5 greatest players in Melbourne Demons history
The Melbourne Demons honour roll is replete with some of the greatest names in the history of the game. It includes the fastest midfielders, infallible ruckmen, solid backlines, accurate goal kickers and others.
In this article, we highlight the careers of five of the Melbourne Demons’ greatest players of all time.
Five greatest players in Melbourne Demons history
#5 Todd Viney (1987-1999)
Recruited from the Sturt Football Club in the 1986 draft, Todd Viney debuted for the Melbourne Demons in 1987 and played 13 seasons, kicking 92 goals in 233 games. For the final five games of the 2011 season, the midfielder served as the Demons’ caretaker senior coach.
Viney served as team captain of the Demons from 1998 to 1999. His achievements include being a dual Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medallist (1993, 1998), Melbourne Team of the Century (Interchange), Melbourne Demons Hall of Fame Inductee and 1998 All-Australian.
He announced his retirement in 1999 due to a few hamstring and nerve-related injuries.
#4 David Neitz (1993-2008)
Recruited locally from Parkmore, David Neitz debuted for the Melbourne Demons in Round 1 of the 1993 season against Hawthorn.
Neitz is considered one of the greatest Tasmanians to grace the league. He's the captain with the longest tenure and the first to hit the 300-game milestone in the history of the Demons. He initially played as a full forward but was eventually moved to the centre half back, which he also excelled in, proving his versatility.
Neitz’ achievements include leading Melbourne’s goalkicking seven times (1996, 1997, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006), making the 1995 and 2002 All-Australian teams, winning a Coleman Medal in 2002.
He was the club’s games and goals record holder in 2006, finishing with 631 goals in 306 games.
#3 Ian Ridley (1954-1961)
Ian Ridley’s debut for the Melbourne Demons in 1954 was remarkable. He was a rover who had a knack for kicking relevant goals.
His ratio of games to premierships wowed many. He scored 228 goals in 130 games and played in five premierships. He served as coach of the club from 1971 to 1973, followed by director and vice-president before serving as the Melbourne president from 1992 to 1996.
The Melbourne Football Club Ambassador Award is named in his honour and presented to the club’s Best and Fairest each season. His awards and accolades include five premierships (1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960), Melbourne Leading Goal Kicker (1960), Life Member (1968) and Team of the Century – Emergency (2000).
Ridley is also a Hall of Fame Inductee (2001), V/AFL Hall of Fame Legend (2006), V/AFL Life Member. He was also adjudged Best in League by the Hamilton Spectator – Munro Medal.
#2 Norm Smith (1952-1967)
AFL Legend Norm Smith is considered the absolute most successful coach post-war VFL.
He was an impeccable full-forward as well. He played 227 games and kicked 572 goals. Smith played in four premierships for the Melbourne Demons after his debut in 1952 and moved on to coach the club to premierships in 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960 and 1964.
Norm Smith excelled in all roles he took on; player, captain and coach. He introduced new playing techniques such as ‘ruck roving’ and ‘decoy forward play’. His awards include two Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medals (1938, 1944), four Melbourne Leading Goalkicker awards (1938, 1939, 1940, 1941) and premierships (1939, 1940, 1941, 1948), Melbourne Team of the Century (full forward).
Smith was the club captain from 1945 to 1947. AFL Team of the Century (coach), Melbourne Team of the Century (coach). He has Legend status in both AFL and Melbourne Demons Hall of Fame. The AFL award presented annually to the player judged best on ground in the season’s Grand Finals is named in his honour.
#1 Robert Flower (1973-1987)
Robert Flower made his VFL debut in Round 10 of 1973 against Geelong at the MCG.
The Demons won by 58 points, and he had 14 disposals and kicked a goal. He was named the Rookie of the Year (1973). Flower remained with the Demons for the rest of his injury ridden career, where he played 273 of a possible 329 games and kicked 315 goals.
He captained the team from 1981 until his last game in 1987. He held the record for the highest number of games for his club, 272, until David Neitz surpassed it in 2006.
Some of his accolades include Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal (1977), Harold Ball Memorial Trophy (1973), two Melbourne leading Goalkicking Awards (1979, 1983), Melbourne Team of the Century – Wing, Hall of Fame, AFL Hall of Fame, two All-Australians (1980, 1983).