1960
With banjos, ballet and quizzes galore on offer for this function in late August 1960, the advertising was exuberant for the second player revue (or Review, depending on which page you viewed!) of its kind.  It was said within that ‘The reason behind the Revue is quite simple.  We want to meet those people – our supporters – who through all kinds of weather, give our players and officials the reward for hours of hard training and sacrifice...enthusiastic support!’  As another finals campaign was just around the corner, the entertainment – ‘sizzling’ or otherwise – was fittingly opened and closed by renditions of the ‘Grand Old Flag’.



1976
Capturing the 1970s to perfection with its colours and moustachioed emblem, this 1976 ‘yearbook’ in pocket size was available for the princely sum of 50 cents.  Within was a plethora of Melbourne goodness, including everything from a chairman’s address and coach’s report to player profiles and interviews, featuring greats such as Stan Alves, Greg Wells, Gary Hardeman and Robert Flower.  Directions were given inside the front cover:  ‘HEY KIDS, MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS – The front and back covers of the Club Year Book fold out to become a footy supporters (sic) CALENDAR – Detach and hang on your kitchen wall.’  What was more, the centre pages folded out to show a team photo and had room for player autographs.  In yearbook terms, this little booklet had it all.

1991
The theme of the era was ‘Teamworks’, and one of the stars of the day was Darren Bennett, equipped with a booming kick and a penchant for kicking goals from outside 50 metres.  Featuring on the cover of this Winter 1991 edition, he was some years away from becoming a star ‘punter’ in the US and making his name with the San Diego Chargers.  Featured in ‘Teamworks’ were gems such as a report into youngsters starring in a tour of Ireland, with ‘David Neitz being named best player in the Carnival and best player during the final.’  It was nearly Banquet Auction time, Chris Connolly had been interviewing Luke Beveridge, Stephen Tingay and Peter Rohde, and VHS copies of Melbourne games – particularly the Club’s Anzac Day win over Collingwood at Waverley Park in 1991 (with a crowd of 55,735) - were available to order.  Parachute tracksuits were available for $125.00, and who doesn’t still have a Demons money tin (a great investment for just $5.00) in action from that time?

1997
The first ‘Demon’ magazine, following on from some seasons of newspaper publications, this was a brave and glossy venture.  Featuring captain Garry Lyon on the front cover, a poster of Andrew Obst, and letters from youngsters to the likes of Stephen Tingay, Shaun Smith, David Neitz and Todd Viney, as well as a feature piece on the up and coming Andrew Leoncelli, this publication captured the Club to perfection.  A farewell tribute was made to the great Jim Cardwell – the ‘Prince of Secretaries’, who passed away in late 1996, and preparations were being put in place for Family Day in early March, while pre-season training was in full swing.  After a season of turbulence in 1996, all were keen to see what the season delivered in 1997.

1998 – the beginning
A new group was making an impact at the start of 1998, some with a few years’ experience, some relative unknowns.  Anthony McDonald, Shane Woewodin, Jeff White, Adem Yze, Jeff Farmer, Travis Johnstone, Leigh Newton and David Neitz could be seen on the cover of the April 1998 ‘Demon’, all ready for a new season to brighten hopes after a couple of trying years.  Defender Jamie Shanahan was delighted to be settling in at Melbourne, Alastair Clarkson was taking the step from player to fitness staff member and match day runner, and David Neitz’s mark over Bulldog Steve Kretiuk was the poster of the publication.  Russell Robertson was giving advice on high flying, David Schwarz was offering his thanks to all for support through three knee reconstructions, and in a true win, the Melbourne Football Club’s pioneering website had been named Australia’s most popular in 1997.

1998 – the Wiz
He could turn on the magic, and this cover image gave just an inkling of his talent.  In full spin, mark or exciting goal, the Wiz had it all, and those watching revelled in his ability.  Speaking here of his links to family, Wiz’s story was one of balance and persistence, even at this early stage.  Jim Stynes was reviewing missing his first game after 244 consecutive appearances, Russell Robertson was looking back on his first rollercoaster season, and there was a tinge of sadness as Club legend Brett Lovett retired.  Guy Rigoni was the ‘guy from the bush’, and the season was shaping up to be one to remember, with finals in sight for the majority of the year.  Like the cover portrayed, 1998 was one whirlwind of a season.


 

2000
The pocket sized Season Guide again delivered all the stories of a dramatic pre-season – albeit a pleasant drama in this case.  With the big question being ‘who’ll be captain?’, the amiable tussle between the two Davids – Neitz and Schwarz – was clearly illustrated here.  As ‘Bouncing Back in 2000’ reported, the leader would be well served by Melbourne’s returning to pre-season training earlier than any other club, while three retirees – Lyon, Stynes and Viney – were on board as assistant coaches.  Player profiles made up the majority of the publication, and help was being sought to take membership beyond 25,000.  Who knew what lay ahead for all those in red and blue in 2000?