Melbourne end of season review: How I’d fix the Demons
MELBOURNE’S dream of ending an 11-year finals drought were shattered in the most heart-breaking of ways. What went wrong and what needs to change to get there next year?
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WHAT could have been.
Melbourne’s nightmare became real this season as it failed to break its finals drought by the narrowest of margins.
However, not all is lost. REBECCA WILLIAMS looks at what went right, wrong and what the Demons need to ensure they’re alive come this time next year.
HELLISH END: WHY DEMONS ARE IN NINTH HELL
NEW TALENT: WHAT DRAFT PICKS DOES YOUR CLUB HAVE?
MATCH REPORT: OH, MELBOURNE. WHAT HAVE YOUR DONE?
THE SEASON ROUND-UP
Melbourne’s dreams of ending an 11-year finals drought were shattered when they fell agonisingly short of a September berth — just 0.5 of a per cent — after losing to Collingwood in Round 23.
It was a season that showed plenty of promise, for they won four games in a row for the first time since 2006, and enjoyed victories in Adelaide and Perth in the same season for the first time since 2000.
But the Demons were cruelled by injuries to key personnel, including key forward Jesse Hogan, last year’s All-Australian ruckman Max Gawn and co-captains Nathan Jones and Jack Viney.
THE PROBLEM
A second key forward who can consistently provide help for Hogan would help.
Tom McDonald was sent forward and did a solid job but is he the long-term option? Jack Watts began this season well but struggled to regain form after his hamstring injury.
Overall, the Demons need to become ruthless in their approach. That was highlighted in Round 23 when they went to water early against the Magpies when a finals spot was on the line.
THE SOLUTION
Jordan Lewis was to bring that “premiership experience” but, in the end, that was not enough.
The Demons attempted to take on a more aggressive approach but suspensions to Lewis, Hogan and Bernie Vince hurt. They cannot afford that again.
They also need a fit Viney for the entire season. His absence late was crucial.
THE TARGET
They are chasing out-of-contract Crows star Jake Lever to partner Oscar and Tom McDonald and help shore up the team’s defence.
THE DREAM
Being alive come September.
They have the longest finals drought of any Victorian side, failing to deliver on their blueprint of finals in 2016 or 2017.
Youngsters Christian Petracca and Angus Brayshaw must continue to develop.
THE COACH
In the first season after the handover from Paul Roos, Simon Goodwin steered the Demons to 12 wins — two more than last season.
He was calm in the coaches box and wasn’t afraid to make tough calls at selection.
BUCKY SAYS
The key position stocks are good with the McDonald brothers down back, Hogan is a star and Sam Weideman reminds me of Matthew Pavlich.
The area of need is more outside runners who are quick, break the lines and are good ball users, particularly off halfback.
THE STAT
There were several big improvements, the Demons were the equal No.1 pressure team in the competition, No.1 looseball team in the competition and fourth in scoring from turnovers.
However, that was all brought undone by losses to Fremantle at the MCG (Round 4), Hawthorn (Round 7), Collingwood (Round 23) and North Melbourne twice (Rounds 9 and 19).
2018 PREDICTION
Must make the finals next year otherwise hell will be raised.
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