FOR THE DEMON faithful, a sunny Sunday made for the perfect AFL premiership celebration at the MCG.
Melbourne’s players, coaches, past players, members and supporters all came together for the first time since the drought-breaking victory, reliving the moments that made history.
And with over 30,000 people in attendance, the Demons’ spiritual home was abuzz with red and blue.
“It was a great event today,” vice-captain Jack Viney said following the proceedings.
“The Demon faithful came out and the energy was unbelievable, so it was another special moment to celebrate with our fans.”
From a replay of the 2021 AFL Grand Final on the big screens to special presentations and speeches, the day was one to remember for Dees fans, as the club aimed to recreate that last Saturday in September.
The result was a given, but that didn’t stop the passionate crowd from enjoying every moment, with the playing group also embracing its significance.
“This was the first time we got to celebrate it with our family and friends and being able to take my daughter up on stage with me was a special memory I’ll never forget,” Viney said.
“We were all genuinely excited to celebrate this moment with our families, and then having the Demon faithful screaming as well [adds to it].
“As good as winning the premiership was, over in Perth, certainly a piece to the puzzle was missing – being able to do it with family and friends [and] a packed MCG of Demon fans, so it certainly leaves a little bit to be desired.”
While the day was full of Melbourne moments, one in particular was welcomed with a heart-warming standing ovation.
Club legend Neale Daniher, who was like many in being unable to attend the game in Western Australia, had the honour of presenting senior coach Simon Goodwin with his Jock McHale medal, resulting in as many tears as cheer.
“It’s incredibly special,” Viney said.
“Neale’s been such a big part of the football club for many years. He comes back once, twice a year to give us a pump up and he always hits the nail on the head with exactly what the group is going through and he’s been along the journey with us.
“He’s been one of the true fighters of the Melbourne Football Club and it was so special to have him here today.”
Games record holder David Neitz was on hand to present Christian Petracca with his Norm Smith Medal, as well as be part of a moving procession, which kicked off with a video message from Noel McMahen, the club’s oldest living premiership captain.
The 2021 silverware was then passed down a line of former players on the hallowed turf, before being brought to the stage by Nathan Jones and Neville Jetta, who both retired from the competition at season’s end.
The celebration was a fitting farewell for the pair, as it was an apt acknowledgment of all those who bleed red and blue.
The Demons’ attention will now turn to putting themselves in a position to do it all again, with day one of AFL pre-season just around the corner.
“This was kind of nice to close a chapter in a way, and tomorrow, it’s back on to 2022 season,” Viney said.
