So close, yet so far.
Melbourne’s season finally gave Dees fans a taste of the success they had been craving for so many years.
It spelled a return to finals for the first time since 2006 and a chance to win their first premiership in 54 years.
But their inexperience got the better of them though and their loss to eventual premiers West Coast in the preliminary final was nothing short of dismal.
The Demons will want to show they’re mentally strong enough to turn around from such a disappointing showing against West Coast.
In front of goals, with the loss of Jesse Hogan to Fremantle, the pressure will be on Tom McDonald and Sam Weideman to step up as strong tall targets up forward.
Young players such as Angus Brayshaw, James Harmes and Clayton Oliver will bring more maturity and experience into the midfield after playing in finals last season, with Max Gawn serving as the Demons' most important player through the centre.
Once his hamstring is right, new recruit Steven May will offer some tall backline support alongside Oscar McDonald and Sam Frost, especially while Jake Lever continues to fully recover from an ACL.
In 2019 everything looks set to take Melbourne deep into September, the only thing that could hold them back is themselves.
OUR BEST 22 - ROUND 1
MVP
Had a dominant year in 2018 winning his club’s best and fairest, a spot in the All-Australian team and placing fourth overall at the Brownlow.
Max Gawn became the first player to record 1000 hit-outs in a season with 35.5% of those to advantage.
If he can improve his accuracy in front of goal, Gawn will become the complete ruckman.
BREAKOUT
In 2018, his debut season, Bayley Fritsch played every game but one, averaging 16 disposals and a goal per game.
Fritsch became invaluable to the side, stepping up when Jack Viney was sidelined with a foot injury before the season had even started.
The 22-year-old will look to follow up on a solid first season and take his game to another level in 2019.
UNDER THE PUMP
Jeff Garlett played 11 games last season after being dropped from the side due to poor forward-50 defensive work.
First year player Charlie Spargo was selected over the 29-year-old, and he will need to bring his best in 2019 to take that spot in the side back.
Garlett will be out of contract at the end of the year, so the pressure is on to show the Demons his worth this season.
Early Predictions...
1. If everything goes right for Demons, they could go all the way in 2019
2. Max Gawn to break the midfielders run at the Brownlow and take home ‘Charlie’
3. Melbourne will have four players in the 2019 All-Australian team, including Max Gawn and Clayton Oliver who will hold their spot from last season
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