2011 SNAPSHOT
Ladder position: 13th; 8W, 13L, 1D
Leading goalkicker: Liam Jurrah (40)
Leading possession winner: Brent Moloney (509)
Played every game: Nathan Jones, Brent Moloney, Jack Watts
Debutants:  Tom McDonald (2 games), Max Gawn (4), Michael Evans (4), Sam Blease (5), Daniel Nicholson (9), Jeremy Howe (13), Luke Tapscott (15)
 
Stats leaders
Toyota AFL Dream Team: Brent Moloney (1936)
Kicks: Brent Moloney (282)
Handballs: Nathan Jones (241)
Marks: Jack Watts (124)
Hitouts: Mark Jamar (484)
Clearances: Brent Moloney (153)
Contested possessions: Brent Moloney (271)
Uncontested possessions: Nathan Jones (350)

NAB AFL Rising Star nominees
Jordan Gysberts (round 11)
Sam Blease (round 23)

List manager
The Demons need a strong-bodied key forward to partner Jack Watts. Watts had his breakout season this year but plays up the ground, while the Demons need someone closer to goal with a bit more size than Liam Jurrah.

Games that shaped a season
Rd 6: West Coast 15.16 (106) d Melbourne 6.16 (52)
The Demons got off to one of the slowest starts possible before losing by a reasonably respectable 54-point margin. Even though this was only Melbourne's second loss for the season it prompted widespread criticism and the scrutiny on Dean Bailey's future as coach intensified. Jack Grimes was one of the few Demons to hold their heads high, with a 27-possession performance.

Rd 7: Melbourne 22.17 (149) d Adelaide 8.5 (53)
Melbourne responded to a heavy week of criticism with a comprehensive thumping of the Crows. It was an even first half but they slammed on 16 goals in the second half to destroy Adelaide. Addam Maric played the best game of his career, while Brent Moloney, Colin Sylvia and Ricky Petterd also starred. The only lowlight was Jack Trengove's sling tackle on Patrick Dangerfield that resulted in a three-game ban for the young Demon.

Rd 10: Carlton 13.15 (93) d Melbourne 6.10 (46)
Carlton had the edge on Melbourne all night as the Demons put in a poor performance under Friday night lights. The enduring memory of this game was the phrase 'bruise-free football' which was used in post-match interviews by Carlton players Mitch Robinson and Dennis Armfield. It was a phrase that stuck with Melbourne for much of what was a disappointing year.

Rd 11: Melbourne 15.11 (101) d Essendon 10.8 (68)
The Demons had nowhere to hide as they were back on the Friday night stage with the 'bruise-free' punchline still ringing in their ears. Many predicted a win to Essendon, which had been one of the form teams of the first half of the season. But a six goal to none third quarter saw the Demons blitz the Bombers and run away to a surprise 33-point win. Tom Scully had 24 touches in his first game back from a knee injury, while skipper Brad Green kicked four goals.

Rd 19: Geelong 37.11 (233) d Melbourne 7.5 (47)
Unfortunately this will go down as the most significant game of the year for Melbourne. Geelong broke all sorts of records on the way to inflicting the second-greatest margin of all time. Coach Dean Bailey was sacked just days later as a shell-shocked club tried to put itself back together. Whatever heights the club will reach in years to come, this game will be looked back on as the club's lowest point.

What went right
Jack Watts came into his own and showed why he was the No.1 draft pick of 2008. Watts' confidence grew every week and he became one of Melbourne's most consistent players as a forward pushing up the ground. Stefan Martin also improved out of nowhere to play a valuable role as a ruck/forward while youngsters Jack Trengove, Jordan Gysberts, Sam Blease, Max Gawn and Luke Tapscott all continued to improve. Brent Moloney cemented himself as the Demons' most valuable midfielder and they have developed a big home-ground advantage at the MCG against non-Victorian clubs.

What went wrong
Bailey's sacking was unfortunate but inevitable. Tom Scully and Aaron Davey struggled with knee problems and Scully was constantly linked to Greater Western Sydney. Melbourne found it impossible to win at Etihad Stadium, having now lost its past 12 matches at the venue and Austin Wonaeamirri packed up and went home to the Northern Territory before returning at the end of the season. James Strauss' broken leg in the round 20 loss to Carlton was the most sickening injury of the season.

Most valuable player
In a team that was constantly being queried over its physicality and endeavour, Brent Moloney stood out. His bullocking style and fighting approach never wavered and he was the heartbeat of Melbourne in 2011.

Coach's pet
Depends which coach. Bailey showed faith and persistence with Jack Watts that was eventually rewarded with consistent performances. Viney only held the mantle briefly, but one player who improved under his tutelage was Sam Blease who went from being a fringe player to among Melbourne's best few performers in a handful of weeks. He had worked closely with Viney in the coach's previous role in player development.

Next big thing
When Jeremy Howe was drafted last season, Melbourne fans couldn't get on YouTube quick enough to see his spectacular pack marks and he was quickly being compared to fellow Tasmanian Russell Robertson. He made his debut mid-way through the season and didn't disappoint. He has the cleanest set of hands of anyone on Melbourne's list and slots in well as a mid-sized forward.

Needs a big pre-season
Austin Wonaeamirri doesn't have the most slender of frames and leaving to return home to the Tiwi Islands mid-season led many to believe his AFL career was over. He returned later in the year but an ankle injury brought an end to proceedings. He needs to show absolute commitment if he keeps his spot and a big summer in the gym and on the track awaits.

What they said
"There's been the development of Jack Watts and Stef Martin. We've come on as a team. We are getting more game time into Jack Watts and Tom Scully. Jeremy Howe has come on to the scene. Jordan Gysberts, James Strauss and Sam Blease have all got more experience and game time. That's going to help us in the long run."
- Melbourne midfielder Brent Moloney

In a nutshell
Melbourne never really seemed to be genuine contenders but it was in the finals race until very near the end. The big wins against non-Victorian teams at the MCG were encouraging but they were peppered with games where the Demons showed they lacked fight and passion. They did improve slightly on seasons past but there is a way to go yet.

Overall grade: C-

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs

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