Melksham's late-career surge peaked in 2025 with a personal-best 33 goals and the James McDonald Trophy as Melbourne's trademark player, after which he re-signed for 2026. The former Essendon midfielder turned forward has now played more matches for the Demons than he did for the Bombers. He retired at the end of the 2026 season, having played 255 AFL games and kicked 229 goals.