Melbourne fans daring to dream of a finals berth after a stellar start to footy season

MELBOURNE fanatics are celebrating after their 49-point win over Western Bulldogs — the club’s sixth straight win — and are now daring to dream of a finals berth.

The Ramsden family are getting on board with finals fever. Picture: Alex Coppel

DEMONS fans are daring to dream of a finals berth after a stellar start to the footy season.

Melbourne fanatics are celebrating after their 49 point win over Western Bulldogs — the club’s sixth straight win.

It follows the 91 point caning of last year’s grand final runners up, Adelaide, the previous week.

Membership has grown by more than 1,000 people since last year with 43,195 fans signing up for the 2018 season.

AFL COACHES ALL IN FOR NEALE

‘IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE NUMBERS’: DOGS’ GUERNSEY FAIL

DEMONS FEAR LEVER’S SEASON OVER

Demons fans Michael Ramsden, Max Day, Cathy Ramsden, (front row) and James Hockings, Caroline Ramsden and James Ramsden (back row) with Bette Day in the middle. Picture: Alex Coppel

And many hope it may just be the year to break the finals drought.

Melbourne last appeared in the finals in 2006 and it’s been almost two decades since the team played in a grand final.

Demons legend Hassa Mann played in the team’s last ever premiership win in 1964 and said it had been a “long drought of success”.

“It’s been an exciting season so far — but we still have a long way to go,” he said.

Premiership player and Melbourne great Hassa Mann said the Demons are ‘hard to beat’ this year. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

The three-time best and fairest winner said this year’s line-up of players were the strongest he had seen in years and when playing at their best “they’re capable of beating any side”.

“We’re strong, quick and competitive … and very hard to beat,” he said.

Mr Mann said it was nice to see the loyal fans “enjoying what they’re seeing”.

“The supporters are starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

For the Ramsden family, supporting Melbourne runs deep with three generations all barracking for the boys of the Grand Old Flag.

Caroline Ramsden, 26, has been a “diehard Demon” since birth and despite never seeing her beloved team win a flag, her support has “never faltered”.

“It’s good to see them grow and get stronger over the years,

“It’s important to stick with them during the low times,” Ms Ramsden said.

And while she said she’s not holding her breath for a tilt at finals this year, she’s “quietly hopeful this is our year”.

[e-mail]