FOR Changkuoth Jiath, the past few weeks have been a blur.
After the whirlwind of trade week, the 26-year-old defender is now excited for the reality of pulling on the red and blue.
“Oh man, it’s all gone so fast,” Jiath told Melbourne Media.
“But it’s such a good feeling to be able to join the Melbourne Demons. I’m really looking forward to getting started and helping this team get to where it wants to be.”
Having already crossed paths with new senior coach Steven King before heading to Bali, Jiath said the excitement around the club’s next phase was a major factor in his decision.
“There’s some really good talent here - especially with Kingy jumping on board,” he said.
“I feel like it’s going to be a build that I’m really excited for, and I’m looking forward to helping this team get to where it wants to be.”
From Bali to the Dees
The former Hawk’s move came together quickly - and from an unexpected location.
“I was over in Bali when everything went down,” Jiath said with a laugh.
“It was a weird feeling being so far away, but I had a lot of good mates around me to support me through it.”
“Melbourne chatted with me three or four days before it all happened, and what they pitched was really exciting. Once I heard what the opportunity could be, I was just keen to get involved.”
Family first
Jiath’s energy and positivity are well known across the league, and he says much of that comes from his family.
“They’ve helped me get to where I am today - without them, I wouldn’t be here,” he said.
“It’s only right to bring them along on my journey too. I’m very excited for them to be part of this next chapter.”
Back where he belongs
Melbourne List Manager Tim Lamb noted that Jiath would be returning to his most comfortable position at half-back - a move that excites the speedster.
“I think that’s where I play my best footy,” Jiath said.
“The last couple of years I’ve had a few injuries, so I haven’t really been able to showcase what I can do. I feel like here at Melbourne is where I’ll get back to playing my best footy, alongside a really strong backline group.”
Freedom and instinct
Jiath also spoke glowingly of King’s early influence and the game style he hopes to implement.
“I met up with him before I went away, and funnily enough he was in Bali too,” Jiath said.
New teammates, same spark
Jiath is eager to link up with Melbourne’s emerging talent - a group of players he says he’s long admired from afar.
“I’ve met Kozzy a few times, and I’ve watched him develop over the years. I’m really excited to pick his brain and see how we can make each other better,” he said.
“I’m also a big fan of Jake Bowey - been following him on Instagram for a while - and of course, Maxy Gawn is a special player. I can’t wait to get to know the group.”
Beats, balance, and beyond
Away from footy, Jiath is known for his creativity - particularly his love of music and DJing. From a music and culture standpoint, his label, COIJ Music, stands as one of the more innovative projects to emerge from an AFL player.
“Music’s always been part of my life. It helps me switch off and clear my head,” he said.
“I’ve got decks at home and love making music too. It’s always been an outlet for me.”
With Jake Bowey also known to fancy himself on the decks, Jiath joked there could be a new pre-game duo forming.
“I’ve seen Bowey post his favourite tracks on Instagram - he’s got good taste. Hopefully we can get on the decks together one day,” he laughed.
