‘All class’: Max Gawn’s post-Grand Final interview as good as it gets

The Melbourne Football Club ended 57-years without a premiership but the Demons skipper wasn’t thinking of himself after the win.

This win was for the long suffering fans. Photo by Michael Klein

The Melbourne Demons claimed a massive 74-point victory over the Western Bulldogs in Saturday night’s Grand Final to end 57 years of pain as the club’s skipper delivered one of the classiest post-match speeches you’ll see.

Max Gawn had finally ended the longest premiership drought in the AFL with the crushing 21.14 (140) to 10.6 (66) victory, overcoming a 19-point deficit in the third quarter to pile on 100 points to seven and romp home to victory.

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It would be easy to expect Gawn may have been overwhelmed by the history he and his side had just made, or be excited and a bit loose on the mic, as many have been before.

But in a sign of his true leadership, Gawn immediately remembered all those left at home.

While the Demons would have loved to break the drought at the MCG in front of their diehard supporters, that wasn’t possible because of Covid-19 pandemic, and Gawn was quick to pay tribute to those who matter most.

He also reflected on those teammates who missed out on taking the field on Saturday, as well as Demons legends who had come before.

“It is a long time coming,” Gawn said. “My heart goes to everyone in the eastern states at home watching this. I got another special moment, I saw Jake Melksham and Jayden Hunt, some of the hard-luck stories, Majak Daw, pretty special.

“Dean Bailey, Jim Stynes, Troy Broadbridge, the list goes on, what Neale Daniher is going through at the moment, these guys are the real heroes, we are just out here and trying to play our role.”

Gawn and Ed Langdon after the siren. Photo by Michael Klein

Fans were immediately dazzled by the captain’s state of mind after the monumental victory, saying it was “all class”.

Max Gawn.

What. A. Man.#AFLGF

— Daniel Miles (@danielmiles) September 25, 2021

He’s a magic man, Max Gawn. #AFLGF

— Daniel Garb (@DanielGarb) September 25, 2021

Max Gawn is an absolute gem & the perfect leader for this time.#AFLGF#AFLDeesDogs

— steve taylor (@thatstevetaylor) September 25, 2021

Demons. Doggies. Doesn’t matter who the supporters are, they all love Max Gawn. #AFLGF

— Mikey Nicholson (@Mikey_Nicholson) September 25, 2021

Gawn added to his comments later before accepting the premiership trophy, once again paying tribute to the fans left behind.

“Everyone in the eastern states who supports the Melbourne Football Club, this is for you,” he said. “After 57 years of pain, it’s coming home.”

Gawn was thrilled with the result and he lifted coach Simon Goodwin in a great moment of celebration.

His wife Jess also posted a pic to Instagram as well.

Jessica Gawn wife of Max Gawn after the Melbourne Daemons win the 2021 AFL premiership. picture: Instagram

It’s going to be a great month for Gawn and his family.

Not only is he now a premiership winning captain, but his wife is expecting the pair’s first child in October.