Melbourne are riding high on belief built through upset wins over AFL premiership fancies as they plot a path to victory against another serious flag contender.
The Demons have been the season’s surprise packets under new coach Steven King, winning five of seven games ahead of their clash with ladder leaders Sydney.
The hot start included unexpected home triumphs over the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast, as well as a runaway thrashing of Richmond last time out.
King’s men have lost on both of their previous interstate trips this year, but are confident they can continue confounding doubters at the SCG on Sunday.
“It’s been a great start, really positive,” Demons young gun Harvey Langford told AAP.
“We’re loving the way we’re playing and there’s heaps of opportunities for the group ahead of us.
“It’s really exciting and we can’t wait for what’s next. Sydney will be a great challenge, but we’ll go into it as hard as we can and try to play good football.
“Beating those teams that have been up there the last few years shows that we’re up to that level, so hopefully we can do that over four quarters and if we can, I think we’ve got them.”
King’s quick-fire transformation of Melbourne within months of taking over in the wake of Simon Goodwin’s sacking has been one of the feel-good stories of 2026.
The Demons have responded to King’s attacking game plan, relishing the freedom afforded to them with ball in hand this season.
Goodwin is on the opposing side this week, having joined Dean Cox as the Swans’ director of coaching and performance.
“Kingy’s come in with really positive football and we’re definitely all loving it,” Langford said.
“There’s definitely a positive vibe and we’re all having fun. They say we’re fun and dangerous, so it’s all good.”
Explosive star Kysaiah Pickett has been crucial to Melbourne’s success, firing in his new full-time midfield role, and looms as a key figure against Sydney’s high-powered engine room.
Pickett was best afield against Richmond with 29 disposals, six clearances, four goals and a mark-of-the-year contender over Campbell Gray.
“What he did was unreal,” Langford said.
“That mark with two minutes to go just summarised his whole game and his year so far. He’s been great.”
