OVER the next few days, we'll be recapping the seasons of every Melbourne listed player in 2018.
Today, we'll be reviewing the seasons of the players numbered 16 through to 20.
Look back at our previous reviews here: No. 1 to No. 5 | No. 6 to No. 10 | No. 11 to No. 15 | No. 15 to No. 20
#21 – Cam Pedersen
Games played: 4
Pedersen played four AFL matches in 2018 in key position roles in both attack and defence.
Despite limited game time at AFL level, Pedersen had an outstanding year for the Casey Demons, winning the Troy Broadbridge Memorial Trophy for the best Melbourne-listed player in the VFL.
He booted 32 goals across his 17 VFL matches to finish the year as Casey’s leading goalkicker.
Pedersen was delisted and announced his retirement from AFL football at the end of the season, finishing with 80 matches for North Melbourne and Melbourne to his name.
#22 – Aaron vandenBerg
Games played: 7
vandenBerg returned from injury after nearly two years out of the game to figure in Melbourne’s last seven matches of 2018.
The tough nut was deployed in wing and half-forward roles, providing delivery inside 50 and allowing Melbourne to ramp up their pressure in the forward zone.
He played a massive role in the elimination final win over the Cats, recording seven tackles, nine contested possessions and 18 disposals.
#23 – Bernie Vince
Games played: 17
Vince announced his retirement at the end of 2018, after a fantastic 229-game career with Adelaide and Melbourne.
Played mostly at half-back in 2018, Vince averaged 16.1 disposals and 2.5 rebound 50s per game across his 17 matches.
Vince’s final game in Melbourne colours was his 100th for the club; meaning he joined a prestigious club of only six players to have played 100 games while winning a Best and Fairest at two clubs.
#24 – Jay Kennedy Harris
Games played: 6
Kennedy Harris played his first senior match of 2018 in round 17, figuring in six of the final seven games of the home and away season.
JKH warranted his recall after a number of strong showings for the Casey Demons, having an immediate impact in his first game of the year, recording 15 disposals and a match-high eight tackles against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG.
The 23-year-old will look to add to his game tally in 2019, after recently inking a one-year contract extension.
#25 – Tom McDonald
Games played: 20
Shifted into a full-time role in the forward line, McDonald excelled in 2018, kicking 53 goals in 20 matches at a handy 68.8% accuracy – the most by a Demon since Brad Green in 2010.
McDonald formed a dynamic partnership with Jesse Hogan for most of the year, providing an extra marking option inside 50, while also enabling Hogan to venture further up the ground at stages.
However he didn’t just play second fiddle as a forward, as he kicked four or more goals in six matches.
Across his 20 matches, McDonald averaged 3 marks inside 50 and 1.7 contested marks per game.
His best game for the year came in round 11 against the Bulldogs, when he picked up 24 disposals, six contested marks and four goals.
