Melbourne forward Jake Melksham opens up on knee return and contract hopes

Having returned without a lead in game, Jake Melksham is keen to stick around for good at Melbourne. He opens up on his knee rehab and contract status.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Jake Melksham of the Demons celebrates kicking a goal during the round 18 AFL match between Melbourne Demons and Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on July 13, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Revived Melbourne forward Jake Melksham is determined to earn another contract after proving his own belief right in his return from a knee injury.

The Demon forward returned from his ACL tear in round 17 against West Coast, without playing a lead-in VFL match, and kicked another two goals in an important role again on Saturday in a win over Essendon.

Not coincidentally, the Demons have won both times with Melksham back, and the Melbourne forward line has found some shape again.

Jake Melksham is back playing his role. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

The veteran forward is no stranger to making an impact late in a season, having not played AFL between rounds 5 and 16 last year before a strong finish to the season.

Similarly, having played just three times before round 18 in 2022, he then stuck in Melbourne’s side into finals.

Melksham is again setting himself to make the most of the run into September and prove he is worthy of another contract.

“I set my intentions early that I wanted to come back and impact straight away,” he said.

“I have maybe 10-12 games to get my game back going and show the club that it was worthwhile for the club to give me another year and there is no doubt I will try and do that now.

“I think as long as you are playing good footy, I think it makes sense for both parties (to play on). We will sit down at the end of the season and sort it out and whatever decision it is, I wont die wondering.”

Melksham celebrates a final quarter goal against the Bombers. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Melksham’s return came 315 days after he copped the knee injury in the final round of last season but initially aimed to play on King’s Birthday, with a hip problem holding him up.

His only pause came near the start of the 315 days, when he was initially unsure whether he would get a contract for 2024, but that fear was quickly assuaged.

Having played through the Essendon drugs saga, Melksham had already handled the tough side of footy.

“I think I am a pretty resilient person,” he said.

“I have had a lot of ups and downs over my career, even when I came from Essendon, I am no stranger to challenging times. I am the oldest player on our list, I know how to deal with those type of setbacks.”

Melksham marched into coach Simon Goodwin’s office before the Eagles game.

“I did go into Goody’s office and said ‘I am ready, I have got my hand well and truly up for selection here if you want to pick me’,” he said.

“I was rapt that he showed the faith in me and I’m stoked to be back out there.

“There were a few nerves but once you get back out there, it is like riding a bike.”

Melksham injured his knee last August. Picture: Jason McCawley/AFL Photos

Melksham was still sidelined in round 13 when the Demons were handed a 92-point belting by Fremantle, with the two sides to meet again on Sunday just six weeks later.

A win in Perth would well and truly have Melbourne’s finals hopes back up and running.

“For sure we have something to prove, we were embarrassed (in round 13),” he said.

“We haven’t had a loss like that in a long time. I don’t even remember losing by that much since I have been here.

“Of course we owe them for sure. They have absolutely pantsed us and we have to go over to Perth and play the footy we are capable of.”