With question marks over Melbourne’s forward line potency heading into the 2026 season, the new-look forward line spearheaded by a duo of emerging leaders has answered the call.

Fresh off by a pair of three-goal performances to help their side to a gutsy win over Gold Coast, Jacob Van Rooyen and Harrison Petty are both enjoying career-best form.

After missing the last two rounds with a hamstring injury Petty didn’t miss a beat on return, with a confident performance capped by a 55-meter goal after the three-quarter time siren that shifted the momentum in the Demons’ favour.

Van Rooyen was similarly busy, clunking a game-high four contested marks.

Senior Coach Steven King was full of praise for the way the young duo has shouldered the responsibility.

“The most pleasing thing for me is that they’re starting to take ownership of that forward line,” King said during his post match press conference.