Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Melbourne Demons finals talk remains off limits for Steven King, even as his side prepares for Sunday’s MCG clash with Richmond sitting sixth on the AFL ladder.
The Demons were widely tipped to struggle after losing Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and Steven May, but King’s first season has turned into one of the AFL’s best surprise stories.
The rise has come as other clubs make late-season coaching statements, with Josh Fraser’s Carlton coach talk growing as the Blues keep winning under their interim boss.
King Keeps Lid On Finals Talk
Melbourne are 10-6 with seven rounds left, putting them in position to chase the new Wildcard finals round or even a top-six finish.
Their 35-point win over Hawthorn last week showed how dangerous they can be when their pressure and ball movement click.
The Demons led 111-15 midway through the third quarter before easing off late, a burst that left premiership hopeful Hawthorn chasing shadows.
King said Melbourne’s form had not shocked those inside the club.
"It hasn't really shocked us internally. If you speak to most of our players, they felt fairly bullish around (how we would go)," King said.
"I'm really fortunate we had 10 or 11 premiership players here already, and some quality young players.
"I've just come in with a fresh lens and asked everyone to start fresh and challenge themselves about what their best looks like.
"Where we sit right now with wins, losses, and ladder, that's almost secondary to the environment and the way I wanted us to play.
Demons Eye Richmond Test
King wants Melbourne to keep playing with freedom rather than tighten up under ladder pressure.
"And if we stay true to that, then that's the opportunity for us the next seven weeks ... that pursuit of playing that pure Demon football for four quarters."
Sunday’s match against Richmond shapes as another test of Melbourne’s maturity, with the Demons expected to start as strong favourites at the MCG.
King, though, is not ready to let finals become the focus.
"I know how marginal this competition is," King said.
"One week you're spoken about really highly, the next one, you slip up, or you come up against a really good team, and you can't control what other clubs are doing around you.
"I think it's too early for us yet to mention that (finals) word."
Official AFL fixtures and ladder updates are available through the AFL.