You may already know Matt Doran: Co-Host of Weekend Sunrise.

We’re here to introduce you to Matt Doran: the die-hard Demon fan.

Doran is part of three generations of self-proclaimed “Melbourne tragics”, with his father Phil and his grandfather Brian all a part of the Melbourne faithful.

“We would religiously go to every game,” Doran told Melbourne Media.

“Dad, grandpa and I would get on the train and go to the ground, and we would spend the game screaming our hearts and souls out.

“Those special moments, that’s what footy does and what Melbourne did for us.”

Doran’s grandfather Brian sadly passed away earlier this year, a loss made even more difficult with Doran having had to say goodbye from afar due to COVID-19 border closures. 

Reflecting on the special moments he shared with his grandfather, Doran said it always came down to the time they spent cheering on the Dees.  

“Most of my fond memories with my grandfather are all linked to the Melbourne Football Club,” Doran said.

“He was diabolically passionate and was hoping to see a premiership this year.

“But he knew how successful they’d been this year and that brought him incredible joy in his last few weeks and days.”

Like many Australians, Doran, who is based in Sydney for work, has spent the past two months stuck in lockdown.

While he said it’s been a difficult period, there’s been one thing that has kept him positive throughout the lockdown and that’s the success of his beloved Demons.

“This year has shown so many of the fans, the power of sport,” Doran said.

“With everyone struggling, it’s been incredible for the players to give people some joy in an otherwise bleak period.

“We are just so grateful.”

With the club having not seen a premiership for 57 years, it’s fair to say Melbourne fans across Australia have been longing for success, Doran himself reflecting on the Melbourne faithful’s hunger for victory.

“A flaw for Melbourne supporters, is that we sometimes don’t allow ourselves to indulge hope, expecting things to end in a dire way,” Doran said.

“Because that is what history has shown for such a long time.”

But that all changed when Max Gawn kicked the winning goal in Round 23 to secure the club’s first minor premiership in 57 years.  

According to Doran, it was a moment Melbourne fans would remember for a long time to come.

“It was such a moving moment,” he said.

“That fight to claim that minor premiership, even if that’s as far as we go, was a beautiful thing and a huge reward for everyone who has stuck by the club.”

The Demons have one more step to overcome before making it to the 2021 AFL Grand Final, playing in a Preliminary Final at Optus Stadium on Friday 10 September.

Due to the game being based in Western Australia, many fans will be preparing to watch yet another game from the comfort of their couch, Doran included.

And although the side hasn’t reached premiership success just yet, Doran said the sentiment among the Melbourne faithful heading into the final, is one of gratitude.

“I’d like to thank the players,” Doran said.

“In a joyless year, they’ve been able to provide joy to people who really need it.

“The current batch of players, they feel this inherited debt that the club owes, but I think I’d just like to say we’re proud of the season they’ve already put up and deeply proud of the way they’re going about their footy.

“It’s finally an honour and privilege to say we’re Dees fans.”

Matt Doran co-hosts Weekend Sunrise, live from 7am Saturdays and Sundays on Channel 7 and 7plus.