WE continue our review of every Melbourne-listed player's 2018 season with a look back at the year's of Bayley Fritsch, Tom Bugg, Oskar Baker, Mitch King and Harry Petty.
Take a look back at our previous player reviews here: No. 1 to No. 5 | No. 6 to No. 10 | No. 11 to No. 15 | No. 15 to No. 20 | No. 21 to No. 25 | No. 26 to No. 30
#31 – Bayley Fritsch
Games played: 23
The mature age recruit missed only two games in a brilliant first season of AFL football.
Fritsch’s speed and versatility were highlights of his game, playing roles in attack, on the wing and in defence.
The 21-year-old averaged 16.3 disposals and 2.6 tackles per game, kicking 17 goals for the season.
He was unlucky to miss out on selection for the preliminary final, with Melbourne opting to go for taller options against the Eagles.
His best game for the season came against the Bulldogs in round 11, when he gathered 26 disposals, a goal and seven rebound 50s.
#32 – Tomas Bugg
Games played: 3
Bugg featured in the side in rounds two to four, with a highlight being his four-goal performance against North Melbourne in round three.
While he had a strong season at VFL level, Bugg was unable to break into Melbourne’s side from April onwards. He was delisted at the end of the season.
#33 – Oskar Baker
Games played: 0
The first-year midfielder didn’t get on to the park for a senior game, however he showed promise across 15 matches with the Casey Demons.
One of his best performances at VFL level came against the Bombers in June, when he gathered 34 possessions.
A hamstring injury in August ended his season and he took no part in Casey’ VFL finals series.
#34 – Mitch King
Games played: 0
King didn’t play a senior game in his third year on Melbourne’s list and was delisted at the end of the season.
The ruckman played 14 games for Casey in 2018, averaging 18.2 hit outs per game.
#35 – Harry Petty
Games played: 1
The tall defender made his AFL debut against the Saints in round 16, which was his only AFL match for the season.
The 197cm South Australian showed plenty of signs at VFL level that he can emerge as a defender of the future for the Demons.. He averaged 11.5 disposals and 3.9 marks across 19 games with Casey.
