Steven King has been named the Demons coach for 2026 and beyond following an extensive process that included high profile applicants such as Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley.
The process began following the Demons’ sacking of 2021 premiership coach Simon Goodwin three rounds out from the close of the season after Melbourne failed to improve on its poor 2024 season, where it missed finals for the first time since 2020.
King, a 240-game player for Geelong and St Kilda, has built a glowing resume since calling time on lacing up the boots, joining the coaching panel at the Saints in 2010 before a decade-long stint at the Western Bulldogs from 2012 onwards, followed by senior assistant coaching gigs at Gold Coast (2022-23) and Geelong (2024-25).
The Shepparton export was close to landing the West Coast head coaching gig 12 months ago after entering the running but fell short to Andrew McQualter.
At the Cats, King’s expertise has lain in the midfield, leading the likes of Bailey Smith, Max Holmes and Patrick Dangerfield as Geelong are locked into yet another preliminary final appearance.
The renowned football figure was a leader at Geelong in his playing days too, captaining the side for four seasons between 2003 and 2006 while remaining an experienced head for the 2007 flag.
King’s appointment marks him as the 28th Melbourne coach in the club’s history.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Steven as the new senior coach of our AFL program, on what is a significant day for our club,” Melbourne president Brad Green said.
“Steven has elite football IQ and a deep understanding of the game.
“He is highly competitive, places a strong focus on connection, and has a coaching philosophy we think our players will thrive under.
“During the appointment process, it became more and more clear that Steven was the ideal candidate for us.
“As a football club, we’re delighted to be entering this next chapter with Steven at the helm.
“We have no doubt he is the right person to lead us forward.”
King spoke of his delight to lead the red and blue following the Cats’ finals campaign.
“Melbourne has a rich history, and I feel very humbled to be given this opportunity at one of the oldest professional sporting clubs in the world,” King said.
“I began my AFL career in 1996 and have experienced it all across the past 30 years.
“I’m excited to bring my experience to the club and see what we can achieve, together, from next season and beyond.
“I can’t wait to meet the playing group, my fellow coaches, the staff, and the Demon faithful, and start building towards 2026.”
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