IN THE lead-up to his 150^th AFL game, Jake Melksham says he has no regrets about leaving Essendon and joining Melbourne at the end of the 2015 season.

Melksham, who played 114 games for Essendon from 2010-15, has added 35 matches to his name, since making his debut with the Demons in round one, 2017 against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.

Although the 26-year-old was forced to miss the 2016, due to the Essendon supplements saga, he said making the move to Melbourne had been the right one.

“I’ve definitely come out of the other end [of the Essendon supplements saga] a better person and a better footballer,” he told Melbourne Media.  

“I was never one to put any blame or point the finger on how things have gone at Essendon. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, even through all the bad stuff. I think that overshadowed the good times I’ve had there.

“Ever since I’ve come to Melbourne, the experiences I’ve had – good and bad – have really put me in a good frame of mind to contribute to Melbourne. It’s made me a better and resilient person, and a better family man and a better partner. I just like to be positive on everything – past, present and future.”

Reflecting on his career, Melksham said his first AFL game would always remain a highlight, while his move to Melbourne was right up there.  

“Definitely my first game [for Essendon], I remember certain aspects of that quite vividly,” he said.

Melksham on draft day 2009 after being selected at pick 10 by the Bombers (Photo: Michael Willson)

“The first game, we played against Carlton in round three, 2010 and I debuted on that night with [Bomber] Trav Colyer. I can remember running out through the banner and there more than 70,000 people at the ground that night and it was a really good win, but that feels like a lifetime ago.

“As I reflect through the years … I’m now past the halfway mark in my career and I certainly reflect more now as an older player than I did as a young guy. That was one of the things I reflected upon when I had the year out. I never wanted to take anything for granted and I’ve thought that ever since I played my first game with Melbourne.

“I try to not take any moment for granted and I love every moment at the footy club.”

Melksham said teammate Michael Hibberd and coach Simon Goodwin had been two of the most pivotal football people in his AFL career.    

“Hibbo moving over [from Essendon] to Melbourne with me has been really good – he was my best mate at Essendon and he’s thoroughly enjoyed it just as much as I have,” he said.

“We shared a lot of good memories at Essendon, but are building a lot of good memories at Melbourne – hopefully there will be even better ones in the future.

“Also, the reason I moved over to Melbourne was because Simon became coach. He got me to the club and ever since then, I haven’t looked back – it’s been wonderful coming over. Simon’s had a significant impact on my career to date and hopefully I’ve got many years left to give to the club. Hopefully we’re both around for a long time and can share some success together.”

Melksham said “about 15 to 20” family and friends would watch him run out for his 150^th on Saturday night.

“They’ll make the trek to Geelong, so it’ll be really good to experience playing at Geelong for the first time since being a junior player at Calder Cannons,” he said.

“It’s a fair while since I’ve been down that way, but it’s a really nice stadium and I’m just more excited and pumped for the position that we’re in and the challenge that lies ahead.

“The Cats are a quality team on their home deck – and we’re not expected to win, given our recent form against the top echelon, which has been well-documented – but we have the belief and confidence of how well we can be.

“Hopefully that comes out on Saturday night.”

Having played as a midfielder and defender, Melksham has now developed into a fine forward for the Demons.

He has registered a score in every match since round 12, 2017, including a goal in his final 12 games last year. In round nine this season, Melksham booted a career-best five goals against Carlton at the MCG.

For the record, he needs another four majors to bring up 100 career goals.

Although he acknowledges that his best football has been up forward, he believes his versatility remains an asset for the team.

“I still think there is a fair bit for me to add further up the ground, whether that’s pushing up onto the wing, like I have in the past few weeks,” he said.

“But I feel like if I’m getting the ball around the ground or forward of centre, I can be valuable for the team. If I’m close to goal, it’s always fun to have a shot and put it through.

“I’m pretty comfortable around myself and the club, and where we’re going as a group. In the forward line, we’ve got a young group down there. Myself and Tommy Mac (Tom McDonald) are probably the most senior players – even though I still feel quite young.”

Now, as he reflects on his time in the game, Melksham is determined to make every post a winner.

“This is my third year at the club now, so I feel like the last three years have gone incredibly quick, as opposed to the first six at Essendon,” he said.

“Having started a family when I first got to Melbourne, and now being that little bit wiser and having grown up quite quickly over the past couple of years … now as a senior player, I feel like I’ve got things down pat and I’m thoroughly enjoying my time and career.

“I don’t feel complacent, but I feel content and that I am contributing to the team most weeks. I’m playing a lot more consistently since coming to Melbourne, especially as a forward.

“Ever since I moved across from Essendon, I feel really comfortable at the club and the club has been really good to me, so it’s been great.”