AFL

'A week's a long time in footy': perplexed Demons coach

Apr 11, 2026

Melbourne captain Max Gawn takes a tumble, like his side did in a Gather Round loss to Essendon. -AAP Image

Melbourne coach Steven King is somewhat perplexed.

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A week after toppling previously unbeaten Gold Coast, his team crashed to a 45-point defeat to struggling Essendon.

The first-year Demons coach repeatedly labelled his team "lethargic" -but he's not sure exactly why.

"This week is unique - Gather Round is a great thing," King said after Essendon's 17.11 (113) to 10.8 (63) win at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

"We came over early; we do a T2 (two training sessions) over here; six-day break - everyone gets those.

"That's our job as staff, to look back at the week and how we prepped our players.

"Our preparation was about maintaining momentum that we created, but obviously a week's a long time in footy."

But even amid the disappointment of defeat, King sensed an exciting opportunity: to see how his players respond when hosting reigning premiers Brisbane next Sunday.

"It's funny, isn't it," he mused.

"It's the hunters or the hunted and the mind games of footy.

"It's exciting, because I want to see us respond. And who would you rather respond against than the champs?

"As disappointing as this is, this is just another new opportunity for us to respond as a group, and I'm looking forward to that."

Veteran Christian Salem is in doubt for the MCG fixture after hurting an ankle against the Bombers.

And Jake Melksham, in his 250th AFL match, will also be sent for scans after copping a knee injury in the opening five minutes - he Â returned to action, but in obvious discomfort.