Player Watch #18: Jake Melksham – back for 2024

[rhaz]

Milksnek has completely turned it around for me. Was a player I hated at Essendon, and then his form early in the year did nothing to change my mind. I'm liking his work now though!

He has kicked at least one goal in all of his last ten games, and has kicked two or more goals in his last five.

Wins a lot of uncontested ball but isn't soft.

 

[Dancing Potato]

He looks dangerous around the 50m arc, just casually loping in and putting it through the middle. He can be our new Bernie - an irritating campaigner who can bomb it through from 55m.

He's a damn sight uglier though.

 

[Russian Demon]

He looks dangerous around the 50m arc, just casually loping in and putting it through the middle. He can be our new Bernie - an irritating campaigner who can bomb it through from 55m.

He's a damn sight uglier though.

Him and Harmes both look like they share some equine genetics somewhere down the line...

 

[schmuttt]

We actually lack players who are a threat from outside 50, Melksham has such a good leg when he's on. Vital part of our forward setup now.

 

[Bazza97]

Has kicked at least 1 goal in every game since round 12. 17 goals in the last 10 games is impressive for Melksham. Have really liked what he's offered up forward to us since the switch midway through this season. It's great that he can play both a defensive role for us up forward but also be a threat offensively.

 

[Cannon82]

I'm going to put my hand up and admit he's not as bad as I thought he'd be. Still bad though. And ugly. So Essendon.

 

[stretcharmstrong]

Okay. He can stay.

 

[PerfectFooty]

Okay. He can stay.

Finally come around mate?

 

[Crusty Demon]

Has been great since he got dropped. Will keep Bugg out of a spot I feel as he's taken up his role in the F50.

 

[stretcharmstrong]

Finally come around mate?

Oh yeah, love the campaigner. Always have!

 

[Theseventhhamster]

Talented kickers who take lots of risks --> half forward
Talented kickers who don't go for every half possible kick --> half back

He's much better forward of centre.

This is also the reason Bernie is a dodgy half back and I'm frightened every time Tyson is in the back half. Oh and Jeremy "All Australian" Howe. lol

 

[Topkent]

When he gets them around 50 hes a bloody weapon now and his kicking into the F50 has been really good. The one where he hit pedo as he doubled back was pure class. If he can keep this level up a 2nd rounder was a steal which is insane

 

[Xhoquelin]

Gotta hand it to goody, Harmes ANB Melksham all best 22 and i don't think many would've thought that at the start of the season

 

[Topkent]

Gotta hand it to goody, Harmes ANB Melksham all best 22 and i don't think many would've thought that at the start of the season

All 3 of those are forward of the Centre midfielders which is where Stretch is struggling. Other hit the scoreboard regularly now whilst applying awesome pressure.

 

[Xhoquelin]

All 3 of those are forward of the Centre midfielders which is where Stretch is struggling. Other hit the scoreboard regularly now whilst applying awesome pressure.

Could include Hannan as a forward of centre midfielder as well, he attends at least 2 centre bounces per game it seems.

 

[Topkent]

Could include Hannan as a forward of centre midfielder as well, he attends at least 2 centre bounces per game it seems.

He's more of a forward but yeah you are right I think he'll play more midfield time as he develops.

 

[fushy]

Still needs a hair cut.. the waffen-ss look doesn't work outside of the bombers

 

[rhaz]

Another good game.

Rarely has poor ball use, kicks goals, not much to complain about with Jake. Has been one of our best in the second half of the year.

 

[schmuttt]

21 goals in 18 games, and he played back for at least the first month. As a lot of Bombers supporters have said too (Doss and Alfred E Neuman ) he is incredibly clutch when you need him to be.

 

[Bartram_Class]

I'm a convert. Clutch.

 

[CWaffles]

I'm a big fan, another pre season and a defined role will be spot on.

 

[Headless]

Playing great footy.

 

[Tulip]

What a superstar. Pedersen played with heart, Jetta played well, and Melksham did both yesterday. So happy with his season.

 

[Bazza97]

Have really liked what he has done forward of centre for us. An offensive threat from 50, has kicked 21 goals in 12 games since making the move forward of centre and can also play a defensive role as well. Has been a valuable acquisition.

 

[Topkent]

Going to do a Bwuce hear but doesn't it feel like all his goals lately have been clutch? I can't think of him missing when we have needed it and they have been a lot from distance