The Melbourne Demons’ relentless “Demon Spirit” has become a rallying cry for Australian athletes, with the Wallabies, Australia’s rugby union team, drawing inspiration from the AFL club’s gritty resilience. The phrase, “That’s who we are as a people,” coined by Demons captain Max Gawn after their 2021 premiership win, encapsulates a never-say-die ethos that has resonated with Wallabies captain Harry Wilson and his squad. As the Wallabies prepare for their Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand on September 20, 2025, in Sydney, they’re channeling the Demons’ fighting spirit, exemplified by their dramatic 38-30 comeback victory over Argentina on August 31, 2025. This cross-code connection, rooted in Australian sporting culture, highlights a shared identity of courage and tenacity.
The Demons’ ‘Demon Spirit’ Legacy
The Melbourne Demons’ 2021 AFL premiership, their first since 1964, was defined by a ferocious, team-first mentality dubbed the “Demon Spirit.” Gawn described it as “a refusal to give in, no matter the odds,” a mindset that propelled the club to a 74-point Grand Final rout of the Western Bulldogs. The Demons’ 2022 campaign, “This is Demon Spirit,” launched on March 1, 2022, cemented this ethos, emphasizing resilience and pride (melbournefc.com.au). The club’s acknowledgment of Traditional Owners and focus on community further embedded this spirit as a symbol of Australian unity.
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson, speaking after a training session on September 9, 2025, cited the Demons as a key influence. “That’s who we are as a people,” he said, echoing Gawn’s words. “Watching the Demons fight back in ’21, it’s the same grit we want on the field. They don’t back down, and neither do we.” The Wallabies’ recent heroics against Argentina, where Wilson rejected a draw to chase victory, mirror this mentality, earning praise from coach Joe Schmidt for their “raw-boned” courage (planetrugby.com).
Wallabies’ Fighting Spirit in Action
The Wallabies’ 2025 Rugby Championship campaign has been a rollercoaster, with a historic 67-27 win over South Africa in Johannesburg followed by a narrow 19-17 loss in Cape Town. The Argentina match in La Plata showcased their Demons-inspired resolve. Trailing late, Wilson’s decision to go for the win—scoring a try through Noah Lolesio—secured a 38-30 triumph that kept Australia second in the standings, one point behind New Zealand. Wilson told reporters, “It’s about backing ourselves, like the Demons do. That’s the Australian way—fight to the end.”
The Wallabies’ connection to the Demons was further solidified when players like Wilson and Corey Toole attended a Melbourne AFL match in 2024, marveling at the team’s intensity. Toole noted, “Seeing the Demons scrap for every ball, it’s like us at the breakdown. It’s all about heart.” This shared ethos has fostered a bond, with Demons players reciprocating by attending Wallabies’ training sessions in Sydney, reinforcing a sense of national pride.
A Broader Australian Sporting Ethos
The Demons’ influence extends beyond rugby. Tennis star Alex de Minaur, preparing for the Davis Cup against Belgium on September 12-14, 2025, also praised the Wallabies’ Argentina win, linking it to the Demons’ spirit. “That’s the kind of attitude we want—fortune favors the brave,” De Minaur said. The Wallabies’ visit to the Australian National Memorial in France before the 2023 Rugby World Cup, where they honored fallen soldiers, further ties their mindset to a broader “digger spirit” of sacrifice and resilience (defence.gov.au).
Fans have embraced this cross-code synergy, with X posts buzzing about the connection. One user wrote, “Demons’ fighting spirit rubbing off on the Wallabies is peak Aussie energy 🇦🇺 Let’s see it against the All Blacks!” Another commented, “From Gawn’s Demons to Wilson’s Wallabies, it’s all about never giving up.” The sentiment reflects a cultural pride in battling against the odds, whether in AFL, rugby, or beyond.
Looking Ahead: Wallabies vs. All Blacks
As the Wallabies face New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup opener, they carry the Demons’ spirit into battle. Schmidt’s squad, bolstered by players like Taniela Tupou and Fraser McReight, aims to end a 22-year Bledisloe drought. Wilson emphasized, “We’re inspired by the Demons’ refusal to quit. It’s about showing the world what Australians are made of.” The September 20 match at Accor Stadium promises to be a test of their resolve, with the Demons’ ethos fueling their fight.
A United Australian Spirit
The Melbourne Demons’ “Demon Spirit” has transcended AFL, igniting the Wallabies’ campaign with a shared commitment to resilience and pride. As Wilson put it, “That’s who we are as a people—fighters, no matter the score.” With fans rallying behind this unified ethos, the Wallabies’ clash with the All Blacks will showcase how the Demons’ fighting spirit continues to inspire Australian sport, uniting athletes and supporters in a celebration of grit and heart.
