OF MELBOURNE’S 23 players to take the field against the Lions last round, just two names weren’t apart of the club’s premiership side last September.

Those names are Jake Melksham and Jayden Hunt, and they are unquestionably hungry for success.

In fact, Hunt, who has played 112 matches since debuting in 2016, is yet to play an AFL final at all.

“[I was] injured both years we’ve made the finals,” Hunt told Melbourne Media.

“I did it both in about Round 20/21, so it was getting over that hurdle.

“[It’s] good to be fit and I’m absolutely pumped.

“Especially at the ’G in front of the home crowd – we’ve all missed that.

“So we’re very excited.”

The Demons have featured in two finals campaigns in the past four seasons, seeing them reach a Preliminary Final in 2018, before going all the way in 2021.

With a Qualifying Final clash against the Swans booked in this Friday night, it’s fair to say Hunt is itching to get out onto the MCG.

“Obviously I would’ve liked to have been there the last few years but it’s just all built up,” he said.

“[My] friends and family are excited.

Given the nature of last year’s season, where the finals campaign headed interstate, the Dees have added incentive to perform on home soil this time around.

And Hunt, who has been made to earn his spot in the backline this year, is hitting his straps at the right time.

“I’ve got back to my run and carry game, defending first, strong in the contest and then show my run from there,” he said.

“I felt like I’ve hit some pretty good form the last few weeks and really building in September which is what you want.”