2008 Melbourne Football Club season

August 2021 July 2012 Melbourne Football Club 2008 Colin sylvia.jpg 180px Colin Sylvia during the 2008 season Paul Gardiner(6th season)(to 9 June)Jim Stynes(from 12 June) Dean Bailey(1st season) David Neitz(9th season)(rounds 1–5)James McDonald(1st season)(rounds 6–22)Cameron Bruce(1st season)(rounds 6–22) MCG (100,018 capacity) Pre-season First round AFL season 16th Finals series DNQ Best and fairest Cameron Bruce Brad Miller (26 goals) 59,548 (round 11 vs. ) 11,437 (round 13 vs. ) 30,777 29,619 ( 1,542 / 5.49%) 2007 2009 The 2008 Melbourne Football Club season was the club's 109th year in the VFL/AFL. In conjunction with the AFL celebrating 150 years since the sport of Australian rules football was first created, the Melbourne Football Club also celebrated its 150th anniversary since its foundation in 1858.http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=4714 Melbourne Football Club | Demons This included the celebration of their "150 Heroes", which commemorated the 150 greatest contributing players to ever play for Melbourne.http://www.melbournefc.com.au/tabid/7415/default.aspx?newsid=61017 Melbourne's 150 heroes named - Official AFL Website of the Melbourne Football Club 22 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20091022100053/http://www.melbournefc.com.au/tabid/7415/Default.aspx?newsid=61017 22 October 2009 dead Despite the celebrations, the Demons were tarnished by major on and off field disasters that led to the resignation of Paul Gardiner as chairman of the club and installation of Jim Stynes midway through the season. During August, Jim Stynes attempted to eliminate Melbourne of its major debt with a program called "Debt Demolition".https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-premiership/dees-debt-demolition-begins/story-e6frf39c-1111116873161 Motorsport Video |Motorsport Highlights, Replays, News, Clips Melbourne hosted 10 of its 11 games at the MCG, which included its first "home game" against the Brisbane Lions outside of the Gabba since 2000. They also played a home game at Manuka Oval in the nation's capital Canberra against the Sydney Swans during Round 13. Dean Bailey coached his first year as senior coach at Melbourne. David Neitz captained his ninth year for the Demons, however after aggravating a disc in his neck during the Round 5 clash against Carlton, http://www.theroar.com.au/2008/04/22/neitz-confirms-this-season-will-be-his-last/david-neitz-of-melbourne-is-tackled-by-jarrad-waite-of-carlton-during-the-afl-round-05-match-between-the-melbourne-demons-and-the-carlton-blues-at-the-mcg-photo-gsp-imageslachlan-cunningham/ The Roar he announced his retirement on 19 May.https://archive.today/20121231051905/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/neitz-hangs-up-boots/story-e6frf7kx-1111116383198 Neitz Hangs Up Boots For the remainder of the year, the captaincy was shared between Cameron Bruce and James McDonald.http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/7415/newsid/58487/default.aspx McDonald and Bruce to captain - Official AFL Website of the Melbourne Football Club 22 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20090930025836/http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/7415/newsid/58487/default.aspx 30 September 2009 dead Melbourne's horrid year on-field form caused them to win only three matches and ensured they received their 11th wooden spoon. 2008 list changes 2007 trades Trade gainedTraded fromTrade lost Pick 14 Travis Johnstone John Meesen Pick 37 Retirements and delistings Player New club League ReasonRef Nathan Brown West Adelaide SANFL Retired Clint Bizzell Unknown Unknown Retired Byron Pickett Port Adelaide Magpies SANFL Retired Ryan Ferguson West Adelaide SANFL Delisted Heath Neville Hobart TSL Delisted The Mercury 6 January 2010 November 2022 Shane Neaves West Adelaide SANFL Delisted SANFL Update http://www.footygoss.com/index.php/main/news_general/sanfl/view/323893/ dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120502215412/http://www.footygoss.com/index.php/main/news_general/sanfl/view/323893/ 2 May 2012 22 July 2012 Daniel Hayes Unknown Unknown Delisted Simon Godfrey Norwood Eastern Football League Delisted Daniel Ward Unknown Unknown Delisted National draft Round Overall pick Player State Position Team from League from 1 4 Cale Morton Western Australia Forward/Midfield Claremont WAFL 1 14 Jack Grimes Victoria Defender/Midfield Northern Knights TAC Cup 2 21 Addam Maric Victoria Forward Calder Cannons TAC Cup 4 53 Kyle Cheney Victoria Defender North Ballarat Rebels TAC Cup 5 66 Tom McNamara South Australia Defender South Adelaide SANFL Pre-season draft Round Overall pick Player State Position Team from League from 1 3 Stefan Martin Victoria Ruckman/Defender Sandringham VFL Rookie draft Round Overall pick Player State Position Team from League from 1 3 Trent Zomer Victoria Utility Eastern Ranges TAC Cup 2 19 Austin Wonaeamirri Northern Territory Forward St Mary's Football ClubNorwood NTFLSANFL 3 35 Jake Spencer Queensland Ruckman Redland Bombers QAFL 4 49 Shane Valenti Victoria Midfield Sandringham VFL 2008 squad Melbourne Football Club #0F1131 #FFFFFF #0F1131 #FFFFFF Senior list "text-align:center;"  1 Simon Buckley  2 Nathan Jones  3 Clint Bartram  4 Ben Holland  5 Brock McLean  6 Matthew Bate  7 Brad Miller  8 James Frawley  9 David Neitz  10 Cale Morton  11 Paul Johnson  12 Colin Sylvia  13 Adem Yze  14 Lynden Dunn  15 Ricky Petterd  16 Jack Grimes  17 Chris Johnson  18 Brad Green  19 Addam Maric  20 Colin Garland  21 Daniel Bell  22 Brent Moloney  23 James McDonald(c)  24 Russell Robertson  27 Jared Rivers  28 Isaac Weetra  29 Michael Newton  31 Paul Wheatley  32 Cameron Bruce  33 Stefan Martin  34 Jeff White  36 Aaron Davey  37 Matthew Warnock  40 Mark Jamar  41 Nathan Carroll  43 Jace Bode  45 Matthew Whelan Rookie List  35 Trent Zomer  39 Austin Wonaeamirri  42 Jake Spencer  44 Shane Valenti Dean Bailey Josh Mahoney (forward coach) Anthony Rock (midfield coach) Sean Wellman (defensive coach) Mark Williams (development coach) 2008 season Pre-season NAB Cup Week 1 Round 1 Saturday, 16 February (4:40 pm) 0.8.1 (49) 1.12.4 (85) 1.15.7 (106) 2.22.11 (161) Byrnes, Wojcinski Johnson 6, Lonergan 2, Gamble 2, Davenport 2, Kelly 2, Byrnes, Ablett, Stokes, Hunt, Prismall, Milburn, Mooney, Wojcinski Johnson, Prismall, Ling, Stokes, Milburn, Mooney, Bartel, Wojcinski, Kelly Ablett (calf) H 0.2.4 (16) 1.4.4 (37) 2.8.5 (71) 2.11.5 (89) Buckley, Garland Newton 2, Garland 2, Valenti, Meesen, Sylvia, Zomer, Green, Weetra, Robertson Jones, Buckley, Valenti, Garland Skilled Stadium 15,000 est Rosebury, Nicholls, Sully, Kamolins Foxtel Record: 0 Wins, 1 Loss, 0 Draws NAB Challenge Week 2 Week 2 Friday, 22 Feb (7:30 pm) 5.3 (33) 6.4 (40) 11.5 (71) 14.10 (94) Pettifer 3, Schulz 2, Hughes 2, Howat 2, Pattison, Foley, Morton, Brown, Raines Pettifer, Newman, Simmonds, Tambling, Foley, Bowden H 2.3 (15) 5.5 (35) 6.9 (45) 8.11 (59) Newton 2, Bartram, Petterd, Green, Maric, Weetra, Davey Newton, Jones, Davey, Sylvia, Johnson, Valenti Cazaly's Stadium 5,321 Kamolins, Armstrong, Kennedy none Record: 0 Wins, 1 Loss, 0 Draws Week 3 Week 3 Friday, 29 Feb (7:00 pm) 2.3 (15) 8.4 (52) 11.7 (73) 14.9 (93) Murphy 2, Akermanis 2, Eagleton, Minson, O'Keefe, Ward, Hahn, Johnson, Boyd, Mulligan, Griffen, Welsh Akermanis, Eagleton, Higgins, Hill, Cooney, Johnson H 5.4 (34) 6.6 (42) 9.9 (63) 9.9 (63) Davey 2, Robertson 2, Neitz 2, Bate 2, Jones Davey, Jones, Bate, Yze, Buckley, Sylvia Robertson (charging) Queen Elizabeth Oval 7000 est Head, Kamolins, Mollison none *13 minutes into the last quarter a power failure caused a black-out of the stadium. The match was therefore abandoned with the Western Bulldogs leading Melbourne 14.9.93 to 9.9.63.https://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/qeo-left-in-the-dark/199040.aspx QEO left in the dark 2 March 2008 Record: 0 Wins, 2 Losses, 0 Draws Week 4 Week 4 Saturday, 5 Mar (2:00 pm) 6.3 (39) 8.4 (52) 10.8 (68) 14.10 (94) A 6.4 (40) 11.7 (73) 19.11 (125) 22.14 (146) Casey Fields 6000+ est none *North Melbourne finished comfortable winners over Melbourne winning 22.14.146 to 14.10.94.http://www.casey.vic.gov.au/2008event/article.asp?Item=13079 NAB AFL Regional Challenge Match - North Melbourne v Melbourne - Casey Fields - March 2008 City of Casey - www.casey.vic.gov.au 22 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20130615190353/http://www.casey.vic.gov.au/2008event/article.asp?Item=13079 15 June 2013 dead Record: 0 Wins, 3 Losses, 0 Draws Home and away season Round 1 Round 1 Sunday, 23 Mar (4:40 pm) 5.5 (35) 7.10 (52) 15.12 (102) 23.16 (154) Franklin 6, Roughead 3, Osborne 3, Dew 2, Boyle 2, Stokes 2, Campbell 2, Taylor, Young, Rioli Bateman, Franklin, Mitchell, Gilham, Osborne, Ladson, Dew, Birchall Croad (wrist) H 1.1 (7) 1.5 (11) 2.10 (22) 6.14 (50) Robertson 3, Green 2, Newton Jones, Buckley, Green, Moloney MCG 40,141 Farmer, Kennedy, Nicholls Foxtel *Melbourne lost its first game by over 100 points since Round 18, 1997. Debut(s): Cale Morton, Isaac Weetra Brownlow Votes: 1. Chance Bateman (), 2. Lance Franklin (), 3. Sam Mitchell ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/101120080323.html AFL Tables - Hawthorn v Melbourne - Sun, 23-Mar-2008 4:40 PM (3:40 PM) - Match Stats Record: 0 Wins, 1 Loss, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 2 Round 2 Saturday, 29 Mar (2:10 pm) 2.4 (16) 5.8 (38) 7.9 (51) 9.12 (66) Neitz 2, White 2, Robertson 2, Davey, Green, Jones Wheatley, McDonald, Jones, Green, Carroll A 2.5 (17) 9.9 (63) 18.13 (121) 24.17 (161) Murphy 4, Hill 3, Welsh 3, Akermanis 3, Johnson 3, Cross 3, Giansiracusa, Wight, Gilbee, Hahn, Griffen Cross, West, Murphy, Cooney, Hill, Gilbee, Griffen, Boyd MCG 27,821 Farmer, Kamolins, Ryan Network Ten Milestone(s): James McDonald (200th AFL game)http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/57009/default.aspx afl.com.au 29 November 2022June 2023 InternetArchiveBot yes Brownlow Votes: 1. Matthew Boyd (), 2. Daniel Cross (), 3. Scott West ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/071120080329.html AFL Tables - Melbourne v Western Bulldogs - Sat, 29-Mar-2008 2:10 PM (1:10 PM) - Match Stats Record: 0 Wins, 2 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 3 Round 3 Sunday, 6 April (1:10 pm) 4.4 (28) 8.11 (59) 13.14 (92) 16.16 (112) Hawkins 5, Mooney 2, Ling 2, Johnson 2, Blake, Ablett, Stokes, Milburn, Chapman Corey, Bartel, Hawkins, Ling, Chapman, Taylor H 3.4 (22) 6.6 (42) 10.8 (68) 12.10 (82) Bruce 3, Dunn 2, Morton 2, Miller, Wheatley, Neitz, White, Green Morton, Johnson, Wheatley, Bruce, Green Skilled Stadium 23,569 Wenn, Sully, Ryan Foxtel *Geelong finally unraveled its 2007 AFL premiership flag at the ground.Austin Rewarded After Long Journey Herald Sun November 2022 Odds of up to $34 from some betting agencies were offered for Melbourne to beat Geelong. These were the highest ever offered in a VFL/AFL game. Despite Melbourne kicking the first 3 goals of the game and staying in it for a large proportion of the game, Geelong proved to be too strong for a young Demons outfit running away with the game by 30 points. Debut(s): Austin Wonaeamirri Brownlow Votes: 1. Joel Corey (), 2. Tom Hawkins (), 3. Paul Chapman ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/091120080406.html AFL Tables - Geelong v Melbourne - Sun, 6-Apr-2008 1:10 PM - Match Stats Record: 0 Wins, 3 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 4 Round 4 Saturday, 12 April (2:10 pm) 4.8 (32) 8.11 (59) 13.15 (93) 18.19 (117) Thompson 5, Edwards 3, Thomas 3, Campbell 2, Jones 2, Grant, Harvey, Smith Harvey, Wells, Rawlings, Thompson, Edwards, Power, Power, Campbell, Firrito Gibson (knee) H 1.0 (6) 3.6 (24) 5.10 (40) 11.13 (79) Robertson 3, Wonaeamirri 2, Davey, Dunn, Jamar, McLean, Wheatley, White Davey, McDonald, Green Miller (charging) MCG 23,427 Farmer, Armstrong, McInerney Foxtel *This match was originally scheduled to be played at Carrara Stadium. However due to North Melbourne's refusal to relocate north to the Gold Coast,http://www.kangaroos.com.au/news/blogarticle/tabid/9795/newsid/95043/default.aspx Kangaroos abandon Gold Coast relocation - Official AFL Website of the North Melbourne Football Club 22 July 2012 2 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110302194856/http://www.kangaroos.com.au/news/blogarticle/tabid/9795/newsid/95043/default.aspx dead the match was moved to the MCG. Brownlow Votes: 1. Daniel Wells (), 2. Nathan Thompson (), 3. Brent Harvey ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/111220080412.html AFL Tables - North Melbourne v Melbourne - Sat, 12-Apr-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats Record: 0 Wins, 4 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 5 Round 5 Sunday, 20 April (1:10 pm) 1.3 (9) 4.5 (29) 4.9 (33) 9.14 (68) Green 4, Robertson 2, Jamar, Jones, McDonald Bruce, Green, McLean, White, McDonald Neitz (neck/shoulder) Whelan (striking) A 3.3 (21) 10.6 (66) 12.10 (82) 15.11 (101) Fevola 7, Judd 3, Fisher, Kreuzer, Ó hAilpín, Murphy, Pfeiffer Judd, Scotland, Kreuzer, Waite, Carrazzo Bannister (hamstring), Gibbs Thornton (striking) MCG 44,159 Stevic, Stewart, Schmitt Foxtel *This game marked David Neitz's last ever AFL match, due to a neck injury sustained during the second quarter when Jarrad Waite laid a heavy tackle on him.http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=565416 David Neitz retires 22 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20080721120800/http://www.wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=565416 21 July 2008 dead Milestone(s): Daniel Bell (50th AFL game)http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/58093/default.aspx afl.com.au 29 November 2022June 2023 InternetArchiveBot yes Brownlow Votes: 1. Brendan Fevola (), 2. Jarrad Waite (), 3. Chris Judd ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/031120080420.html AFL Tables - Melbourne v Carlton - Sun, 20-Apr-2008 1:10 PM - Match Stats Record: 0 Wins, 5 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 6 Round 6 Sunday, 27 April (1:10 pm) 3.6 (24) 10.13 (73) 15.17 (107) 19.23 (137) Bradshaw 6, Hooper 4, Corrie 3, Johnstone 2, Brown 2, Adcock, Rischitelli Black, Power, Corrie, Macdonald, Brennan, Hooper H 2.1 (13) 5.2 (32) 8.3 (51) 13.7 (85) Jones 4, Wonaeamirri 3, Miller 2, Sylvia 2, Green, Robertson Jones, Green, Moloney, Bruce, Wonaeamirri, Jamar Sylvia (shoulder) Gabba 22,878 Nicholls, Head, Armstrong Foxtel Brownlow Votes: 1. Daniel Bradshaw (), 2. Anthony Corrie (), 3. Simon Black ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/111920080427.html AFL Tables - Brisbane Lions v Melbourne - Sun, 27-Apr-2008 1:10 PM - Match Stats Record: 0 Wins, 6 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 7 Round 7 Sunday, 4 May (2:10 pm) 1.3 (9) 3.8 (26) 8.15 (63) 17.17 (119) Wonaeamirri 4, Robertson 4, Davey 3, Miller 3, Green 2, Moloney McLean, Wonaeamirri, Robertson, Davey, Miller, Bruce, Green H 5.6 (36) 11.10 (76) 13.17 (95) 15.23 (113) Pavlich 5, Tarrant 3, Farmer 2, Palmer, Bell, Ibbotson, Mundy, Solomon Pavlich, Solomon, Palmer, Sandilands, Bell, Ibbotson, Tarrant McPharlin (corked buttock), Headland (knee) MCG 19,423 James, Stewart, Avon Seven Network *Trailing by as much as 51 points at the start of the third quarter, Melbourne kicked 14 goal to 4 in the second half to win by 6 points and give Dean Bailey a historical first win as a senior coach. Melbourne's win was the second greatest win from a half-time deficit in VFL/AFL history. Melbourne players received Brownlow votes from any match for the first time in 2008. Austin Wonaeamirri received the NAB AFL Rising Star nomitation for Round 7.http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/58899/default.aspx Record comeback breaks Dees' duck - AFL.com.au 2011-05-17 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121009012839/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/58899/default.aspx 9 October 2012 Brownlow Votes: 1. Jeff White (), 2. Matthew Pavlich (), 3. Brock McLean ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/081120080504.html AFL Tables - Melbourne v Fremantle - Sun, 4-May-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats Record: 1 Win, 6 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 8 Round 8 Sunday, 18 May (12:40 pm) 8.1 (49) 12.6 (78) 15.15 (105) 22.18 (150) Burton 5, Tippett 4, Goodwin 3, Jericho 3, Porplyzia 3, Stevens, Knights, van Berlo, Vince Burton, Vince, Tippett, Porplyzia, van Berlo, Goodwin, Bock, Shirley Massie (hamstring) H 4.4 (28) 6.5 (41) 7.7 (49) 11.8 (74) Morton 3, Robertson 2, Wonaeamirri, Miller, Moloney, Garland, Bartram, Bate Bartram, Buckley, Jones, Morton Rivers AAMI Stadium 35,649 Fila, Meredith, Ellis Foxtel Debut(s): Shane Valenti Brownlow Votes: 1. Brett Burton (), 2. Bernie Vince (), 3. Jason Porplyzia ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/011120080518.html AFL Tables - Adelaide v Melbourne - Sun, 18-May-2008 12:40 PM (1:10 PM) - Match Stats Record: 1 Win, 7 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 9 Round 9 Sunday, 25 May (2:10 pm) 4.3 (27) 6.4 (40) 9.5 (59) 12.6 (78) Holland 3, Robertson 2, Wonaeamirri 2, Jones 2, Johnson, Davey, Bruce McLean, Bate, Davey, Holland, Wonaeamirri, Moloney White (back), Robertson (thigh), Holland (shoulder) A 3.3 (21) 4.7 (31) 10.9 (69) 14.13 (97) Franklin 3, Rioli 3, Williams 3, Ladson, Campbell, Roughead, Ellis, Clarke Bateman, Rioli, Campbell, Birchall, Mitchell, Franklin Lewis (thigh), Dew (hamstring) MCG 41,341 James, Grun, Armstrong Seven Network *Melbourne gave a spirited effort against Hawthorn after the announcement of David Neitz's retirement as well as controversial comments made by Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett against the clubhttp://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/dees-must-move-or-die/story-e6frf7kx-1111116420229 https://archive.today/20121230164327/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/dees-must-move-or-die/story-e6frf7kx-1111116420229 dead 30 December 2012 Dees Must Move Or Die Herald Sun earlier that week. Despite a full game effort by Melbourne, Hawthorn would triumph by 19 points and regain top spot on the AFL ladder. Hawthorn's second win over Melbourne for the year allowed them to overtake Melbourne's tally in wins for all VFL/AFL games contested between the two sides. Brownlow Votes: 1. Brock McLean (), 2. Brad Sewell (), 3. Sam Mitchell ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/101120080525.html AFL Tables - Melbourne v Hawthorn - Sun, 25-May-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats Record: 1 Win, 8 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 10 Round 10 Sunday, 1 June (2:10 pm) 5.4 (34) 10.6 (66) 12.12 (84) 19.15 (129) Schneider 5, Milne 3, Birss 2, Koschitzke 2, Riewoldt, Dal Santo, Gram, Ball, Jones, Montagna, Dempster Ball, Fisher, Gram, Dal Santo, Goddard, Montagna, Riewoldt H 2.2 (14) 3.4 (22) 3.6 (24) 7.8 (50) Yze 3, Dunn, Robertson, Sylvia, Bruce Mcdonald, McLean, Bruce, Warnock, Garland Robertson (achilles), Bate (hand) Telstra Dome 27,854 Stevic, Stewart, Head Seven Network *Russell Robertson's season would end pre-maturely after rupturing an Achilles tendon during the game.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2008-06-02/robertson-snaps-achilles/2456680 Robertson snaps achilles ABC News 2 June 2008 Milestone(s): Brad Miller (100th AFL game)http://www.footywire.com/club/sports/view-match-3534-report-type-r.html 2008 Round 10 St Kilda v Melbourne Pre-Match Quotes 22 July 2012 https://archive.today/20130124065410/http://www.footywire.com/club/sports/view-match-3534-report-type-r.html 24 January 2013 dead Brownlow Votes: 1. Nick Riewoldt (), 2. Nick Dal Santo (), 3. Luke Ball ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/111520080601.html AFL Tables - St Kilda v Melbourne - Sun, 1-Jun-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats Record: 1 Win, 9 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 11 Round 11 Monday, 9 June (2:10 pm) 4.1 (25) 7.4 (46) 11.9 (75) 13.17 (95) Wonaeamirri 3, Sylvia 3, Yze 2, Green 2, Dunn, Jones, McLean McLean, Jones, Bruce, Yze, Warnock, Dunn Rivers (groin), Moloney (shoulder) A 3.2 (20) 8.5 (53) 15.8 (98) 17.14 (116) Didak 2, Shaw 2, Lockyer 2, Davis 2, Fraser, Johnson, Medhurst, Brown, Swan, Wellingham, O'Brien, Cox, Thomas Burns, Didak, Lockyer, Maxwell, O'Brien, Bryan Rocca (ankle), Pendlebury (back), Cook MCG 59,548 Vosso, Farmer, Meredith Network Ten *Before the match Melbourne celebrated its 150 Heroes with a Lap of Honour around the MCG from past players.http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/60701/default.aspx afl.com.au 29 November 2022June 2023 InternetArchiveBot yes Also before the match Paul Gardiner announced his resignation as Melbourne's president and announced Jim Stynes as his successor.Gardner clears path for Stynes The Australian http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/gardner-clears-path-for-stynes/story-e6frg7mo-1111116582344October 2026 medicmedic Collingwood's win ended Melbourne's winning streak of 4 consecutive Queen's Birthday clashes Brownlow Votes: 1. Adem Yze (), 2. Scott Burns (), 3. Tarkyn Lockyer ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/041120080609.html AFL Tables - Melbourne v Collingwood - Mon, 9-Jun-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats Record: 1 win, 10 losses, 0 draws Ladder position: 16th Round 12 Round 12 Sunday, 15 June (4:40 pm) 3.6 (24) 11.13 (79) 13.15 (93) 16.20 (116) Richardson 5, Brown 3, Morton 2, Cotchin 2, Polak, Simmonds, Tuck, White Richardson, Deledio, Brown, Tuck, Cotchin, Polak H 5.3 (33) 6.5 (41) 11.8 (74) 14.10 (94) Miller 3, Bartram 2, Bruce 2, Davey 2, Bate, Garland, Green, White, Wonaeamirri Bruce, Wheatley, McLean, Miller, White, Garland Telstra Dome 27,348 Sully, Nicholls, Ryan Foxtel Brownlow Votes: 1. Brock McLean (), 2. Brett Deledio (), 3. Matthew Richardson ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/111420080615.html AFL Tables - Richmond v Melbourne - Sun, 15-Jun-2008 4:40 PM - Match Stats Record: 1 Win, 11 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 13 Round 13 Sunday, 22 June (1:10 pm) 2.2 (14) 5.3 (33) 10.5 (65) 11.8 (74) Bate 4, Wonaeamirri 3, Bruce, Johnson, McLean, Miller Bate, Dunn, Green, Johnson, Garland, Johnson A 7.2 (44) 10.5 (65) 12.10 (82) 17.12 (114) Hall 5, Buchanan 2, Mattner 2, O'Loughlin 2, Goodes, Jolly, Malceski, O'Keefe, Playfair, Roberts-Thomson Hall, Kirk Mattner, Jolly, Bolton, O'Loughlin Manuka Oval 11,437 Sully, Grun, Head Foxtel Brownlow Votes: 1. Matthew Bate (), 2. Barry Hall (), 3. Brett Kirk ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/111620080622.html AFL Tables - Melbourne v Sydney - Sun, 22-Jun-2008 1:10 PM - Match Stats Record: 1 Win, 12 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 14 Round 14 Sunday, 29 June (1:10 pm) 5.4 (34) 6.6 (42) 10.8 (68) 14.9 (93) Sylvia 4, Miller 4, Wonaeamirri 2, Bruce 2, Bate, Green Wheatley, Green, Johnson, Miller, Sylvia, Whelan, Jones McLean (ankle) H 2.3 (15) 5.9 (39) 9.13 (67) 13.14 (92) Brown 5, Bradshaw 4, Hooper 2, Patfull, Rischitelli Power, Brown Rischitelli, Bradshaw, Black Johnstone (hamstring) MCG 23,278 Head, Armstrong, Jeffery Foxtel *A mark and goal in the goal square by Brad Miller followed by a charge up the ground with the ball from the half-back line by Austin Wonaeamirri allowed Melbourne to win its second game of the year by a point. After selling a home game to the Gabba against the Brisbane Lions each year for seven years, Melbourne would win its first game against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG since Round 18, 1998. For the first and only time in 2008, Melbourne players would collect all the Brownlow votes in a game. Colin Garland received the NAB AFL Rising Star nomitation for Round 14.http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/62855/default.aspx NAB AFL Rising Star: round 14 - AFL.com.au 5 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121005010649/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/62855/default.aspx 29 November 2022 5 October 2012 Debut(s): Stefan MartinBrownlow Votes: 1. Chris Johnson (), 2. Paul Wheatley (), 3. Brad Green ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/111920080629.html AFL Tables - Melbourne v Brisbane Lions - Sun, 29-Jun-2008 1:10 PM - Match Stats Record: 2 Wins, 12 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 15 Round 15 Sunday, 13 July (2:10 pm) 3.2 (20) 7.4 (46) 12.7 (79) 14.11 (95) Akermanis 3, Minson 3, Eagleton 2, Giansiracusa 2, Hahn 2, Harbrow, Cross Cross, Boyd, Lake, Gilbee, Akermanis, Eagleton, Hill, Everitt Welsh (back) H 1.0 (6) 4.2 (26) 5.6 (36) 9.10 (64) Miller 3, Green 2, Dunn, Johnson, Buckley, Newton Bruce, Garland, Johnson, Wheatley, Martin, Miller Telstra Dome 27,446 Farmer, McLaren, Keating Seven Network Brownlow Votes: 1. Lindsay Gilbee (), 2. Cameron Bruce (), 3. Matthew Boyd ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/071120080713.html AFL Tables - Western Bulldogs v Melbourne - Sun, 13-Jul-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats Record: 2 Wins, 13 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 16 Round 16 Sunday, 20 July (2:40 pm) 0.2 (2) 5.9 (39) 11.15 (81) 16.18 (114) Pavlich 5, McPharlin 3, Ibbotson, Schammer, Carr, McManus, O'Brien, Sandilands, Tarrant, Peake Pavlich, Schammer, Ibbotson, Crowley, McPharlin, McManus O'Brien (hamstring) H 5.1 (31) 6.3 (39) 7.5 (47) 10.8 (68) Morton 2, Miller 2, Bate 2, Newton 2, Johnson, Jamar Johnson, Wheatley, Buckley, Bruce, Bate, Jones Subiaco 31,638 Kennedy, Hendrie, Avon Foxtel Brownlow Votes: 1. Michael Johnson (), 2. Antoni Grover (), 3. Matthew Pavlich ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/081120080720.html AFL Tables - Fremantle v Melbourne - Sun, 20-Jul-2008 2:40 PM (4:40 PM) - Match Stats Record: 2 Wins, 14 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 17 Round 17 Sunday, 27 July (2:10 pm) 1.3 (9) 3.4 (22) 6.8 (44) 10.10 (70) Miller 3, Newton 2, Davey, Valenti, Johnson, Sylvia, Morton Buckley, Jones, Valenti, Davey, McDonald, Johnson Dunn (striking) A 7.3 (45) 9.6 (60) 11.9 (75) 14.14 (98) Thomas 5, Jones 4, Harvey 2, Petrie, Hale, Campbell Harvey, Hale, Jones, Thomas, Gibson, Simpson, Rawlings MCG 21,330 McLaren, Fila, Hendrie, Seven Network Debut(s): Addam MaricBrownlow Votes: 1. Simon Buckley (), 2. Adam Simpson (), 3. Brent Harvey ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/111220080727.html AFL Tables - Melbourne v North Melbourne - Sun, 27-Jul-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats Record: 2 Wins, 15 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 18 Round 18 Saturday, 2 August (2:10 pm) 3.1 (19) 9.6 (60) 14.8 (92) 19.10 (124) Lloyd 8, Monfries 3, McPhee 2, Lovett 2, Atkinson, Reimers, Slattery, Jetta Lloyd, Hille, Monfries, Fletcher, McPhee, Peverill, Lovett-Murray, Nash Reimers (hamstring) H 2.2 (14) 7.3 (45) 11.5 (71) 17.6 (108) Morton 3, Sylvia 3, Maric 2, Bate 2, Bartram, Green, Buckley, Davey, Johnson, Jamar, Wonaeamirri McDonald, Sylvia, Morton, Garland, Dunn, Bate, Bruce Garland (hamstring), Davey (heel) MCG 46,334 Kennedy, Sully, Fila Foxtel *Matthew Lloyd took the 2008 Mark of the Year in this match leaping over Brad Green, Matthew Warnock and Sam Lonergan to do so. Brownlow Votes: 1. Adam McPhee (), 2. Cale Morton (), 3. Matthew Lloyd ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/051120080802.html AFL Tables - Essendon v Melbourne - Sat, 2-Aug-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats Record: 2 Wins, 16 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 19 Round 19 Friday, 8 August (7:05 pm) 0.0 (0) 1.3 (9) 2.6 (18) 5.11 (41) Valenti 2, Johnson, Johnson, Wonaeamirri Whelan, Wheatley, Maric, Martin A 8.5 (53) 12.7 (79) 19.10 (124) 24.13 (157) Morton 4, Stokes 4, Prismall 3, Ablett 2, Bartel 2, Ling 2, Mackie 2, Blake, Gamble, Johnson, Mooney, Selwood Mackie, Ling, Selwood, Corey, Scarlett, Prismall MCG 34,610 Donlon, Kennedy, Ryan Seven Network *This match kicked off Tom Wills Round. Tom Wills was regarded as one of the pioneers of writing the rules to Australian Rules Football as well as creating and being the very first captain of the Melbourne Football Clubhttp://www.clayfieldwines.com/Thomas%20Wills.htm Thomas Wentworth 22 July 2012 https://archive.today/20130120080004/http://www.clayfieldwines.com/Thomas%20Wills.htm 20 January 2013 dead in 1858. He also played a majority of Australian Rules Football games for Geelong as one of their first ever players.https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/wills-thomas-wentworth-4863 Australian Dictionary of Biography Wills, Thomas Wentworth (1835–1880) National Centre of Biography, Australian National University This match commemorated the 150th anniversary of the first ever game of Australian Rules Football contested between Scotch College and Melbourne Grammar School on 7 August 1858, in the Richmond Paddock.http://www.150years.com.au/whatson/whatsonarticle/tabid/11377/newsid/55965/default.aspx Tom Wills Round - Round 19, August 8–10 - Australian Football 150 Years 22 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121002235117/http://www.150years.com.au/whatson/whatsonarticle/tabid/11377/newsid/55965/default.aspx 2 October 2012 dead To celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Australian Rules Football a match was contested between Scotch College and Melbourne Grammar School as pre-game entertainment to the clash between Melbourne and Geelong.http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/64954/default.aspx https://archive.today/20131130060916/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/64954/default.aspx dead 2013-11-30 archive.ph archive.ph 29 November 2022 This match begun half an hour earlier than the usual Friday Night Football starting time of 7:40 PM and was broadcast live across Australia. This was to prevent it from clashing with the Opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics which was also broadcast by Channel 7. In cold and wet conditions, Melbourne was inflicted with its heaviest loss for the season (116 points) and at the time the second worst loss to Geelong in VFL/AFL history before Round 19, 2011 where Geelong thrashed Melbourne by 186 points. Brownlow Votes: 1. Joel Corey (), 2. Joel Selwood (), 3. Andrew Mackie ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/091120080808.html AFL Tables - Melbourne v Geelong - Fri, 8-Aug-2008 7:05 PM - Match Stats Record: 2 Wins, 17 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 20 Round 20 Saturday, 16 August (2:10 pm) 1.3 (9) 5.7 (37) 8.12 (60) 11.13 (79) Bruce 2, Newton 2, Bartram, Bate, Green, Johnson, Miller, Morton, Sylvia Bruce, Wheatley, Morton, Green, McDonald, Whelan, Buckley, Jones H WC 2.2 (14) 4.5 (29) 5.10 (40) 5.15 (45) McKinley 2, Armstrong, LeCras, Lynch Armstrong, Cox, Embley, Mackenzie Wilkes (neck) MCG 17,598 Ryan, Ellis, Nicholls Network Ten *Despite the West Coast Eagles kicking 3 early goals in the second quarter, Melbourne would bounce back and win their third and final game of the season comfortably in cold and rainy conditions. Melbourne would concede only one goal in the second half to obtain their greatest winning margin for the season (34 points). Melbourne would win its first game against West Coast since Round 7, 2004. Cale Morton received the NAB AFL Rising Star nomitation for Round 20.http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/65790/default.aspx NAB AFL Rising Star: round 20 - AFL.com.au 5 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121005011249/http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/65790/default.aspx 29 November 2022 5 October 2012 Brownlow Votes: 1. Dean Cox (WC), 2. Cale Morton (), 3. Paul Wheatley ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/111820080816.html AFL Tables - Melbourne v West Coast - Sat, 16-Aug-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats Record: 3 Wins, 17 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 21 Round 21 Saturday, 23 August (2:40 pm) 6.6 (42) 9.10 (64) 10.17 (77) 18.21 (129) Motlop 5, Westhoff 2, Westhoff 2, Lade 2, Burgoyne 2, Pearce 2, Rodan, Cassisi, Boak Burgoyne, Burgoyne, Cassisi, Motlop, Logan, Brogan, Pearce Chaplin (knee) H 1.0 (6) 2.4 (16) 4.8 (32) 7.9 (51) Miller 2, Bruce, Bate, Wonaeamirri, Jamar, Newton Wheatley, Buckley, McDonald, Garland, Morton AAMI Stadium 18,875 Margetts, Head, Keating Foxtel Brownlow Votes: 1. Shaun Burgoyne (), 2. Daniel Motlop (), 3. Domenic Cassisi ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/111320080823.html AFL Tables - Port Adelaide v Melbourne - Sat, 23-Aug-2008 2:40 PM (3:10 PM) - Match Stats Record: 3 Wins, 18 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Round 22 Round 22 Sunday, 31 August (2:10 pm) 2.1 (13) 3.1 (19) 4.4 (28) 6.5 (41) White 2, Green, Holland, Sylvia, Whelan Yze, Whelan, Bruce, Warnock, Garland Sylvia (ankle), Petterd (hamstring) Miller (wrestling) A 2.5 (17) 8.9 (57) 12.10 (82) 18.13 (121) Deledio 4, Bowden 3, Jackson 2, Riewoldt 2, Connors, Foley, McMahon, Morton, Tivendale, Tuck, White Bowden, Tuck, Newman, Deledio, Foley, McGuane, Johnson, McMahon Connors Morton (wrestling) MCG 37,046 Margetts, Ryan, Ellis Seven Network *Melbourne would finish the year on the bottom of the ladder with 3 wins and 19 losses. Ben Holland, Jeff White and Adem Yze played their last AFL game in this match and retired straight afterwards.http://www.theroar.com.au/2008/09/01/tigers-roar-over-melbourne/ Tigers roar over Melbourne Debut(s): Jack GrimesMilestone(s): Nathan Jones (50th AFL game)Brownlow Votes: 1. Shane Tuck (), 2. Brett Deledio (), 3. Joel Bowden ()http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/2008/111420080831.html AFL Tables - Melbourne v Richmond - Sun, 31-Aug-2008 2:10 PM - Match Stats Record: 3 Wins, 19 Losses, 0 Draws Ladder Position: 16th Ladder Ladder Mel Ladder breakdown by opposition Opponent Played Won Lost Drew Premiership points Points for Points against Percentage (%) West Coast 1 1 0 0 4 79 45 175.56 Fremantle 2 1 1 0 4 187 227 82.38 Brisbane Lions 2 1 1 0 4 179 230 77.83 Essendon 1 0 1 0 0 108 124 87.10 Collingwood 1 0 1 0 0 95 116 81.90 Carlton 1 0 1 0 0 68 101 67.33 North Melbourne 2 0 2 0 0 149 225 66.22 Sydney 1 0 1 0 0 74 114 64.91 Richmond 2 0 2 0 0 135 237 56.96 Hawthorn 2 0 2 0 0 128 251 51.00 Western Bulldogs 2 0 2 0 0 130 256 50.78 Adelaide 1 0 1 0 0 74 150 49.33 Geelong 2 0 2 0 0 123 269 45.72 Port Adelaide 1 0 1 0 0 51 129 39.53 St Kilda 1 0 1 0 0 50 129 38.76 Total 22 3 19 0 12 1629 2601 62.61 Awards Brownlow Medal tally Player 1 vote games 2 vote games 3 vote games Total votes Paul Wheatley 0 1 1 (5) Brock McLean 2 0 1 (5) Cale Morton 0 2 0 (4) Brad Green 1 0 0 (3) Cameron Bruce 0 1 0 (2) Chris Johnson 1 0 0 (1) Jeff White 1 0 0 (1) Adem Yze 1 0 0 (1) Matthew Bate 1 0 0 (1) Simon Buckley 1 0 0 (1) Total 7 4 3 (24) Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal tally (top 10) Position Player Votes 1st Cameron Bruce (75) 2nd Brock McLean (60) 3rd Brad Green (57) 4th Matthew Warnock (47) 5th James McDonald (46) 6th Brad Miller (40) 6th Cale Morton (40) 8th Clint Bartram (39) 8th Paul Wheatley (39) 8th Austin Wonaeamirri (39) Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy – Cameron Bruce Sid Anderson Memorial Trophy (Second in the Best and Fairest) – Brock McLean Ron Barassi Snr Memorial Trophy (Third in the Best and Fairest) – Brad Green Ivor Warne-Smith Memorial Trophy (Fourth in the Best and Fairest) – Matthew Warnock Dick Taylor Memorial Trophy (Fifth in the Best and Fairest) – James McDonald Harold Ball Memorial Trophy (Best First Year Player) – Cale Morton Troy Broadbridge Trophy (highest polling MFC player in the Casey Best and Fairest) – Adem Yze Ron Barassi Leadership Award – Brad Green Ian Ridley Club Ambassador Award – Clint Bartram Norm Smith Memorial Trophy (Coach's Award) – Matthew Warnock Leading Goalkicker Award – Brad Miller (26) 150 Heroes Melbourne FC announced its "150 Heroes" to celebrate its 150th birthday at Crown Casino on 7 June 2008. These were also presented during the Queen's Birthday Clash against Collingwood in Round 11. Each player, or their closest relative, were presented with an official 150 heroes medallion. The criteria for inclusion was games played (minimum of 100), best-and-fairest awards, premierships, Brownlow Medals, contribution to the club and State representation. Those who died in the war were judged based on their achievements before their death. The heroes named were: Jim Abernethy, Frank Adams, Bill Allen, Stan Alves, Syd Anderson, Tony Anderson, Lance Arnold, Ron Baggott, Garry Baker, Harold Ball, Ron Barassi, Percy Beames, John Beckwith, George Bickford, Ray Biffin, Barry Bourke, Harry Brereton, Cameron Bruce, Keith Carroll, Geoff Case, Albert Chadwick, Noel Clarke, Geoff Collins, Jack Collins, Chris Connolly, Bob Corbett, Denis Cordner, Don Cordner, Ted Cordner, Vin Coutie, Harry Coy, Jim Davidson, Frank Davis, Ross Dillon, Carl Ditterich, Brian Dixon, Len Dockett, Adrian Dullard, Hugh Dunbar, Richie Emselle, Fred Fanning, Jeff Farmer, Matthew Febey, Steven Febey, Dick Fenton-Smith, Rowley Fischer, Robert Flower, Laurie Fowler, Maurice Gibb, Peter Giles, Terry Gleeson, Brad Green, Rod Grinter, George Haines, Gary Hardeman, Henry Harrison, Gerard Healy, Greg Healy, Dick Hingston, Paul Hopgood, Danny Hughes, Anthony Ingerson, Eddie Jackson, Alan Johnson, Bob Johnson, Tassie Johnson, Trevor Johnson, Travis Johnstone, Gordon Jones, Les Jones, Bryan Kenneally, Allan La Fontaine, Clyde Laidlaw, Frank Langley, Jack Leith, Andrew Leoncelli, Charlie Lilley, Wally Lock, Harry Long, John Lord, Andy Lovell, Brett Lovett, Glenn Lovett, Garry Lyon, Hassa Mann, George Margitich, Peter Marquis, Bernie Massey, Anthony McDonald, James McDonald, Fred McGinis, Shane McGrath, Bob McKenzie, Col McLean, Ian McLean, Noel McMahen, Ken Melville, Laurie Mithen, Peter Moore, Jack Mueller, David Neitz, Stephen Newport, Jack O'Keefe, Andrew Obst, Gordon Ogden, Greg Parke, Joe Pearce, Jack Purse, Ian Ridley, Guy Rigoni, Frank Roberts, Russell Robertson, Alby Rodda, Brian Roet, Peter Rohde, Alan Rowarth, David Schwarz, Norm Smith, Steven Smith, Earl Spalding, Stuart Spencer, Charlie Streeter, Steven Stretch, Jim Stynes, Tony Sullivan, Dick Taylor, Ted Thomas, Ian Thorogood, Stephen Tingay, John Townsend, Keith Truscott, Geoff Tunbridge, Bill Tymms, Barrie Vagg, Francis Vine, Todd Viney, Ivor Warne-Smith, Ray Wartman, Athol Webb, Greg Wells, Jeff White, Sean Wight, Don Williams, Brian Wilson, Stan Wittman, Shane Woewodin, Graeme Yeats, Charlie Young, Adem Yze Off-field crises and debt demolition Aside from Melbourne's on-field struggles throughout the year, they were also placed into financial turmoil and the possibility of filing for bankruptcy. On 4 February, CEO Steve Harris announced his resignation after reportedly cutting Melbourne's pre-existing debt by 50% and increasing membership sales by 40% since 2003.Melbourne FC September 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes He was later replaced by former Wimbledon tennis champion Paul McNamee on 18 March, despite the fact that McNamee did not originally apply for the job.http://news.smh.com.au/sport/mcnamee-named-new-demons-ceo-20080318-206r.html McNamee named new Demons CEO 26 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120905204508/http://news.smh.com.au/sport/mcnamee-named-new-demons-ceo-20080318-206r.html 5 September 2012 dead With no cash, no solidified training or administration base and decreased membership count from 2007, the Demons found themselves winning only one game in the first half of the season. On 23 May, Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett suggested that Melbourne should relocate to the Gold Coast if they were to have a financially stable future. Melbourne was expected to lose $1–2 million during the year and put their near future as an existing football club in doubt. Melbourne had little to celebrate heading into their 150 Heroes dinner on 7 June, during which Jim Stynes announced his intention to challenge Paul Gardiner's role as Melbourne's president. Two days later, before the Queen's Birthday clash, Gardiner announced his resignation as Melbourne's president, and endorsed Stynes to take over. On 12 June, Stynes was announced as the new president of the Melbourne Football Club and announced his primary intention to wipe off Melbourne's debt. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/jim-stynes-to-lead-dees/story-e6frf7jo-1111116620434 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110809025333/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/jim-stynes-to-lead-dees/story-e6frf7jo-1111116620434 2011-08-09 Jim Stynes new chairman of Melbourne Football Club Herald Sun dmy-all Three days later he announced that Melbourne was $4.5 million in debt and that he would create a campaign called Debt Demolition to wipe off the debt. The campaign took place during August, beginning on 5 August during the 150 Foundation Heroes dinner. Guests and supporters were asked to dig deep and donate at least $5,000 to be considered a 150 Foundation Hero. During June, Melbourne had a late surge in membership purchases for 2008. On 30 June, Melbourne successfully increased their membership count from 2007 gaining a record high 29,619 members at the time and falling just short of their goal of 30,000. On 23 July, Stynes sacked Paul McNamee as CEO of the club.http://news.smh.com.au/sport/paul-mcnamee-dumped-as-demons-ceo-20080723-3jmn.html Paul McNamee dumped as Demons CEO - Breaking News - Sport - Breaking News 26 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20080906111115/http://news.smh.com.au/sport/paul-mcnamee-dumped-as-demons-ceo-20080723-3jmn.html 6 September 2008 dead During his time as CEO, NcNamee was criticised for taking a mid-season holiday to England to play in a Wimbledon doubles match. He was also criticised for trying to lure Brisbane Lions' forward Jonathan Brown to Melbourne.Macca Wanted Brown Herald Sun November 2022 Stynes stated, however, that the main reason he was sacked was his lack of a football background. Melbourne held its 150 Foundation Heroes dinner on 5 August where they launched their Debt Demolition campaign. Melbourne raised $1.3 million from former players and supporters that night.Born Again Dees Herald Sun November 2022 At the end of the month the club had raised up to $3 million. Despite all the donations Melbourne received, their major sponsor Primus Telecom announced that it would not continue its $1 million per year arrangements with the club in 2009.Primus pulls the plug on Demons The Australian http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/primus-pulls-the-plug-on-demons/story-e6frg7mo-1111117177988?from=public_rss https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224159/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/primus-pulls-the-plug-on-demons/story-e6frg7mo-1111117177988?from=public_rss dead 3 March 2016 On 26 August, Melbourne announced Cameron Schwab as their new CEO.Schwab returns to Demons The Australian http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/schwab-returns-to-demons/story-e6frg7mo-1111117299480 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304071808/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/schwab-returns-to-demons/story-e6frg7mo-1111117299480 dead 4 March 2016 Schwab left his role of CEO at Fremantle and re-joined Melbourne for the third time since 1982. On 18 December, the AFL agreed to increase Melbourne's 2009 from $250,000 to $1 million, with the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) contracted to match the AFL's offer. However, financial disagreements between the MCC and AFL prevented them from co-funding all Victorian clubs temporarily until an agreement was worked out on 20 December. Melbourne finished the year $2.5 million in debt. They continued with the Debt Demolition campaign in August 2009, finishing the year with a debt of $1.5 million,Melbourne Demons Record Profit Herald Sun November 2022 and in August 2010. On 5 August 2010 Melbourne clear all of its $4.5 million debt as Jim Stynes announced the club to be debt free for the first time in 30 years.Melbourne Demons Clear Debt Herald Sun November 2022 References External links Official website of the Melbourne Football Club Official website of the AFL 2008 Category:2008 AFL season Category:2008 in sport in Melbourne