As we farewell Angus Brayshaw, a Demon loved by all those within the Melbourne faithful, we take a look back at his memorable time in the red and blue...
2014
Gus joins the Dees with pick No.3 at the National Draft
One of the best young talents in the U18 national competition, Brayshaw is celebrated among club recruiters for his strength and power through the midfield. After a year of impressive displays for the Sandringham Dragons, Melbourne selects the 18-year-old with the third overall pick. He joins the club alongside friend Christian Petracca (pick No.2), with the duo beginning a special journey together at the Dees.
“It's a very exciting place to be at the moment,” Brayshaw tells media following his selection.
“Words can’t describe how happy, how excited I am for the future.”
2015
Gus plays his first senior game in the red and blue
Just four months on from being drafted, Brayshaw gets his first opportunity at AFL footy, named in Melbourne’s Round 1 team to take on the Gold Coast Suns. The Demon registers nine disposals and nine tackles as his teams soars to a 26-point victory.
Brayshaw features in Melbourne’s final 22 in 21 of 22 possible games in 2015, an incredibly impressive feat for a 19-year-old just a year into his career.
Gus receives a Rising Star Nomination in his tenth AFL match
Facing Collingwood during the Queen’s Birthday clash at the MCG, Brayshaw puts together his best performance yet, collecting 18 disposals, six tackles, eight score involvements and seven inside 50s. The display earns him a Rising Star nomination and puts him on the radar of those within the league.
2016
The first half of Brayshaw’s 2016 season is interrupted with injury, but he finishes the year with 10 senior games for the Dees. He averages close to 18 disposals a game and produces a season-standout performance during Round 23 with 26 disposals, seven inside 50s and one goal.
2017
Due to injury, Brayshaw manages just five senior games in 2017. Despite this impact on the first half of the season, the Demon impresses in his last remaining games including a particularly strong display during Round 21. Brayshaw registers 26 disposals and 10 intercepts as the Dees go on to defeat St Kilda by 24 points.
2018
Gus reaches his first milestone in the red and blue
After an interrupted first few seasons at the Dees, Brayshaw reaches his first career milestone of 50 games during Round 18 of the 2018 season. Despite a disappointing two-point loss to Geelong, Brayshaw puts in a valiant effort with 23 disposals, eight inside 50s, six score involvements and one goal.
The Dees reach their first Preliminary Final since 2000
Melbourne defeats Hawthorn by 33 points at the MCG to reach its first preliminary final since 2000, with Brayshaw playing an instrumental role in the victory. In classic Brayshaw fashion, the Demon puts his courage at the fore with a decisive mark backing into traffic during a crucial moment in the third term, which ultimately sparks Melbourne’s second half push for a win. He finishes the semi-final with two goals and a chance at preliminary final footy.
Gus finishes third in the Brownlow Medal count
After a career-best season, Brayshaw finishes third in the Brownlow Medal count, despite missing out on an invite to the event. It’s a remarkable achievement by Brayshaw having started the season as an emergency in Round 1 and not playing an AFL match until Round 4. He polls votes in nine matches and secures three best-on-ground performances, in addition to his six ‘two voters’. He completes the season with a career-high 21 Brownlow votes.
2019
While the 2019 AFL season doesn’t end the way Melbourne hopes (finishing second last on the ladder), Brayshaw produces a consistent individual campaign, averaging 22 disposals across 22 games. His biggest performance comes during Round 3 with a best-on-ground display. In Melbourne’s 18-point loss to Essendon, Brayshaw stands tall with 34 disposals, eight marks, 10 inside 50’s, seven clearances and a goal.
2020
The 2020 AFL Season is unique with the impact of COVID19. The worldwide pandemic pushes the league into quarantine with Melbourne making the temporary move to a Queensland-based hub. The Demons’ season is cut down to just 17 games. Brayshaw shines in the club’s Round 11 win over North Melbourne, with the Demon registering 29 disposals, eight inside 50s, seven score involvements and one goal. This performance earns him one Brownlow vote.
Gus becomes the 81st person to take on FightMND’s Big Freeze slide
With the league in quarantine due to COVID19 restrictions, Brayshaw, alongside teammate Christian Petracca, takes on a makeshift inflatable slide at Casey Fields. The duo dresses up as Happy Gilmore and his caddy, making the icy plunge in support of FightMND, an organisation that was founded by Neale Daniher in his battle against MND.
2021
Gus celebrates 100 games in the red and blue
During the club’s annual ANZAC Day eve match against Richmond, Brayshaw runs out for the 100th time in the red and blue, sharing the special moment alongside friend and teammate Nathan Jones, who celebrates his 300th game. Brayshaw makes the most of his milestone, shining in the marquee match. The Demon registered 26 disposals and six intercepts, helping his team to a 34-point win over the Tigers.
The Dees break a 57-year premiership drought
Brayshaw celebrates the ultimate success at the end of Melbourne’s 2021 campaign. The Demon contributes to his club breaking a 57-year premiership drought, defeating the Bulldogs by 74 points at Optus Stadium.
His grand final performance is one for the history books, with the gutsy and powerful display arguably one of his best career games. He collects 25 disposals, 11 contested possessions and a goal that many consider the ‘turning point’ for the Dees, putting them in the lead. This lead is kept for the remainder of the game and ultimately secures them the 2021 premiership.
2022
Brayshaw cements himself as one of the game’s most versatile and consistent players in 2022, filling any role required for the Demons through various positions across the ground. In the opening 19 weeks of the season, Brayshaw averages a league-high eight marks per game while performing in defence. He then racks up the fourth most disposals in the competition in the last four home-and-away games while moving through the midfield.
Gus signs on to be a Demon for life
After months of speculation, Brayshaw shows his loyalty to the Dees, turning his back on free agency. He puts pen to paper, signing a six-year contract extension to remain at the club until at least the end of 2028.
Gus named in All-Australian squad
For the first time in his career, Brayshaw is named in the All-Australian squad after a stellar individual campaign. He is recognised for his notable performances at half-back and is selected alongside teammates Max Gawn, Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, Bayley Fritsch and Steven May.
Gus is awarded the Ron Barassi Jnr Memorial Trophy for Leadership
In his seventh year at the club, Brayshaw seals his impact among the football program, receiving Melbourne’s leadership award. He is commended for his mature on-field presence in addition to his naturally inspiring demeanour off-field.
Gus finishes fifth in the club’s best and fairest count
After one of his career-best seasons, Brayshaw finishes fifth in the club’s best and fairest count with 446 votes. This is a testament to his 2022 season where he stood tall when it counted most.
2023
Gus plays his 150th game in the red and blue
During Round 7 against North Melbourne, Brayshaw runs out for the 150th time in his career. In true Brayshaw style, the Demon put on a show for his milestone match registering 29 disposals and 11 intercepts in the 90-point win.
Gus is awarded his second Ron Barassi Jnr Memorial Trophy for Leadership
In a testament to how important Brayshaw is as a role model within the club, he receives back-to-back leadership awards at the club’s 2023 Awards Night. The Demon, who plays an important part within the team's leadership group, is praised for his continued growth as a respected figure within the club, helping develop all those around him.
Gus finishes fourth in the club’s best and fairest count
In a career high for Brayshaw, he finishes fourth in the club’s best and fairest count with 453 votes. He’s highlighted on the night for his consistency, leadership and on-field determination.
