MELBOURNE’S senior coaching duo united on Friday night, with Steven King joining Tom Wilson’s coaches’ box for the Demons 62-point victory over Richmond.
The opportunity followed Wilson’s appearance in the AFL coaches’ box earlier this year, with both coaches embracing the chance to share knowledge.
“We loved having Kingy join us on Friday,” Wilson said.
“It was a great opportunity for our coaching group to improve and lean into Kingy’s expertise.
“We got some great feedback on what all phases of the role look like in the coaches’ box.”
King shared Wilson’s enthusiasm, embracing the opportunity to learn from the AFLW program while bringing his own experience to the group.
“I loved it,” King said.
“It was a great opportunity for me to get better, and I took as much out of it as Tom did.
“It was awesome to see how their environment works, offer my knowledge and see what I could take into my own coaching.”
King brings 16 years of coaching experience to the role and enjoyed a successful first season as Melbourne’s AFL senior coach in 2026, with the side recording 15 wins.
Wilson said King had been a valuable source of support throughout his first season as senior coach.
“Kingy has been a strong pillar of support since I arrived at the footy club,” Wilson said.
“He’s been generous with his time, a great sounding board for ideas, and I couldn’t be more grateful for his ongoing support.”
During the AFL season, Wilson joined King in the coaches’ box for Melbourne’s Round 13 victory over Collingwood, gaining an insight into the way the men’s senior coaching group operates.
“I really enjoyed it,” Wilson said.
“It was a terrific experience for me to observe how the coaching group worked collaboratively, communicated and delivered their messaging.
“I’m really grateful for that opportunity, and I took a lot from it.”
Both coaches have made shared learning and connection across the club a priority in their first seasons, with a focus on building alignment between the AFL and AFLW programs.
“I really believe in being one club, and I know Tom does as well,” King said.
“We’ve both leaned into this fun and dangerous style of play, and although we are different, we’re united and it comes out with the way both programs are aligned.
“Tom has got a great balance between giving the AFLW program a great framework, but also leaning into their strengths as players, which is also a big focus for our AFL program.”
Chief of Football and Innovation Ned Guy praised the duo for the way they have prioritised the one-club mentality.
“It’s been fantastic to see the way they have supported each other throughout the year,” Guy said.
“Ultimately, we are one football club, and the stronger the connection between our programs, the better we'll be.
“Steven and Tom have really embraced that idea, and their willingness to share knowledge and experiences across the programs is a great example of the culture we're building throughout the club.”
The Demons cemented their finals campaign after their victory over the Tigers and are chasing a top four finish when they take on the Bulldogs this Saturday 24 October, 7:15pm at Mission Whitten Oval.
