Five mistakes that led to Melbourne Demons’ downfall

Goodwin wasn’t the only one who failed to fully utilize a once-strong roster. A series of questionable roster management decisions left the club in trouble.

1. Clayton Oliver’s contract.

Melbourne extended the beleaguered midfielder’s contract until the end of 2030 in 2022, a year before Clayton Oliver’s contract expired.

Oliver’s financial future has been secured since signing his new contract, but he has been a backup. Last season was turbulent, and he played in just 15 games, 10 of which were missed due to a hamstring injury and a serious foot infection.

His row with the club’s fitness director, Selwyn Griffith, attracted unwelcome headlines.

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The Devils have to deny they’ll trade Oliver at the end of 2023, but they do require him to perform to their expected standards.

He went to the hospital last October for an unexplained medical incident and withdrew from preseason training camp in December, further fueling concerns.

Oliver surprised many by playing in the opening round against Sydney despite the break in pre-season and has played 20 games so far this year.

However, he is no longer at his peak and his performance in every key midfield statistic has declined.

Deciding to sign him to a long-term contract now would be a major mistake that would severely impact the club’s salary cap and cause huge pain in the coming years.

2. Trade Brody Grundy

Trading dual all-Australian centre Brodie Grundy to title contenders Sydney for just the 46th overall pick and a future second-round pick was another glaring mistake.

It was a gift to the leading Swans.

Following the departure of Luke Jackson to Fremantle in 2022, the Demons have failed to find a reliable replacement for their 33-year-old captain Max Gawn, who has been plagued by injuries this season.

The lack of a capable backup exposed the team’s strengths, forcing forwards Harrison Petty and Jacob Van Royne into scrums with poor results.

3. Keep Harrison Petty

During the last trade period, Adelaide United reportedly offered Melbourne two first-round draft picks in exchange for key forward Harrison Peaty.

Adelaide denied the reports, but it’s clear the offer is significant. Melbourne should seize the opportunity and send Pettey to Adelaide.

Peaty recently renewed his contract with Melbourne but his performances have not improved much this season and he is lucky to be selected every week.

He has kicked six goals in 17 games in 2024 and the decision not to trade him and capitalise on Adelaide’s desperation when his value is at its peak is a golden missed opportunity.

4. Angus Brayshaw’s contract

Despite Angus Brayshaw’s known concussion issues, the team extended his contract for six years in mid-2022, a risky move that ultimately backfired tragically.

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Brayshaw’s career has been in jeopardy due to his history of concussions and he was forced to retire in February after scans revealed “microscopic changes” in his brain following a concussion in last year’s qualifying final.

Melbourne now faces the financial burden of repaying more than $3 million owed by Brayshaw.

5. Loss of Depth

Melbourne’s squad was further weakened by the departure of 23-year-old midfielder James Jordan to Sydney as a free agent and James Harms to the Western Bulldogs.

The Demons’ depth has been exposed this season, especially with injuries to key players like Christian Petracca and Gaughan, coupled with Brayshaw’s retirement.

Jordan has become an important player for the Swans and his departure leaves a clear gap in squad depth.

There has already been talk that Melbourne will trade for Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston at the end of the season and try to bring in an experienced star.

As Richmond discovered with its disastrous trades for Tim Taranto and Jacob Hooper, that strategy can backfire spectacularly.

No coach will be under more pressure next season than Goodwin.

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Club leaders must communicate the strategy they will adopt.

Is it time to rebuild? Do they still believe they can win the Premier League as long as Gawn and Petracca can play well? How do they plan to make Oliver an effective player again? Are they still in denial about the cultural problems at the club and is this the reason for the failure on the pitch?

There are signs that Melbourne is about to enter a hot weather, and who can stand the heat will be a test. At present, it seems that fans are once again inclined to cool off in the snow.