WE CONTINUE our look back to 2018 for every Melbourne-listed player, with Jeff Garlett, Dion Johnstone, Tim Smith, Neville Jetta and Pat McKenna the next in line to review.
Take a look back at our previous season 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 | No. 31 to No. 35
#36 – Jeff Garlett
Games played: 11
Garlett kicked off the season in fine form, kicking eight goals in the first three matches of the season – including a haul of four against the Lions in round two at the Gabba.
However Melbourne’s depth in small forward roles made spots tough to come by, with Garlett playing just 11 matches for 2018.
At AFL level he kicked 18 goals for the year, while he hit the scoreboard 15 times in 12 matches for Casey.
#37 – Dion Johnstone
Games played: 0
Developed as a defender in 2018, Johnstone played 17 games for Casey in the VFL, averaging 11 disposals and 4.1 tackles per game.
In heartbreaking fashion, he was suspended for the VFL Grand Final after a striking ban in the preliminary final against Essendon.
Johnstone was delisted by Melbourne at the end of the season.
#38 – Tim Smith
Games played: 4
The high-flying Smith continued his development in 2018, playing four matches and recording six tackles in each of the games he played.
His highlight of the season came in Alice Springs against the Crows, when he recorded 19 disposals and two goals.
Smith also had a fantastic year in the VFL, kicking 12 goals and averaging 17.1 disposals per game across his 12 matches for Casey.
#39 – Neville Jetta
Games played: 25
Jetta played every match in 2018, with his relentless defensive pressure and poise with the ball in hand again a trademark of his game.
The reliable rebounding defender was Melbourne’s most effective ball user with an 83.5% disposal efficiency from an average 11.9 touches per game. On the defensive front, he averaged 3.1 tackles and 1.8 rebounds per game.
Jetta’s standout game for 2018 came against the Western Bulldogs in round 11, when he recorded 24 touches, three tackles and five rebound 50s.
#40 – Pat McKenna
Games played: 0
After an extensive injury layoff which effectively saw him miss 18 months of football, McKenna returned to full fitness in July to play in the VFL.
He featured in Casey’s nine final games of the season, including the 2018 VFL finals campaign.
McKenna was delisted at the conclusion of the 2018 season.