THEY’RE the Demons leading the charge of Melbourne’s resurgence and the birth of a new era under Steven King.
They've graduated from the school of hard knocks, spanning two decades of Demon history from the 2000 Grand Final to the 2021 Premiership.
Their time at the club may not have been the most successful period in Melbourne’s history, but it was a time not short on lessons learned the hard way.
Whelan, Jamar, Jones, Rivers and Couch are back and they’re ready to share some wisdom.
Matthew Whelan – Indigenous Project Officer
Whelan ‘the Wrecker’ made a name for himself with hard hits and lockdown defence throughout the early 2000s. The human wrecking ball played 150 games in red and blue from 2000 to 2009. Whelan missed the arrivals of McDonald and Gawn to the club by two seasons but has been a mainstay around the office for many years since finishing his playing career, helping shape the club’s AFL playing group through cultural support and education. Whelan plays a critical mentoring role with many of the club’s young indigenous talents, with his office rarely empty during lunchtimes as the players drop by for a chat and to sample something from his lolly jar. He’s also found behind the goals at every training session, having a chat and unloading barrels to anyone in need of a football.
Mark Jamar – Ruck Coach
Jamar returning to Demonland in 2025, stepping into a ruck coaching role after stints with Essendon and Collingwood. Jamar played 155 games across a 14-year career, stretching from 2003 to 2015. ‘The Russian’ played alongside both Gawn and McDonald and was a member of the 2010 All Australian team.
Nathan Jones – Midfield Coach
A man that needs no introduction at Melbourne, Jones captained the club from 2014 to 2019. Jones was the heartbeat of the club through some of its most difficult periods and has played the second-most games in club history. Jones retired after the 2021 season, meaning he has played alongside 17 current day Demons. Jones re-joined the red and blue in 2025, taking over the club’s midfield.
Jarrod Rivers – Backline Coach
Rivers returns to the club he called home for 10 seasons to take on an assistant coaching role, tasked with looking after the backline and team defence. The former Demon defender was a staple of the club’s back six from 2003 to 2012 after winning the 2004 Rising Star. After finishing his career with Geelong, Rivers completed coaching stints with Collingwood and St Kilda.
Tom Couch – VFL High Performance Manager
Tom Couch joined the parade of former Demons returning to the club in 2024. The son of Brownlow Medal winner Paul Couch, Tom played three games for the club alongside Tom McDonald in 2013. A hard-at-it midfielder, Couch came second in the VFL League Best-and-Fairest in 2012. Couch has spent time on the tennis circuit as a fitness coach as well as with Carlton’s AFLW program. He’s currently tasked with setting the program for the Casey Demons, while assisting with the AFL side.
