NOT THIS time.
A new-look Melbourne has held off a brave St Kilda to register its first win of the season, defeating the Saints by 13-points.
DEMONS v SAINTS Full match coverage and stats
It was a see-sawing match with multiple lead changes, but unlike the Demons' Round 20 match-up with the Saints last season, this time Melbourne held on to win 18.12 (120) to St Kilda’s 15.17 (107) in front of a crowd of 44,577.
Thirty-four year old Max Gawn (22 disposals, 35 hit outs, one goal) wound back the clock to put in a captain’s performance, whilst young key forward Jacob van Rooyen kicked six goals.
It was also the club's first win under new coach Steven King, who has implemented a fast and exciting new game style that had Demons fans out of their seats.
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00:42
Nas picks up where he left off against Dees
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera converts the first goal of the game with a silky snap after great early pressure
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00:55
'Do you want to take your kick again?': Deja vu for Dee
Harry Sharp hits the post twice in a minute after being asked by an umpire whether he’d like to re-take his kick
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00:57
New Dee makes amends for howler
Brody Mihocek opens his account for his new club with a stylish snap, moments after his clanger at the other end
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00:56
'Breathtaking': ‘G rocked by Latrelle’s electrifying first goal
Latrelle Pickett lights up the stadium after taking three bounces and finishing a mesmerising maiden major
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00:42
Crafty Saint 'creates something out of nothing'
Max Hall sneaks home an early Goal of the Year contender and celebrates with St Kilda fans on the boundary line
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00:20
Saints rule out luckless young gun to injury
Mattaes Phillipou’s injury woes continue after the St Kilda midfielder pulls up sore and is forced out of the contest
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00:38
Steele stings former side and sparks massive roar
Ex-Saints captain Jack Steele celebrates in style after his first goal in new colours
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00:56
Flyin’ Ryan launches into insane Mark of the Year contender
Liam Ryan climbs into the clouds to reel in this stunning speccy but heads to the bench sore after the heavy landing
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00:51
King can’t contain joy in coaches box after Dees dagger
New Melbourne coach Steven King celebrates passionately in the box after Bayley Fritsch seals a superb win
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08:13
Highlights: St Kilda v Melbourne
The Saints and Demons clash in round one of the 2026 Toyota AFL Premiership Season
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07:26
Full post-match, R1: Saints
Watch St Kilda’s press conference after round one’s match against Melbourne
It was the Saints that started best, going out to a 15-point lead early in the opening quarter and not being reined in until after the first break.
From that point the lead was constantly in dispute, changing 13 times through the second and third terms, before Melbourne sat four points to the good at three-quarter time.
The Demons kicked four final-quarter goals to St Kilda's one, proving the difference in the tightly fought contest.
Bailey Fritsch, who had a relatively quiet day, kicked the sealer.
With three minutes remaining, the Demons held onto possession and wound down the clock, showing they had learned from their mistakes of last year.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera slotted three goals but was otherwise well held after the destruction he wreaked in the final term against Melbourne last year.
Demons draftee Latrelle Pickett shone in his first game, showing he will provide plenty of highlights for fans in the years to come.
More to come.
MELBOURNE 3.3 9.7 14.9 18.12 (120)
ST KILDA 4.4 9.5 13.11 15.17 (107)
GOALS
Melbourne: van Rooyen 6, Mihocek 3, Windsor, L.Pickett, Culley, Chandler, Steele, K.Pickett, Gawn, Sharp, Fritsch
St Kilda: Hall 4, Wanganeen-Milera 3, Higgins 2, Owens 2, Ryan, Wilson, Keeler, Wood
BEST
Melbourne: Gawn, van Rooyen, Mihocek, Windsor, K.Pickett
St Kilda: Wanganeen-Milera, Hall, Sinclair, Wilkie, Windhager
INJURIES
Melbourne: Nil
St Kilda: Phillipou (quad)
Crowd: 44,577 at MCG
