Over the next two weeks, melbournefc.com.au will review Melbourne's 2008 playing list. Although the team had a disappointing on-field season, claiming its first wooden spoon since 1997, several youngsters impressed. Working through the list alphabetically, five players will be reviewed each day (four in the final edition), starting with Clint Bartram and ending with Trent Zomer.

On Wednesday, we look at Simon Buckley, Nathan Carroll, Kyle Cheney, Aaron Davey and Lynden Dunn.

Simon Buckley – The dashing half-back/winger finished the season strongly – playing in Melbourne's last nine matches for the season – and was unlucky not to receive a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination. Buckley played 14 matches for the season and finished with 297 disposals at an average of 21.21 touches per match. This included 31 disposals against West Coast in round 20 and 32 touches against Port Adelaide the following match. He looms as an exciting midfield prospect and should progress further in 2009.

Nathan Carroll – After a breakout season in 2006 – he finished sixth in the club's best-and-fairest award – and playing 21 matches in 2007, Carroll struggled to hold down a permanent position down back this year. He featured in the opening seven rounds, but was then overlooked for developing defenders, although he returned to play in rounds 19 and 22. Contracted for next season, the soon-to-be 28-year-old faces an important 2009, particularly after a couple of off-field incidents also clouded his year.

Kyle Cheney – After finishing runner-up in the 2007 North Ballarat Rebels' best-and-fairest in the TAC Cup, Cheney was drafted at No.53 in the NAB AFL Draft – Melbourne's penultimate selection. The hard-at-it mid-sized defender switched between the Sandringham seniors and reserves this season, although he missed three matches from rounds 15 to 17 with a broken hand. He played the last two games of the season with the Sandringham seniors and will be looking to make his AFL debut in 2009.

Aaron Davey – The midfield/forward dynamo played a handful of first-class games, including a gem against Fremantle in round seven – Melbourne's first win of the season – but his year also had some hiccups. This included some indifferent performances, a one-match club-imposed suspension and six games on the sidelines (two with a hamstring and four with a foot injury). Still only 25, Davey remains an integral part of the club's future.

Lynden Dunn – The tall forward-turned-midfielder furthered his run-with roles in 2008, after having a taste last year. Dunn produced some fine shut-down performances this year – including his performance on dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes, who had just 12 touches in round 13 at Manuka Oval. He finished with 16 matches this year and should continue towards playing a full season next year. It will be interesting to see if he continues in the midfield or returns to a key post in 2009.