TRENT RIVERS found himself in a new role in season 2024, moving from the half-back position to the midfield and surrounding himself with the likes of Max Gawn, Jack Viney and Clayton Oliver. 

Rivers wasn’t the only fresh face to enter that established group, with Judd McVee and Koltyn Tholstrup rubbing shoulders with the midfield royalty.  

It bodes well for Melbourne, with the silver lining of a disappointing campaign coming as the opportunities offered for the development of its next generation of midfielders.  

“We’ve got heaps of young guys and it’s exciting, to have the young guys come through and to earn the trust of these older guys and the senior coaches is massive,” Rivers told Melbourne Media. 

“It’s exciting, moving forward we take a few more learnings out of it and that in years to come we’re a really strong midfield.  

“Over the next few years it’s going to be really exciting.”  

Guidance was key for the new faces entering the established group, starting from the midfield coach, Andrew ‘Mini’ McQualter.  

“I love Mini and the way he operates as well, the way he gives his feedback, he’s just so positive,” said Rivers.  

“He’s invested a lot of time into me personally and that’s something that I’m really grateful for.”  

In addition to McQualter, captain Gawn and vice-captain Viney have offered great opportunities of guidance.  

“Gawny runs the ship, he leads by example,” Rivers added.  

“He’s a very vocal leader and when he does lead in that way, we all sit there and say wow, that’s special. 

“It’s super exciting that they’ve re-signed, to know they’re both locked in is very exciting for the Dees family and also for us players.”