The season so far

Melbourne's season has been full of peaks and troughs, with potential season-defining wins followed by losses that make you scratch your head. In each of the Demons' five losses, one solitary quarter has cost them dearly. The inconsistency in performance has also ranged from week to week, with the Demons not winning back-to-back games since rounds one and two. The classic case in point was the Demons' outstanding 41-point win over Adelaide in round eight followed by a 14-point loss to North Melbourne in round nine. Despite those poor patches, the Demons are relatively well-placed, given their two most important players – Max Gawn and Jesse Hogan – have played just seven games between them. 

Quarters won: 23

Players used: 33

Yet to play: Pat McKenna, Dion Johnstone, Liam Hulett, Mitch King, Declan Keilty, Mitch White, Aaron vandenBerg, Ben Kennedy, Jack Trengove, Colin Garland, Corey Maynard, Lachlan Filipovic

Stats leaders

Disposals: Clayton Oliver (309)
Marks: Tom McDonald (72)
Goals: Jeff Garlett (25)
Tackles: Jack Viney (84)
Metres gained: Michael Hibberd (avg 553.9m) 
Contested possessions: Clayton Oliver (149)

Best win

Round 8, 41-point win versus Adelaide. Knocking over the ladder-leaders away from home without Gawn and Hogan was an incredible effort. 

One that got away

Round four, two-point loss versus Fremantle. There were plenty to choose from but it's hard to go past the Demons' loss to the Dockers at the MCG. The Demons led by a game-high 27 points in the second term, only for the Dockers to surge 22 points clear at three-quarter time. Melbourne got back in front late in the fourth term via a Jack Viney set shot, before eventually going down by two points after Cam McCarthy kicked a goal with just three minutes remaining.

Nathan Jones and Dean Kent celebrate a goal in the win over Adelaide. Picture: AFL Photos

Best and fairest leader: Clayton Oliver

Surprise packet: Mitch Hannan

Who's struggling: Dean Kent, Sam Weideman, Angus Brayshaw

Missing in action: Max Gawn. The All Australian ruckman injured his hamstring in round three and his absence has been glaring. The Demons are hopeful he will return in round 13 or 14.

The concern

The lack of a recognised ruckman had the potential to be a major issue for the Demons, although utility Cameron Pedersen has performed creditably in the absence of Gawn and Jake Spencer. While Melbourne has been comprehensively beaten in hit-outs in every one of its past five games, the Demons' midfielders have adjusted brilliantly to win the clearance battle.

Pass mark 

At 5-5, Melbourne is right in contention for finals. If the Demons can sort out their inconsistencies within games and from week to week, they will be right in the mix. Importantly, Melbourne's line-up will be further boosted by the returns of Gawn and Jesse Hogan over the next month. 

The coach

Simon Goodwin has had numerous challenges thrown at him in his first season in charge at Melbourne. Goodwin set high standards for his team when he dropped Jack Watts in the pre-season after a sub-par summer. The new coach then lost his two starting ruckmen to injury and his star forward – Jesse Hogan – was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Through it all, Goodwin has remained resolute in his approach. He has also shown a knack for swinging the changes during games, and they have rarely failed. 

How the best 22 has changed

Max Gawn is an immediate inclusion once declared fit, with the Demons expecting a return in round 13 or 14. Gawn's return will change the complexion of Melbourne's side and has the potential to further emphasise the Demons' advantage at stoppages. Cameron Pedersen maintains his spot based on his versatility, while Alex Neal-Bullen gets the final bench spot ahead of James Harmes, Billy Stretch, Tom Bugg and an out-of-form Dean Kent. 

B: Neville Jetta, Sam Frost, Oscar McDonald
HB: Jayden Hunt, Tom McDonald, Michael Hibberd
C: Dom Tyson, Nathan Jones, Jordan Lewis
HF: Christian Petracca, Jack Watts, Alex Neal-Bullen
F: Mitch Hannan, Jesse Hogan, Jeff Garlett
Foll: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney
I/C: Jake Melksham, Christian Salem, Bernie Vince, Cameron Pedersen

In from pre-season best 22: Sam Frost, Cameron Pedersen, Alex Neal-Bullen, Mitch Hannan
Out from pre-season best 22: Dean Kent, Angus Brayshaw, Jake Spencer, Billy Stretch