The curious case of Jai Culley

Jai Culley is proving to be one of the most unique stories of the season for Melbourne.

The Dandenong Stingrays product was overlooked in the 2021 national draft before starring in the Coates Talent League and was selected by West Coast with the first pick of the 2022 mid-season draft.

The big-bodied midfielder played four games in his first year and five in 2023 before doing his ACL which ended his season prematurely.

He managed just three games in 2024 and was delisted by the Eagles when new coach Andrew McQualter took over from Adam Simpson. His record at West Coast was zero wins, 12 losses.

After initially signing as a VFL player at Casey, the club he grew up supporting threw him a lifeline at the end of 2024 with a spot on Melbourne’s list opening up when Andy Moniz-Wakefield was sidelined with an ACL injury.

The Demons received permission from the AFL to extend the SSP deadline with Culley joining Melbourne on February 24 after their pre-season game against North Melbourne.

After some solid VFL form, the former Eagle finally broke through for his first game against his former club in Round 21 at Marvel Stadium.

The 22-year-old had a solid game, collecting 13 disposals and kicking two goals in the 83-point win, becoming the 18th player in league history to record a first career win against their former club.

It was a case of deja vu for Culley last week, with his coach sacked once again mid-season, with the outsider runner experiencing the same scenario at West Coast just last year.

He is still without a contract for 2026, however Melbourne head of footy Alan Richardson has liked what he has seen so far and has assured Culley’s future beyond this season.

“Without breaking any news, he knows that we want him to stay,” Richardson told SEN Crunch Time.

“He is in a good spot; he’s a no-fuss kid.

“I don’t think things will worry him too much in terms of with the coach going and even his own position.

“He will get out there and just simply apply what he’s learnt all pre-season and during the year.

“I think he will perform strongly again.

“Some of his aerial stuff last week was really exciting for us so we are looking forward to what he can do.”

Culley and the Demons will be back in action this Saturday at the MCG when they take on Hawthorn.