Premiership Demon sidelined for six months with pre-season injury

Melbourne has suffered a major pre-season setback, with star half back Jake Bowey set for at least six months on the sidelines.

The 23-year-old premiership defender sustained a Lisfranc injury over pre-season, requiring surgery on his foot in the coming week.

After a career-best season in 2025, averaging 22 disposals, five intercepts and five marks, the half back will now miss a significant amount of football as the Demons open life under Steven King.

Bowey’s injury only further depletes Melbourne’s defensive unit, with Judd McVee leaving the club for Fremantle over the off-season.

With premiership teammates Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver also offloaded over the trade period, the Dees will suit up with a vastly different unit come Round 1 of 2026.

The Demons released the following statement:

MELBOURNE player Jake Bowey has suffered a long-term foot injury, which is expected to sideline him for approximately six months.

General Manager of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson said the club would take a cautious approach to Bowey’s recovery.

“This is a really unfortunate injury for Jake, who hurt his foot during a recent training session, with scans confirming a Lisfranc injury,” Richardson said.

“Jake will have surgery in the coming days to repair the Lisfranc injury. We will ensure Jake receives all the support he requires throughout his recovery period.

“I have no doubt that Jake will attack his recovery with his usual professionalism.”