Melksham has earned the nomination for his 14-possession performance in the Bombers’ win over St Kilda on Sunday.
Since debuting for Essendon in the round three win over Carlton, Melksham has established himself in the Essendon side with his efficient ball use and pace.
Melksham was taken with pick No.10 at the 2009 NAB AFL Draft from the Calder Cannons.
The 18-year-old is a product of Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School and Oak Park in Essendon’s heartland and came to prominence for the Cannons in last year’s TAC Cup Grand Final where he was named best on ground with 24 possessions.
Like many young Victorian stars, Melksham had to balance his school football with his TAC Cup commitments but when interviewed at last year’s draft camp he said it was a matter of planning and preparation.
“You’ve just got to keep on top of your time management skills and keep organised," Melksham told afl.com.au. "It is really important so it was pretty hard to go from one club to another if you weren’t organised so I made sure I kept on top of that.
“You can still get a bit of a run around. The standard (of school football) is not as high but it’s just footy.”
While he may have grown up in Bomber land, Melksham was a passionate North Melbourne supporter as a child but his father has always been an Essendon fan.
He is the first Essendon player to receive a nomination this year.
