Jake Melksham’s four-goal return and another star turn from Kysaiah Pickett have fired Melbourne to a stunning 20-point upset of previously unbeaten Gold Coast.
The Demons were also superbly led by captain Max Gawn in their 16.13 (109) to 14.5 (89) win at the MCG on Sunday.
It gave Melbourne an impressive 3-1 start to life under new coach Steven King ahead of a meeting with lowly Essendon in Gather Round.
Pickett dazzled with 25 disposals, six clearances and one goal against a star-studded Suns engine room and Melksham, in his first game of the season, led the way in attack.
The veteran forward also produced a highlight with a huge mark on Sam Collins’ shoulders and converted his long-range set shot.
Gawn (22 touches, one goal) and experienced recruit Jack Steele (26 disposals, 11 clearances) were key contributors, and Latrelle Pickett added spark in attack with one goal and eight score involvements.
Gold Coast’s first defeat of the season came in the absence of former Demon Christian Petracca, who missed what would have been his first clash with his former side due to a hamstring injury.
JAKE MELKSHAM WHAT A MARK!!!#AFLDeesSuns pic.twitter.com/n8gC8zdYYx
— AFL (@AFL) April 5, 2026
Fellow midfield star Matt Rowell (13 disposals) got through his first game of the season after overcoming a finger injury and captain Noah Anderson (22 touches, seven clearances) fought hard.
Ben King (three goals), Ethan Read (three), Jed Walter (two) and Zeke Uwland (two) all kicked multiple goals, but the Suns were thoroughly outplayed by a buoyant Demons outfit.
Coleman Medal leader King looked particularly dangerous in attack early for the Suns but Melbourne erased a 16-point deficit when they took over in the second term.
Brody Mihocek (two goals) was on top of Mac Andrew, both Picketts were creative and Melksham contributed two majors as a six-goal quarter gave the Demons an 8.8 to 8.2 lead at the main break.
That was despite the Suns having the top seven disposal winners on the ground to that point.
Gawn raised eyebrows in a rollicking third term with a set shot around the corner from 30 metres out directly in front.
But it sailed straight through and the Dees, who dominated centre clearances in the third quarter, turned for home with a 14-point advantage after Kysaiah Pickett’s late goal.
Melksham kicked his fourth to open the scoring in the final quarter and Melbourne looked just about home when Langford nabbed his second at the six-minute mark.
Gold Coast pressed late but the Demons held firm in defence, to the delight of most in the 24,287-strong crowd.
