Jake Melksham during the round four match between Melbourne and Gold Coast at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on April 05, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

MELBOURNE veteran Jake Melksham admits the Demons have exceeded their own pre-season expectations, but has belief in the club making a serious finals push.

After finishing 14th last year and sacking coach Simon Goodwin, Melbourne appeared set for another tough year in 2026.

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But rookie coach Steven King has transformed the Demons from a team that struggled to score into one of the more watchable outfits in the AFL.

"This time last year there was basically already a line through us and we were out of the finals race," Melksham said.

"To be in a pretty commanding position 18 games in, I don't think we were expecting to be where we are right now at the start of the year.

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"We've done very well, but having said that, I don't think we've overachieved.

"I look around and see the style of play and the cattle that we've got ... it looks really good, and it's fun to be a part of."

Melbourne will consolidate its spot in the top six if it can register a 12th win of the season against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

After being a late inclusion for last week's win over Richmond when Harrison Petty was a late out, Melksham has retained his spot following an impressive two-goal performance.

Jake Melksham during round 18 between Melbourne and Richmond at the MCG, July 12, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

The 34-year-old has spent time in the VFL and also battled an ankle injury.

"I just probably wasn't launching at the ball, which is a strength," Melksham said.

"My aerial contest was a little bit off and I just needed to get back to bring my strengths, which I did a little bit of in the VFL.

"But to be fair, I'm probably a better AFL player than a VFL player."

Melksham has been thrilled with the emergence of Jacob van Rooyen, who has booted 14 goals across his past three games.

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"He's got so much running power and speed so he's just starting to dominate opponents," Melksham said of the 23-year-old.

"There's nothing saying that he can't bring these type of performances to a big final series.

"I'm really proud of him and I'm really happy for him because it's been a work in progress.

"It takes a while for key forwards to come on, now he's looking confident, and he feels confident and that's a really powerful position to be in as a forward."