THE YEAR 2023 is in the books, bringing with it a host of magical moments that made being a Demons fan as fun as ever.
The Demons staff have trawled through social statistics and spreadsheets to find your favourite moments according to the numbers.
Take a look back at the year that was as we remember the moments that made 2023.
Gus Meets his Number One Fan
Young Demons fan Dolly had the shock of her life when her favourite player Angus Brayshaw noticed her sign after Melbourne's Anzac Day Eve win over Richmond.
Her surprised expression caught the hearts of all watching the moment unfold on the post-match coverage, and the club invited Dolly down for an incredible inner-sanctum experience at the club.
Dolly earned herself a signed jumper, had a photo taken with the team and joined the players on ground with her brothers for some warm-up drills.
Dolly's homemade card was a hit with Brayshaw and his fiancée Danielle.
Dolly also helped reveal the club's 2024 fixture later in the year.
Daisy Passes the Torch
After AFLW icon Daisy Pearce called time on her career following the club's 2022 Premiership, it was time to appoint the team's new leader.
It was fitting that Pearce was on site to appoint her successor, naming Kate Hore as the Demons' newest leader.
Hore excelled in her first year in the role, becoming the first woman to kick 20 goals in an AFLW season and winning league-leading goalkicker honours alomngside teammate Eden Zanker.
A Moment for Neale Daniher
As the Demons and Magpies gathered to take to the MCG turf for another King's Birthday match-up, players from both sides made a heartwarming gesture for Neale Daniher.
Ahead of the Big Freeze 9 clash, the two sides made a guard of honour for the man of the moment.
The Premiers' Lap of Honour
THE 2022 AFLW Premiers got their moment in the sun as the side cut a lap of the MCG during the AFL side's season-opener at the MCG.
The Demons Faithful got at look at the side's new silverware as our Premiers soaked in the applause.
A Roo Debut
Few debuts were more eagerly anticipated than the Round 3 unveiling of 2021 first round draftee Jacob van Rooyen.
The moment the news was broken to his teammates proved to be a popular one on social media.
It wasn't long before the 'Roo' chant was filling the MCG, with the hulking key position Demon booting three on debut and 28 for his first senior season.
Mackin's Magic Touch
The theme of eagerly-awaited debuts returned later in the season when one of Gaelic football's brightest young stars Aimee Mackin made her AFLW debut.
In her final session before her first outing, Mackin dazzled fans with her incredible touch and ball skills.
The heart-warming moment her family arrived in Melbourne to surprise the Irish star ahead of the match also made Demon hearts beat true.
Melksham Delivers in the Clutch
The rise of Jake Melksham was one of the most intriguing story lines of the 2023 season, with the veteran Demon spending over two months adrift in the VFL after battling for opportunities across the previous two seasons.
Melksham returned to the AFL line-up with a bang following forward line injuries, finding a purple patch of form to kick 11 goals in five games from Round 16.
The highlight of this magic run arrived in Round 18 against Brisbane, with a set shot with less than a minute on the clock delivering the Demons a hard-earned four points.
A Field of Women
The iconic visual of pink ponchos pouring onto the MCG proved just as popular as ever in 2023.
The BCNA's 25th anniversary was marked by the first on-ground Field of Women since 2018.
Charlie's Night at the 'G
Melbourne fell in love with Charlie Tiang in 2023, with the young Demon fan winning the hearts of football fans across the country in Round 12.
Tiang joined the Demons as they ran out onto the ground and circled up with his favourite players to sing the club song after a 17-point Friday Night Football win over Carlton.
The club was informed that Tiang lost his battle with cancer in August, and thanks his family and friends for letting us share those special moments.
Banno Burns Pies in Season Opener
The AFLW Demons started the 2023 season with a bang, thanks in large part to Alyssa Bannan.
The speed Demon burst into the Season 8 campaign with three electric goals as the Demons raised their premiership flag at Ikon Park.
