FIRST-YEAR Melbourne coaches Steven King and Tom Wilson have formed a supportive bond across their opening seasons with the Demons' men's and women's teams, culminating in shadowing each other in the coaches box.

King took over Melbourne's men's side after Simon Goodwin held the reins for nine years, with Wilson replacing Mick Stinear, who stood aside after the same period of time.

"It's been fantastic to see the way they have supported each other throughout the year," Melbourne footy boss Ned Guy said. 

"Ultimately, we are one football club, and the stronger the connection between our programs, the better we'll be. 

"Steven and Tom have really embraced that idea, and their willingness to share knowledge and experiences across the programs is a great example of the culture we're building throughout the club."

Wilson shadowed King during Melbourne's round 13 win over Collingwood, with the Demons' men's coach returning the favour on Friday night, in the AFLW's big victory against Richmond.

"We loved having 'Kingy' join us on Friday," Wilson said. 

"It was a great opportunity for our coaching group to improve and lean into 'Kingy’s' expertise. 

"We got some great feedback on what all phases of the role look like in the coaches’ box.

"Kingy has been a strong pillar of support since I arrived at the footy club. He's been generous with his time, a great sounding board for ideas, and I couldn't be more grateful for his ongoing support."

King has also been an occasional presence at Melbourne's AFLW training sessions, even during the men's off-season, and along with specialist coach Tom Campbell, has been able to help provide some expert tips to the team's rucks and talls.

"I loved it," King said about the AFLW match. 

"It was a great opportunity for me to get better, and I took as much out of it as Tom did. It was awesome to see how their environment works, offer my knowledge and see what I could take into my own coaching.

"I really believe in being one club, and I know Tom does as well. We've both leaned into this fun and dangerous style of play, and although we are different, we're united and it comes out with the way both programs are aligned. 

"Tom has got a great balance between giving the AFLW program a great framework, but also leaning into their strengths as players, which is also a big focus for our AFL program."

The men's and women's crossover wasn't restricted just to King on Friday night, with men's player development manager Reece Conca filling in for AFLW counterpart Kim Ravaillion, who was on personal leave due to her wedding with recently retired Bulldog, Adam Treloar.