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Already Gawn? Max's future as Demons Captain
Abby Crozier • December 12th, 2025 2:09 pm
Cam Mooney has made his predictions on the captaining longevity of Melbourne leader and eight-time All Australian Max Gawn.
Amid a pre-season of changeover for the Dees, following Steven King’s arrival as coach in September this year, questions as to which change is coming next are running wild - among them - the safety of big Max's role as captain.
“Max is one of the most loved players in the footy world, he is a fine, fine captain. I can’t see why there would be any need for a change, or why Melbourne would even be thinking of a change,” said Mooney on SEN.
“He’s 34 at the end of the month, he’s still got a couple of years left in him. Just coming off of his 8th All Australian in a row, he’s doing just fine. He looks after himself well and he trains at every opportunity.
“I can’t think of who else would take the role of captain if Max was to step down, I don't think there is a person on their list who could be chosen as a walk-up replacement. Looking into the future, Jake Bowey is a contender, but he still has ways to go. And Jack Viney is no spring chicken himself.
“Max Gawn absolutely has a hold on the Melbourne captaincy for now.”
Speaking on his role at the club, Gawn admitted he would be happy to concede the role if it was best for the future of the Dees.
“Whatever the club needs, I have no real ego in having that ‘C’ next to my name.” he said on Thursday.
“I love being captain – it truly is a special role. If the club feels like it’s best to push on in a different way, I’more than happy to get behind it.”
"If they want a bit of continuity, because there's been a lot of change at the football club, I'm happy to get behind that as well. “
With Melbourne’s future up in the air after finishing 14th at the end of the 2025 AFL season, Gawn and the Dees will be hoping for a strong rebound in 2026 under King.
