Quite early in his career, Meldrum became part of footy folklore when a television commentator mentioned that ‘Molly’ got his start in AFL football with the Blues just by walking into the offices at Princes Park and asking for a game. Before long, that tale was being widely reported. It was a romantic notion with a basis of fact, but the real story was a little more complicated.
Although he had played representative football in his early teens, 'Molly' (whose nickname came from the TV music-show host of the same name) hadn’t been as committed to the game as many of his peers. However, by 1981 - when he was 20 years old and once again thoroughly enjoying playing for Princes Hill (in the E Grade Amateurs!) - he found himself at Princes Park one day in the company of his club's President.
By chance they met with Carlton’s Recruiting Manager Shane O'Sullivan, and on a whim, Meldrum asked how he could get a chance to trial with the Blues in the ‘82 pre-season. O'Sullivan assured Meldrum that he would arrange it, and that an invitation would be in the mail soon. Meldrum took O’Sullivan at his word, and waited. And waited. And waited.
Meanwhile, Molly’s work as a builder's labourer proved ideal for strengthening his wiry frame, and, in anticipation of getting a chance to show his wares with the Blues, he had begun a punishing program of running the perimeter of Princes Park - against the clock - at least once a day, every day. By January, 1982 the promised invitation still had not arrived, so the super-fit Meldrum cheekily dropped in again to O'Sullivan's office.
Of course, Sullivan had totally forgotten about their previous conversation. Somewhat embarrassed, Shane told Molly that okay, he could join in pre-season training later that week – but warned him that if he couldn't keep up, he would be moved on very smartly.
Well, as it turned out, Meldrum more than kept up. He impressed everyone, including the Blues’ match committee, and was rostered to play in an intra-club practice game, where he racked up 30 quality possessions.
After that performance, he was approached again by O'Sullivan. "I was given the number 23 jumper, a pair of boots and told we would talk about money later," said Molly. He made his senior debut only a couple of weeks afterward in the pre-season night competition at Waverley, starting a memorable eleven-year career for the Navy Blues that included the Grand Finals of 1986 and ’87.
So yes, the Footy Folklore in Meldrum’s case was essentially correct. But the opportunity to play AFL football wasn’t simply handed to him. It was brought about by confidence in his own ability, the courage to make things happen, and a real commitment to making the most of every opportunity.