Jake Melksham is a professional Australian rules footballer who has played for Melbourne Football Club and the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
Melksham can also play as a defender, primarily as a half-back flanker. His junior achievements include state representation and the TAC Medal as the best player on the ground in the TAC Cup Grand Final.
You can follow Jake Melksham‘s net worth, prize money, earnings, stats, career overview, and more here.
Jake Melksham’s Net Worth Details
Jake Melksham’s net worth is estimated to be $25.6 million as of 2025. This substantial net worth reflects his earnings from his professional football career.
Contract and Salary
He has been a valued player for the Melbourne Football Club.
In November 2022, Melksham and teammate Michael Hibberd were rewarded for their efforts during the 2022 season with a one-year contract extension with the club.
Career Earnings
| Year | Salary Range |
| 2010-2016 | $100,000 – $300,000 |
| 2017-2020 | $400,000 – $600,000 |
| 2021 | Around $400,000 |
| 2022 | $500,000 – $700,000 |
| 2023 | $500,000 – $700,000 |
| 2024 | $400,000 – $600,000 |
About Jake Melksham
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Jake Melksham |
| Date of Birth | August 29, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Glenroy, Victoria, Australia |
| Height | 186 cm (6 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | 86 kg (190 lb) |
| Position | Midfielder/Defender |
| Current Club | Melbourne Football Club |
| AFL Debut | Round 3, 2010 |
| Games Played | 221 |
| Goals | 180 |
| Previous Club | Essendon Football Club (2010-2015) |
| Drafted | 2009 National Draft, Pick No. 10 |
Born on August 29, 1991, in Glenroy, Victoria, Jake Melksham was introduced to football at a young age.
Growing up in a sports-loving family, it was clear early on that Jake was passionate about the game that would shape his future.
His early years were spent honing his skills and understanding of the game, laying the foundation for what was to become a successful career in the AFL.
Melksham’s journey in football began in the local leagues, where his talent quickly became apparent.
His dedication to the sport was evident. He balanced his education with rigorous training sessions, always striving to improve his game.
This dedication paid off when he was selected to play for the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup, marking the beginning of his journey in competitive football.
Early Life
Jake Melksham’s early life was rooted in Glenroy, Victoria, where he was born and raised.
From a young age, Melksham was deeply involved in football, playing for the Oak Park Football Club in the Essendon District Football League.
Early Career
Melksham’s late surge in his draft year caught the attention of AFL scouts, leading to the Essendon Football Club’s selection of him as the tenth pick in the 2009 national draft.
His debut in the 2010 season was a significant milestone, marking the beginning of his professional career.
Professional Career
Melksham made his AFL debut in the 2010 season against Carlton at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during Round 3.
In November 2015, seeking a fresh start, Melksham was traded to the Melbourne Football Club.
After serving his suspension, he made his debut for Melbourne in 2017 in a match against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
In the 2019 season, marked by a foot injury that sidelined him for three months, Melksham returned to form in 2020, playing every match of the shortened season and even captaining the side to victory in one game.
Melksham’s professional career statistics include playing 221 games and scoring 180 goals.
Girlfriend
Jake Melksham was in a relationship with Stacey Kimpton, and they had a child together.
Career Stats
| Season | Team | Games Played | Goals | Kicks | Handballs | Disposals | Tackles | Marks |
| 2010 | Essendon | 14 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2011 | Essendon | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2012 | Essendon | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2013 | Essendon | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2014 | Essendon | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2015 | Essendon | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2016 | Melbourne | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2017 | Melbourne | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2018 | Melbourne | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2019 | Melbourne | 12 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2018 | Melbourne | 23 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 221 | 180 | – | – | – | – | – |
FAQs
1. Which AFL clubs has Jake Melksham played for and when was he drafted?
Melksham played for Essendon after being drafted with pick 10 in the 2009 AFL Draft and transferred to Melbourne in 2016, where he continues to play as a forward and occasional midfielder.
2. What are Melksham’s career games and goals totals through?
He has played over 225 AFL games and kicked more than 210 goals, including critical match-winners and multi-goal performances for both Essendon and Melbourne across his 16-season professional career.
3. What defines Melksham’s playing style and strengths?
He is known for strong marking, clean hands, and composure around goal. Melksham excels as a lead-up forward but can transition into midfield roles and applies reliable defensive pressure.
4. What are Melksham’s most memorable game-winning or clutch moments?
Notable for clutch goals late in tight games for Melbourne, including decisive scores in round-winning comebacks. His ability to stand up under pressure has been praised by coaches and teammates.
5. How did Melksham impact his clubs during finals and high-stakes matches?
He delivered vital goals in Melbourne’s finals runs, including multiple bags of three or more in the latter stages of the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, providing veteran steadiness in forward 50 contests.
6. What setbacks or injuries has Melksham faced during his AFL career?
He suffered a serious knee injury (ACL) that required a season-long recovery, and previously endured finger and hamstring injuries, always working back to return as an important squad player.
7. What awards, recognitions, or honors has Melksham received?
While never winning a club best and fairest, Melksham has placed in several top-10 B&F counts, been recognized for leadership on and off the field, and has been a consistent vote-getter in Brownlow tallies.
8. What off-field qualities and leadership roles is Melksham known for?
Coaches credit his professionalism, football knowledge, and mentoring of young forwards. Melksham often acts as a link between the coaching staff and playing group at Melbourne.
9. How did Melksham’s junior and draft background shape his AFL career?
He captained Penleigh and Essendon Grammar to multiple schoolboy medals and represented Victoria Metro at Under-18 championships, standing out as a versatile and ready-made AFL draftee.
10. What goals and legacy does Melksham aim for as his career winds down?
Melksham seeks another AFL premiership with Melbourne and hopes to cement his reputation as a dependable, selfless teammate whose late-game heroics and resilience underpin his long AFL journey.
