LEADERSHIP, fresh faces and new coaches – Tom Sparrow is looking ahead to what 2024 has to offer. 

After another standout stand out season in red and blue, Sparrow is looking to take his role to the next level.  

Using his influence as a leader to help push and guide the younger players to grow and develop, Sparrow is keen to step up into a leadership position.  

“I really see myself as a leader, I don’t really have to try too hard to have a bit of influence,” Sparrow told Melbourne Media. 

“I want to have a bit more of an impact on the group from a leadership perspective, try and bring a few of the younger guys along. 

“Leading the way by example, on field, my work ethic, those things are my strengths anyway, it’s just showing the DNA and the younger group of boys.” 

With the announcement of Max Gawn and Jack Viney remaining the club’s Captain and Vice-Captain for 2024, Sparrow is eager to learn from some of the best.  

“I think Max is an incredible speaker and he trains very well every session, he’s a great role model,” Sparrow added.  

“Same with Jack Viney as well, he’d probably be one that I look up too more so, just as he plays the exact same role as me. 

Over the offseason, Melbourne welcomed Andrew McQualter, from Richmond, as the new midfield coach for 2024.  

McQualter is bringing fresh and new ideas to bolster and reinvigorate Melbourne’s midfield for the year to come.   

“He’s been really good for us, he’s brought in a bit of a new philosophy in offense which is going to be really good I think,” Sparrow told Melbourne Media.  

A few fresh faces joined the red and blue in the off season, three trades and three new draftees.  

Our No. 32 is excited to see what these new additions can bring in 2024.  

 “We’ve got a few new boys, Jack Billings is one I’m looking forward to see, he’s silky smooth, both feet,” Sparrow told Melbourne Media. 

“Shane McAdam is another one who’s competing hard up forward.  

“Even Caleb Windsor and Koltyn Tholstrup, there’s a lot of boys putting their hands up to play. 

“I think myself and Dees fans will be excited to watch these guys play.”