The 2008 Melbourne Football Club season was the club's 109th year in the VFL/AFL.
In conjunction with the AFL celebrating 150 years since the sport of Australian rules football was first created, the Melbourne Football Club also celebrated its 150th anniversary since its foundation in 1858. This included the celebration of their "150 Heroes", which commemorated the 150 greatest contributing players to ever play for Melbourne. Despite the celebrations, the Demons were tarnished by major on and off field disasters that led to the resignation of Paul Gardiner as chairman of the club and installation of Jim Stynes midway through the season. During August, Jim Stynes attempted to eliminate Melbourne of its major debt with a program called "Debt Demolition".
Melbourne hosted 10 of its 11 games at the MCG, which included its first "home game" against the Brisbane Lions outside of the Gabba since 2000. They also played a home game at Manuka Oval in the nation's capital Canberra against the Sydney Swans during Round 13. Dean Bailey coached his first year as senior coach at Melbourne. David Neitz captained his ninth year for the Demons, however after aggravating a disc in his neck during the Round 5 clash against Carlton, he announced his retirement on 19 May. For the remainder of the year, the captaincy was shared between Cameron Bruce and James McDonald.
Melbourne's horrid year on-field form caused them to win only three matches and ensured they received their 11th wooden spoon.
2008 list changes
2007 trades
Retirements and delistings
National draft
Pre-season draft
Rookie draft
2008 squad
2008 season
Pre-season
NAB Cup
Week 1
NAB Challenge
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Home and away season
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Round 5
Round 6
Round 7
Round 8
Round 9
Round 10
Round 11
Round 12
Round 13
Round 14
Round 15
Round 16
Round 17
Round 18
Round 19
Round 20
Round 21
Round 22
Ladder
Ladder breakdown by opposition
Awards
Brownlow Medal tally
Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal tally (top 10)
Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy – Cameron Bruce
Sid Anderson Memorial Trophy (Second in the Best and Fairest) – Brock McLean
Ron Barassi Snr Memorial Trophy (Third in the Best and Fairest) – Brad Green
Ivor Warne-Smith Memorial Trophy (Fourth in the Best and Fairest) – Matthew Warnock
Dick Taylor Memorial Trophy (Fifth in the Best and Fairest) – James McDonald
Harold Ball Memorial Trophy (Best First Year Player) – Cale Morton
Troy Broadbridge Trophy (highest polling MFC player in the Casey Best and Fairest) – Adem Yze
Ron Barassi Leadership Award – Brad Green
Ian Ridley Club Ambassador Award – Clint Bartram
Norm Smith Memorial Trophy (Coach's Award) – Matthew Warnock
Leading Goalkicker Award – Brad Miller (26)
150 Heroes
Melbourne FC announced its "150 Heroes" to celebrate its 150th birthday at Crown Casino on 7 June 2008. These were also presented during the Queen's Birthday Clash against Collingwood in Round 11. Each player, or their closest relative, were presented with an official 150 heroes medallion.
The criteria for inclusion was games played (minimum of 100), best-and-fairest awards, premierships, Brownlow Medals, contribution to the club and State representation. Those who died in the war were judged based on their achievements before their death. The heroes named were: