Max Gawn's Captain's Diary

Hardie Grant Books is thrilled to announce the acquisition of 2021 ALF premiership captain Max Gawn's Captain's Diary. Negotiated by Anthony McConville at Mac's Sports Promotions, Hardie Grant acquired world rights in print, ebook and audio.

Acquired after the AFL 2021 Grand Final, the Max Gawn Captain's Diary will be published on 10 December 2021 and will relate how, after 57 long years, the Demons 2021 season turned to gold. How, over the course of the season, they rose to the top of the ladder and proved they were the team to beat if you wanted to be the premiers in 2021.
 
Publisher Pam Brewster said, 'There is so much more to how Melbourne won the AFL Premiership in 2021 … not only had it been 57 years, but the fact that in 2020 the Demons were not even in the eight at the end of the season indicates just what an amazing story 2021 was.'

Given the long drought and lack of finals experience, it was never going to be easy for the Demons to take home the flag. But, as the season progressed, Gawn and his team turned the tide of public opinion and their supporters began to dream big. The Demons showed the grit, talent and aggression that a true Grand Final challenger needed.

Revealing and insightful, Gawn takes us through the season, the talented players, amazing coach, and a finals campaign where a Max Gawn goal after the siren put them in top spot on the ladder. And how, in the Grand Final, after a thrilling first half, Max led his team to a Grand Final victory, with a 74-point triumph in front of a packed Perth stadium and millions of TV viewers locked down by COVID-19. Max and the Demons brought the cup home to Melbourne.

'There are so many special people that make the Melbourne footy club what it is. After 57 years this one was for all of them. Those who were there for the dark days. Everyone we left back home, our families and friends. Everyone in the eastern states who supports the Melbourne Football Club and didn't get to experience the finals with us. We did it for them and finally the cup is coming home', said Gawn.
 
Gawn is one of the most recognised AFL footballers, and one of the competition's best ruckmen. He was drafted by Melbourne Football Club in 2009 and made his debut in 2011. The star ruckman was made captain of the Demons ahead of the 2020 football season, and has thrived with the extra responsibility. He has been named in the All-Australian team five times, and in 2021 was also named All Australian captain.
 
The book will be illustrated with two 8-page plate sections, leaving no doubt that Max Gawn's Captain's Diary will be a true celebration of the Melbourne Demons' road to the 2020 Premiership.