In a move that proves Australian Rules Football clubs are the undisputed champions of social media banter, the Melbourne Demons have delivered a comedic masterstroke. The club issued a side-splitting faux 'police report' in response to the bizarre real-life robbery of St Kilda captain Jack Steele's Brownlow Medal votes.
The Unlikely Crime of the Season
The saga began when Jack Steele, the heart and soul of the St Kilda Saints, found himself at the centre of an AFL administrative error. During the recent Brownlow Medal count, votes intended for Steele were mistakenly attributed to Western Bulldogs veteran Tom Liberatore. This 'theft' of two crucial votes left Steele stranded on 13 votes for the evening.
While a serious matter for the player's official tally, the Melbourne Demons saw an opportunity for some light-hearted mischief that the football world couldn't ignore.
Melbourne's Mock Investigation Goes Viral
The Demons' social media team, channelling their inner detectives, took to platform X (formerly Twitter) with a post that quickly went viral. Crafted in the formal tone of an official police bulletin, they wrote:
'POLICE are investigating after a man had his votes stolen at the Brownlow Medal. The man was last seen wearing a cream suit. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.'
The post was a direct and hilarious nod to Steele's distinctive cream-coloured suit, which he wore to the prestigious event. The football community immediately recognised the genius of the post, praising the Demons for their quick wit and flawless execution.
A Welcome Dose of Levity
This incident provided a perfect moment of levity amidst the serious business of the AFL's night of nights. The Demons' response highlights the growing importance of personality and humour in sports club branding. It’s a reminder that beyond the fierce on-field rivalries, there's a strong sense of camaraderie and fun within the league.
While Jack Steele may not have those two votes returned to his tally, he—and the entire AFL community—gained a memorable moment of comedy, courtesy of Melbourne's clever media team. It's safe to say the Demons won the social media Brownlow in a landslide.
