WITH every premiership comes a story of heartache.

In 2021, that story was Jayden Hunt.

The running defender played a major role for Melbourne throughout the home and away season, starting in every game up until Round 21.

But when he went down with an ankle injury against the Eagles, it was set to be a race against the clock to be fit for September action.

“We obviously had to take a really aggressive approach to it,” Hunt told Melbourne Media.

“I was working extremely hard and I was really aiming for that Prelim Final.

“I was just a little bit ‘proppy’ still that week, so I didn’t quite make it.

“But obviously I fought tooth and nail to try to make it back and didn’t quite get there.

“[I] definitely don’t regret trying.”

Come Grand Final week, Hunt had done enough to prove his fitness, but wasn’t selected in the Demons’ starting 22.

Instead, listed as an emergency, the 27-year-old sat in the stands and watched his teammates achieve the ultimate glory.

“It was quite hard,” Hunt said.

“I was obviously absolutely stoked for everyone and was an absolute fan on the day, cheering for the boys.

“But it was also, when you sort of reflect on it and when you have some alone time, it was brutally hard for me.

“Especially because I was sort of in and out of the team the last few years with form.

“I was finally able to be in there every week, especially that second part of the year, I really found my niche in the backline.”

Hunt has always been known for his speed off half-back, but it was his defensive work without ball in hand that went to another level last year.

Now, after missing out on that team success, he is more determined than ever to find his best form.

“While it was very frustrating, I was really happy for everyone, and it’s also been such a motivation,” he said.

“I drove my whole off-season and pre-season to really make sure I’m locked in the team and give it another crack, hopefully this September.”

The boys, like Hunt, who missed selection for the last game in September, have helped the Dees start 2022 with four wins from as many games.

But aside from the increased internal competition, the group didn’t need to look too far to remain hungry for success.

“While everyone was absolutely stoked, it was over in Perth, it wasn’t at the MCG in front of all the Melbourne fans and we couldn’t really celebrate it with our families until we got back,” Hunt said.

“So while we did win the premiership, there was none of that satisfaction because everyone wants to do it here in Melbourne at the ’G in front of friends and family.

“There hasn’t been one bit of complacency, and everyone is driven just as much as last year.”