson 3, Cross 3, Giansiracusa , Wight , Gilbee , Hahn , Griffen
Wheatley , McDonald , Jones , Green , Carroll
Best
Cross , West , Murphy , Cooney , Hill , Gilbee , Griffen , Boyd
Milestone(s): James McDonald (200th AFL game)[ 12] Matthew Boyd (Western Bulldogs ), 2. Daniel Cross (Western Bulldogs ), 3. Scott West (Western Bulldogs )[ 13]
Round 3
Round 3
Sunday, 6 April (1:10 pm)
Geelong
def.
Melbourne
Skilled Stadium (crowd: 23,569)
[6]
4.4 (28)16.16 (112)
Q1
3.4 (22)12.10 (82)
Umpires: Wenn , Sully , Ryan Television broadcast: Foxtel
Hawkins 5, Mooney 2, Ling 2, Johnson 2, Blake , Ablett , Stokes , Milburn , Chapman
Goals
Bruce 3, Dunn 2, Morton 2, Miller , Wheatley , Neitz , White , Green
Corey , Bartel , Hawkins , Ling , Chapman , Taylor
Best
Morton , Johnson , Wheatley , Bruce , Green
Geelong finally unraveled its 2007 AFL premiership flag at the ground.[ 14] Odds of up to $34 from some betting agencies were offered for Melbourne to beat Geelong . These were the highest ever offered in a VFL/AFL game. Despite Melbourne kicking the first 3 goals of the game and staying in it for a large proportion of the game, Geelong proved to be too strong for a young Demons outfit running away with the game by 30 points. Austin Wonaeamirri Joel Corey (Geelong ), 2. Tom Hawkins (Geelong ), 3. Paul Chapman (Geelong )[ 15]
Round 4
Round 4
Saturday, 12 April (2:10 pm)
North Melbourne
def.
Melbourne
MCG (crowd: 23,427)
[7]
4.8 (32)18.19 (117)
Q1
1.0 (6)11.13 (79)
Umpires: Farmer , Armstrong , McInerney Television broadcast: Foxtel
Thompson 5, Edwards 3, Thomas 3, Campbell 2, Jones 2, Grant , Harvey , Smith
Goals
Robertson 3, Wonaeamirri 2, Davey , Dunn , Jamar , McLean , Wheatley , White
Harvey , Wells , Rawlings , Thompson , Edwards , Power , Power , Campbell , Firrito
Best
Davey , McDonald , Green
Gibson (knee)
Injuries
Reports
Miller (charging)
Daniel Wells (North Melbourne ), 2. Nathan Thompson (North Melbourne ), 3. Brent Harvey (North Melbourne )[ 17]
Round 5
Round 5
Sunday, 20 April (1:10 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
Carlton
MCG (crowd: 44,159)
[8]
1.3 (9)9.14 (68)
Q1
3.3 (21)15.11 (101)
Umpires: Stevic , Stewart , Schmitt Television broadcast: Foxtel
Green 4, Robertson 2, Jamar , Jones , McDonald
Goals
Fevola 7, Judd 3, Fisher , Kreuzer , Ó hAilpín , Murphy , Pfeiffer
Bruce , Green , McLean , White , McDonald
Best
Judd , Scotland , Kreuzer , Waite , Carrazzo
Neitz (neck/shoulder)
Injuries
Bannister (hamstring), Gibbs
Whelan (striking)
Reports
Thornton (striking)
This game marked David Neitz 's last ever AFL match, due to a neck injury sustained during the second quarter when Jarrad Waite laid a heavy tackle on him.[ 18] Daniel Bell (50th AFL game)[ 19] Brendan Fevola (Carlton ), 2. Jarrad Waite (Carlton ), 3. Chris Judd (Carlton )[ 20]
Round 6
Round 6
Sunday, 27 April (1:10 pm)
Brisbane Lions
def.
Melbourne
Gabba (crowd: 22,878)
[9]
3.6 (24)19.23 (137)
Q1
2.1 (13)13.7 (85)
Umpires: Nicholls , Head , Armstrong Television broadcast: Foxtel
Bradshaw 6, Hooper 4, Corrie 3, Johnstone 2, Brown 2, Adcock , Rischitelli
Goals
Jones 4, Wonaeamirri 3, Miller 2, Sylvia 2, Green , Robertson
Black , Power , Corrie , Macdonald , Brennan , Hooper
Best
Jones , Green , Moloney , Bruce , Wonaeamirri , Jamar
Injuries
Sylvia (shoulder)
Brownlow Votes: 1. Daniel Bradshaw (Brisbane Lions ), 2. Anthony Corrie (Brisbane Lions ), 3. Simon Black (Brisbane Lions )[ 21]
Round 7
Round 7
Sunday, 4 May (2:10 pm)
Melbourne
def.
Fremantle
MCG (crowd: 19,423)
[10]
1.3 (9)17.17 (119)
Q1
5.6 (36)15.23 (113)
Umpires: James , Stewart , Avon Television broadcast: Seven Network
Wonaeamirri 4, Robertson 4, Davey 3, Miller 3, Green 2, Moloney
Goals
Pavlich 5, Tarrant 3, Farmer 2, Palmer , Bell , Ibbotson , Mundy , Solomon
McLean , Wonaeamirri , Robertson , Davey , Miller , Bruce , Green
Best
Pavlich , Solomon , Palmer , Sandilands , Bell , Ibbotson , Tarrant
Injuries
McPharlin (corked buttock), Headland (knee)
Trailing by as much as 51 points at the start of the third quarter, Melbourne kicked 14 goal to 4 in the second half to win by 6 points and give Dean Bailey a historical first win as a senior coach.
Melbourne 's win was the second greatest win from a half-time deficit in VFL/AFL history.Melbourne players received Brownlow votes from this match for the first time in 2008 .Austin Wonaeamirri received the NAB AFL Rising Star nomitation for Round 7.[ 22] Jeff White (Melbourne )Matthew Pavlich (Fremantle ), 3. Brock McLean (Melbourne )[ 23]
Round 8
Round 8
Sunday, 18 May (12:40 pm)
Adelaide
def.
Melbourne
AAMI Stadium (crowd: 35,649)
[11]
8.1 (49)22.18 (150)
Q1
4.4 (28)11.8 (74)
Umpires: Fila , Meredith , Ellis Television broadcast: Foxtel
Burton 5, Tippett 4, Goodwin 3, Jericho 3, Porplyzia 3, Stevens , Knights , van Berlo , Vince
Goals
Morton 3, Robertson 2, Wonaeamirri , Miller , Moloney , Garland , Bartram , Bate
Burton , Vince , Tippett , Porplyzia , van Berlo , Goodwin , Bock , Shirley
Best
Bartram , Buckley , Jones , Morton
Massie (hamstring)
Injuries
Rivers
Debut(s):Shane Valenti Brett Burton (Adelaide ), 2. Bernie Vince (Adelaide ), 3. Jason Porplyzia (Adelaide )[ 24]
Round 9
Round 9
Sunday, 25 May (2:10 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
Hawthorn
MCG (crowd: 41,341)
[12]
4.3 (27)12.6 (78)
Q1
3.3 (21)14.13 (97)
Umpires: James , Grun , Armstrong Television broadcast: Seven Network
Holland 3, Robertson 2, Wonaeamirri 2, Jones 2, Johnson , Davey , Bruce
Goals
Franklin 3, Rioli 3, Williams 3, Ladson , Campbell , Roughead , Ellis , Clarke
McLean , Bate , Davey , Holland , Wonaeamirri , Moloney
Best
Bateman , Rioli , Campbell , Birchall , Mitchell , Franklin
White (back), Robertson (thigh), Holland (shoulder)
Injuries
Lewis (thigh), Dew (hamstring)
Brock McLean (Melbourne )Brad Sewell (Hawthorn ), 3. Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn )[ 26]
Round 10
Round 10
Sunday, 1 June (2:10 pm)
St Kilda
def.
Melbourne
Telstra Dome (crowd: 27,854)
[13]
5.4 (34)19.15 (129)
Q1
2.2 (14)7.8 (50)
Umpires: Stevic , Stewart , Head Television broadcast: Seven Network
Schneider 5, Milne 3, Birss 2, Koschitzke 2, Riewoldt , Dal Santo , Gram , Ball , Jones , Montagna , Dempster
Goals
Yze 3, Dunn , Robertson , Sylvia , Bruce
Ball , Fisher , Gram , Dal Santo , Goddard , Montagna , Riewoldt
Best
Mcdonald , McLean , Bruce , Warnock , Garland
Injuries
Robertson (achilles), Bate (hand)
Russell Robertson 's season would end pre-maturely after rupturing an Achilles tendon during the game.[ 27] Brad Miller (100th AFL game)[ 28] Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda ), 2. Nick Dal Santo (St Kilda ), 3. Luke Ball (St Kilda )[ 29]
Round 11
Round 11
Monday, 9 June (2:10 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
Collingwood
MCG (crowd: 59,548)
[14]
4.1 (25)13.17 (95)
Q1
3.2 (20)17.14 (116)
Umpires: Vosso , Farmer , Meredith Television broadcast: Network Ten
Wonaeamirri 3, Sylvia 3, Yze 2, Green 2, Dunn , Jones , McLean
Goals
Didak 2, Shaw 2, Lockyer 2, Davis 2, Fraser , Johnson , Medhurst , Brown , Swan , Wellingham , O'Brien , Cox , Thomas
McLean , Jones , Bruce , Yze , Warnock , Dunn
Best
Burns , Didak , Lockyer , Maxwell , O'Brien , Bryan
Rivers (groin), Moloney (shoulder)
Injuries
Rocca (ankle), Pendlebury (back), Cook
Adem Yze (Melbourne )Scott Burns (Collingwood ), 3. Tarkyn Lockyer (Collingwood )[ 32]
Round 12
Round 12
Sunday, 15 June (4:40 pm)
Richmond
def.
Melbourne
Telstra Dome (crowd: 27,348)
[15]
3.6 (24)16.20 (116)
Q1
5.3 (33)14.10 (94)
Umpires: Sully , Nicholls , Ryan Television broadcast: Foxtel
Richardson 5, Brown 3, Morton 2, Cotchin 2, Polak , Simmonds , Tuck , White
Goals
Miller 3, Bartram 2, Bruce 2, Davey 2, Bate , Garland , Green , White , Wonaeamirri
Richardson , Deledio , Brown , Tuck , Cotchin , Polak
Best
Bruce , Wheatley , McLean , Miller , White , Garland
Brownlow Votes: 1. Brock McLean (Melbourne )Brett Deledio (Richmond ), 3. Matthew Richardson (Richmond )[ 33]
Round 13
Round 13
Sunday, 22 June (1:10 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
Sydney
Manuka Oval (crowd: 11,437)
[16]
2.2 (14)11.8 (74)
Q1
7.2 (44)17.12 (114)
Umpires: Sully , Grun , Head Television broadcast: Foxtel
Bate 4, Wonaeamirri 3, Bruce , Johnson , McLean , Miller
Goals
Hall 5, Buchanan 2, Mattner 2, O'Loughlin 2, Goodes , Jolly , Malceski , O'Keefe , Playfair , Roberts-Thomson
Bate , Dunn , Green , Johnson , Garland , Johnson
Best
Hall , Kirk Mattner , Jolly , Bolton , O'Loughlin
Brownlow Votes: 1. Matthew Bate (Melbourne )Barry Hall (Sydney ), 3. Brett Kirk (Sydney )[ 34]
Round 14
Round 14
Sunday, 29 June (1:10 pm)
Melbourne
def.
Brisbane Lions
MCG (crowd: 23,278)
[17]
5.4 (34)14.9 (93)
Q1
2.3 (15)13.14 (92)
Umpires: Head , Armstrong , Jeffery Television broadcast: Foxtel
Sylvia 4, Miller 4, Wonaeamirri 2, Bruce 2, Bate , Green
Goals
Brown 5, Bradshaw 4, Hooper 2, Patfull , Rischitelli
Wheatley , Green , Johnson , Miller , Sylvia , Whelan , Jones
Best
Power , Brown Rischitelli , Bradshaw , Black
McLean (ankle)
Injuries
Johnstone (hamstring)
Stefan Martin Chris Johnson (Melbourne )Paul Wheatley (Melbourne )Brad Green (Melbourne )[ 36]
Round 15
Round 15
Sunday, 13 July (2:10 pm)
Western Bulldogs
def.
Melbourne
Telstra Dome (crowd: 27,446)
[18]
3.2 (20)14.11 (95)
Q1
1.0 (6)9.10 (64)
Umpires: Farmer , McLaren , Keating Television broadcast: Seven Network
Akermanis 3, Minson 3, Eagleton 2, Giansiracusa 2, Hahn 2, Harbrow , Cross
Goals
Miller 3, Green 2, Dunn , Johnson , Buckley , Newton
Cross , Boyd , Lake , Gilbee , Akermanis , Eagleton , Hill , Everitt
Best
Bruce , Garland , Johnson , Wheatley , Martin , Miller
Welsh (back)
Injuries
Brownlow Votes: 1. Lindsay Gilbee (Western Bulldogs ), 2. Cameron Bruce (Melbourne )Matthew Boyd (Western Bulldogs )[ 37]
Round 16
Round 16
Sunday, 20 July (2:40 pm)
Fremantle
def.
Melbourne
Subiaco (crowd: 31,638)
[19]
0.2 (2)16.18 (114)
Q1
5.1 (31)10.8 (68)
Umpires: Kennedy , Hendrie , Avon Television broadcast: Foxtel
Pavlich 5, McPharlin 3, Ibbotson , Schammer , Carr , McManus , O'Brien , Sandilands , Tarrant , Peake
Goals
Morton 2, Miller 2, Bate 2, Newton 2, Johnson , Jamar
Pavlich , Schammer , Ibbotson , Crowley , McPharlin , McManus
Best
Johnson , Wheatley , Buckley , Bruce , Bate , Jones
O'Brien (hamstring)
Injuries
Brownlow Votes: 1. Michael Johnson (Fremantle ), 2. Antoni Grover (Fremantle ), 3. Matthew Pavlich (Fremantle )[ 38]
Round 17
Round 17
Sunday, 27 July (2:10 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
North Melbourne
MCG (crowd: 21,330)
[20]
1.3 (9)10.10 (70)
Q1
7.3 (45)14.14 (98)
Umpires: McLaren , Fila , Hendrie ,Television broadcast: Seven Network
Miller 3, Newton 2, Davey , Valenti , Johnson , Sylvia , Morton
Goals
Thomas 5, Jones 4, Harvey 2, Petrie , Hale , Campbell
Buckley , Jones , Valenti , Davey , McDonald , Johnson
Best
Harvey , Hale , Jones , Thomas , Gibson , Simpson , Rawlings
Dunn (striking)
Reports
Debut(s): Addam Maric Simon Buckley (Melbourne )Adam Simpson (North Melbourne ), 3. Brent Harvey (North Melbourne )[ 39]
Round 18
Round 18
Saturday, 2 August (2:10 pm)
Essendon
def.
Melbourne
MCG (crowd: 46,334)
[21]
3.1 (19)19.10 (124)
Q1
2.2 (14)17.6 (108)
Umpires: Kennedy , Sully , Fila Television broadcast: Foxtel
Lloyd 8, Monfries 3, McPhee 2, Lovett 2, Atkinson , Reimers , Slattery , Jetta
Goals
Morton 3, Sylvia 3, Maric 2, Bate 2, Bartram , Green , Buckley , Davey , Johnson , Jamar , Wonaeamirri
Lloyd , Hille , Monfries , Fletcher , McPhee , Peverill , Lovett-Murray , Nash
Best
McDonald , Sylvia , Morton , Garland , Dunn , Bate , Bruce
Reimers (hamstring)
Injuries
Garland (hamstring), Davey (heel)
Adam McPhee (Essendon ), 2. Cale Morton (Melbourne )Matthew Lloyd (Essendon )[ 40]
Round 19
Round 19
Friday, 8 August (7:05 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
Geelong
MCG (crowd: 34,610)
[22]
0.0 (0)5.11 (41)
Q1
8.5 (53)24.13 (157)
Umpires: Donlon , Kennedy , Ryan Television broadcast: Seven Network
Valenti 2, Johnson , Johnson , Wonaeamirri
Goals
Morton 4, Stokes 4, Prismall 3, Ablett 2, Bartel 2, Ling 2, Mackie 2, Blake , Gamble , Johnson , Mooney , Selwood
Whelan , Wheatley , Maric , Martin
Best
Mackie , Ling , Selwood , Corey , Scarlett , Prismall
Joel Corey (Geelong ), 2. Joel Selwood (Geelong ), 3. Andrew Mackie (Geelong )[ 45]
Round 20
Round 20
Saturday, 16 August (2:10 pm)
Melbourne
def.
West Coast
MCG (crowd: 17,598)
[23]
1.3 (9)11.13 (79)
Q1
2.2 (14)5.15 (45)
Umpires: Ryan , Ellis , Nicholls Television broadcast: Network Ten
Bruce 2, Newton 2, Bartram , Bate , Green , Johnson , Miller , Morton , Sylvia
Goals
McKinley 2, Armstrong , LeCras , Lynch
Bruce , Wheatley , Morton , Green , McDonald , Whelan , Buckley , Jones
Best
Armstrong , Cox , Embley , Mackenzie
Injuries
Wilkes (neck)
Dean Cox (West Coast ), 2. Cale Morton (Melbourne )Paul Wheatley (Melbourne )[ 47]
Round 21
Round 21
Saturday, 23 August (2:40 pm)
Port Adelaide
def.
Melbourne
AAMI Stadium (crowd: 18,875)
[24]
6.6 (42)18.21 (129)
Q1
1.0 (6)7.9 (51)
Umpires: Margetts , Head , Keating Television broadcast: Foxtel
Motlop 5, Westhoff 2, Westhoff 2, Lade 2, Burgoyne 2, Pearce 2, Rodan , Cassisi , Boak
Goals
Miller 2, Bruce , Bate , Wonaeamirri , Jamar , Newton
Burgoyne , Burgoyne , Cassisi , Motlop , Logan , Brogan , Pearce
Best
Wheatley , Buckley , McDonald , Garland , Morton
Chaplin (knee)
Injuries
Brownlow Votes: 1. Shaun Burgoyne (Port Adelaide ), 2. Daniel Motlop (Port Adelaide ), 3. Domenic Cassisi (Port Adelaide )[ 48]
Round 22
Round 22
Sunday, 31 August (2:10 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
Richmond
MCG (crowd: 37,046)
[25]
2.1 (13)6.5 (41)
Q1
2.5 (17)18.13 (121)
Umpires: Margetts , Ryan , Ellis Television broadcast: Seven Network
White 2, Green , Holland , Sylvia , Whelan
Goals
Deledio 4, Bowden 3, Jackson 2, Riewoldt 2, Connors , Foley , McMahon , Morton , Tivendale , Tuck , White
Yze , Whelan , Bruce , Warnock , Garland
Best
Bowden , Tuck , Newman , Deledio , Foley , McGuane , Johnson , McMahon
Sylvia (ankle), Petterd (hamstring)
Injuries
Connors
Miller (wrestling)
Reports
Morton (wrestling)
Jack Grimes Nathan Jones (50th AFL game)Shane Tuck (Richmond ), 2. Brett Deledio (Richmond ), 3. Joel Bowden (Richmond )[ 50]
Ladder
Source:
AFL ladder Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) percentage; 3) number of points for.
(P) Premiers
Ladder breakdown by opposition
Awards
Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy Cameron Bruce
Sid Anderson Memorial Trophy (Second in the Best and Fairest) – Brock McLean
Ron Barassi Snr Memorial Trophy (Third in the Best and Fairest) – Brad Green
Ivor Warne-Smith Memorial Trophy (Fourth in the Best and Fairest) – Matthew Warnock
Dick Taylor Memorial Trophy (Fifth in the Best and Fairest) – James McDonald
Harold Ball Memorial Trophy (Best First Year Player) – Cale Morton
Troy Broadbridge Trophy (highest polling MFC player in the Casey Best and Fairest) – Adem Yze
Ron Barassi Leadership Award – Brad Green
Ian Ridley Club Ambassador Award – Clint Bartram
Norm Smith Memorial Trophy (Coach's Award) – Matthew Warnock
Leading Goalkicker Award – Brad Miller (26)
150 Heroes
Melbourne FC announced its "150 Heroes" to celebrate its 150th birthday at Crown Casino on 7 June 2008. These were also presented during the Queen's Birthday Clash against Collingwood in Round 11. Each player, or their closest relative, were presented with an official 150 heroes medallion.
The criteria for inclusion was games played (minimum of 100), best-and-fairest awards , premierships, Brownlow Medals , contribution to the club and State representation. Those who died in the war were judged based on their achievements before their death.
The heroes named were:[ 2]
Jim Abernethy ,
Frank Adams ,
Bill Allen ,
Stan Alves ,
Syd Anderson ,
Tony Anderson ,
Lance Arnold ,
Ron Baggott ,
Garry Baker ,
Harold Ball ,
Ron Barassi ,
Percy Beames ,
John Beckwith ,
George Bickford ,
Ray Biffin ,
Barry Bourke ,
Harry Brereton ,
Cameron Bruce ,
Keith Carroll ,
Geoff Case ,
Albert Chadwick ,
Noel Clarke ,
Geoff Collins ,
Jack Collins ,
Chris Connolly ,
Bob Corbett ,
Denis Cordner ,
Don Cordner ,
Ted Cordner ,
Vin Coutie ,
Harry Coy ,
Jim Davidson ,
Frank Davis ,
Ross Dillon ,
Carl Ditterich ,
Brian Dixon ,
Len Dockett ,
Adrian Dullard ,
Hugh Dunbar ,
Richie Emselle ,
Fred Fanning ,
Jeff Farmer ,
Matthew Febey ,
Steven Febey ,
Dick Fenton-Smith ,
Rowley Fischer ,
Robert Flower ,
Laurie Fowler ,
Maurice Gibb ,
Peter Giles ,
Terry Gleeson ,
Brad Green ,
Rod Grinter ,
George Haines ,
Gary Hardeman ,
Henry Harrison ,
Gerard Healy ,
Greg Healy ,
Dick Hingston ,
Paul Hopgood ,
Danny Hughes ,
Anthony Ingerson ,
Eddie Jackson ,
Alan Johnson ,
Bob Johnson ,
Tassie Johnson ,
Trevor Johnson ,
Travis Johnstone ,
Gordon Jones ,
Les Jones ,
Bryan Kenneally ,
Allan La Fontaine ,
Clyde Laidlaw ,
Frank Langley ,
Jack Leith ,
Andrew Leoncelli ,
Charlie Lilley ,
Wally Lock ,
Harry Long ,
John Lord ,
Andy Lovell ,
Brett Lovett ,
Glenn Lovett ,
Garry Lyon ,
Hassa Mann ,
George Margitich ,
Peter Marquis ,
Bernie Massey ,
Anthony McDonald ,
James McDonald ,
Fred McGinis ,
Shane McGrath ,
Bob McKenzie ,
Col McLean ,
Ian McLean ,
Noel McMahen ,
Ken Melville ,
Laurie Mithen ,
Peter Moore ,
Jack Mueller ,
David Neitz ,
Stephen Newport ,
Jack O'Keefe ,
Andrew Obst ,
Gordon Ogden ,
Greg Parke ,
Joe Pearce ,
Jack Purse ,
Ian Ridley ,
Guy Rigoni ,
Frank Roberts ,
Russell Robertson ,
Alby Rodda ,
Brian Roet ,
Peter Rohde ,
Alan Rowarth ,
David Schwarz ,
Norm Smith ,
Steven Smith ,
Earl Spalding ,
Stuart Spencer ,
Charlie Streeter ,
Steven Stretch ,
Jim Stynes ,
Tony Sullivan ,
Dick Taylor ,
Ted Thomas ,
Ian Thorogood ,
Stephen Tingay ,
John Townsend ,
Keith Truscott ,
Geoff Tunbridge ,
Bill Tymms ,
Barrie Vagg ,
Francis Vine ,
Todd Viney ,
Ivor Warne-Smith ,
Ray Wartman ,
Athol Webb ,
Greg Wells ,
Jeff White ,
Sean Wight ,
Don Williams ,
Brian Wilson ,
Stan Wittman ,
Shane Woewodin ,
Graeme Yeats ,
Charlie Young ,
Adem Yze
Off-field crises and debt demolition
Aside from Melbourne's on-field struggles throughout the year, they were also placed into financial turmoil and the possibility of filing for bankruptcy.
On 4 February, CEO Steve Harris announced his resignation after reportedly cutting Melbourne's pre-existing debt by 50% and increasing membership sales by 40% since 2003.[ 51] Paul McNamee on 18 March, despite the fact that McNamee did not originally apply for the job.[ 52]
With no cash, no solidified training or administration base and decreased membership count from 2007 , the Demons found themselves winning only one game in the first half of the season. On 23 May, Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett suggested that Melbourne should relocate to the Gold Coast if they were to have a financially stable future.[ 25]
Melbourne had little to celebrate heading into their 150 Heroes dinner on 7 June, during which Jim Stynes announced his intention to challenge Paul Gardiner 's role as Melbourne's president. Two days later, before the Queen's Birthday clash , Gardiner announced his resignation as Melbourne's president,[ 31] [ 53] [ 3]
During June, Melbourne had a late surge in membership purchases for 2008. On 30 June, Melbourne successfully increased their membership count from 2007 gaining a record high 29,619 members at the time and falling just short of their goal of 30,000.
On 23 July, Stynes sacked Paul McNamee as CEO of the club.[ 54] Brisbane Lions ' forward Jonathan Brown to Melbourne.[ 55]
Melbourne held its 150 Foundation Heroes dinner on 5 August where they launched their Debt Demolition campaign. Melbourne raised $1.3 million from former players and supporters that night.[ 56] Primus Telecom announced that it would not continue its $1 million per year arrangements with the club in 2009 .[ 57]
On 26 August, Melbourne announced Cameron Schwab as their new CEO.[ 58] Fremantle and re-joined Melbourne for the third time since 1982 .
On 18 December, the AFL agreed to increase Melbourne's 2009 from $250,000 to $1 million, with the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) contracted to match the AFL's offer.[ 25]
Melbourne finished the year $2.5 million in debt.[ 56] [ 59] 2010 . On 5 August 2010 Melbourne clear all of its $4.5 million debt as Jim Stynes announced the club to be debt free for the first time in 30 years.[ 60]
References
^ "Melbourne Football Club | Demons" .^ a b "Melbourne's 150 heroes named - Official AFL Website of the Melbourne Football Club" . Archived from the original on 22 October 2009. Retrieved 22 July 2012 .^ a b "Motorsport Video |Motorsport Highlights, Replays, News, Clips" .^ "The Roar" .^ a b Neitz Hangs Up Boots ^ "McDonald and Bruce to captain - Official AFL Website of the Melbourne Football Club" . Archived from the original on 30 September 2009. Retrieved 22 July 2012 .^ The Mercury 6 January 2010 [dead link ] ^ "SANFL Update" . Archived from the original on 2 May 2012. Retrieved 22 July 2012 .^ "QEO left in the dark" . 2 March 2008.^ "NAB AFL Regional Challenge Match - North Melbourne v Melbourne - Casey Fields - March 2008 | City of Casey - www.casey.vic.gov.au" . Archived from the original on 15 June 2013. Retrieved 22 July 2012 .^ "AFL Tables - Hawthorn v Melbourne - Sun, 23-Mar-2008 4:40 PM (3:40 PM) - Match Stats" .^ "afl.com.au" . Retrieved 29 November 2022 .[permanent dead link ] ^ "AFL Tables - Melbourne v Western Bulldogs - Sat, 29-Mar-2008 2:10 PM (1:10 PM) - Match Stats" .^ Austin Rewarded After Long Journey Herald Sun [dead link ] ^ "AFL Tables - Geelong v Melbourne - Sun, 6-Apr-2008 1:10 PM - Match Stats" .^ "Kangaroos abandon Gold Coast relocation - Official AFL Website of the North Melbourne Football Club" . Archived from the original on 2 March 2011. Retrieved 22 July 2012 .^ "AFL Tables - North Melbourne v Melbourne - Sat, 12-Apr-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats" .^ "David Neitz retires" . Archived from the original on 21 July 2008. Retrieved 22 July 2012 .^ "afl.com.au" . Retrieved 29 November 2022 .[permanent dead link ] ^ "AFL Tables - Melbourne v Carlton - Sun, 20-Apr-2008 1:10 PM - Match Stats" .^ "AFL Tables - Brisbane Lions v Melbourne - Sun, 27-Apr-2008 1:10 PM - Match Stats" .^ "Record comeback breaks Dees' duck - AFL.com.au" . Archived from the original on 9 October 2012. Retrieved 17 May 2011 .^ "AFL Tables - Melbourne v Fremantle - Sun, 4-May-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats" .^ "AFL Tables - Adelaide v Melbourne - Sun, 18-May-2008 12:40 PM (1:10 PM) - Match Stats" .^ a b c "Dees Must Move Or Die" . Herald Sun . Archived from the original on 30 December 2012.^ "AFL Tables - Melbourne v Hawthorn - Sun, 25-May-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats" .^ "Robertson snaps achilles" . ABC News . 2 June 2008.^ "2008 Round 10 St Kilda v Melbourne Pre-Match Quotes" . Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 22 July 2012 .^ "AFL Tables - St Kilda v Melbourne - Sun, 1-Jun-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats" .^ "afl.com.au" . Retrieved 29 November 2022 .[permanent dead link ] ^ a b Gardner clears path for Stynes The Australian [dead link ] ^ "AFL Tables - Melbourne v Collingwood - Mon, 9-Jun-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats" .^ "AFL Tables - Richmond v Melbourne - Sun, 15-Jun-2008 4:40 PM - Match Stats" .^ "AFL Tables - Melbourne v Sydney - Sun, 22-Jun-2008 1:10 PM - Match Stats" .^ "NAB AFL Rising Star: round 14 - AFL.com.au" . 5 October 2012. Archived from the original on 5 October 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2022 .^ "AFL Tables - Melbourne v Brisbane Lions - Sun, 29-Jun-2008 1:10 PM - Match Stats" .^ "AFL Tables - Western Bulldogs v Melbourne - Sun, 13-Jul-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats" .^ "AFL Tables - Fremantle v Melbourne - Sun, 20-Jul-2008 2:40 PM (4:40 PM) - Match Stats" .^ "AFL Tables - Melbourne v North Melbourne - Sun, 27-Jul-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats" .^ "AFL Tables - Essendon v Melbourne - Sat, 2-Aug-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats" .^ "Thomas Wentworth" . Archived from the original on 20 January 2013. Retrieved 22 July 2012 .^ "Wills, Thomas Wentworth (1835–1880)" . Australian Dictionary of Biography . National Centre of Biography, Australian National University.^ "Tom Wills Round - Round 19, August 8–10 - Australian Football 150 Years" . Archived from the original on 2 October 2012. Retrieved 22 July 2012 .^ "archive.ph" . archive.ph . Archived from the original on 30 November 2013. Retrieved 29 November 2022 .^ "AFL Tables - Melbourne v Geelong - Fri, 8-Aug-2008 7:05 PM - Match Stats" .^ "NAB AFL Rising Star: round 20 - AFL.com.au" . 5 October 2012. Archived from the original on 5 October 2012. Retrieved 29 November 2022 .^ "AFL Tables - Melbourne v West Coast - Sat, 16-Aug-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats" .^ "AFL Tables - Port Adelaide v Melbourne - Sat, 23-Aug-2008 2:40 PM (3:10 PM) - Match Stats" .^ "Tigers roar over Melbourne" .^ "AFL Tables - Melbourne v Richmond - Sun, 31-Aug-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats" .^ Melbourne FC [permanent dead link ] ^ "McNamee named new Demons CEO" . Archived from the original on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 26 July 2012 .^ "Jim Stynes new chairman of Melbourne Football Club" . Herald Sun . Archived from the original on 9 August 2011.^ "Paul McNamee dumped as Demons CEO - Breaking News - Sport - Breaking News" . Archived from the original on 6 September 2008. Retrieved 26 July 2012 .^ Macca Wanted Brown Herald Sun [dead link ] ^ a b Born Again Dees Herald Sun [dead link ] ^ Primus pulls the plug on Demons The Australian [dead link ] ^ Schwab returns to Demons The Australian [dead link ] ^ Melbourne Demons Record Profit Herald Sun [dead link ] ^ Melbourne Demons Clear Debt Herald Sun [dead link ]
External links
VFL/AFL home grounds AFLW home grounds VFL/AFL premierships (13) Runner-up (5) AFLW premierships (1) Runner-up (1) Seasons (150)italics ) Women's seasons (7) Related articles Melbourne did not field a team from 1916–1918 due to the First World War
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