Shepparton’s Steven King has unleashed his exciting “new era” at Melbourne football club, claiming a 13-point win in his first game in charge as senior coach.
In a flashy, fast-moving style of play, the Demons upset St Kilda at the MCG on Sunday in a high-scoring affair, 18.12 (120) to 15.17 (107).
The local export was handed the reins in the post-season following Simon Goodwin’s sacking late in the 2025 campaign, joining a list of fresh leadership on-field and off-field, as the storied AFL club unveiled executive changes and traded premiership stars last spring.
King’s start in flying colours presents optimism for the future for a side recently riddled with unwanted headlines, with King stating post-match that starting his tenure with a win was “really special”.
“[There’s] an immense level of pride in our playing group, staff and members that came here today,” King said.
“I feel like I've been talking a lot around what Demons football is going to look like, but until you put it on show, and actually do it, they're pretty cheap, those words.
“Today was a really challenging game, as all early round games are, and it was quite chaotic.
“I don't think we sit here today and go it was by any means perfect.
“We were challenged a lot, but really proud of the players’ resilience and composure under pressure, just to win big moments, and to get the win’s really special.”
The former assistant coach at Geelong agreed there was a rejuvenated vibe at the club, as the Demons look to turn a leaf on its seasons of off-field drama.
“It's a new era because, well, I'm new, new CEO, new president, so there's new leadership,” King said.
“I won't talk about who's not here, because I just care about the players I'm working with now.
“We've thrown them challenges to see and play the game a little bit differently.
“I guess you could say we want to be a team that does challenge the opposition in numerous ways. and I felt like today, although, as I've said, it wasn't perfect, that I think we were able to do that.
“We had our moments in contests and stoppage.
“I think we had big moments on defence when we had to, and I think at the right time, we challenged with ball in hand today.
“If we could keep doing that and evolving and growing and refining our game, it's a pretty exciting time.
“Hopefully our members and supporters liked what they saw today and hopefully a few more can jump on board and become members and and be here next time we play the ‘G.”
Melbourne will travel to Western Australia to take on Fremantle in round two, before King’s men will return to the MCG in round three when the Demons play Carlton.
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