Can the Demons get back on track after a disastrous 2013? Things could not have gone any worse for Melbourne last year.
The death of president and club legend Jim Stynes overrode their shortcomings on the field, which yielded just four wins all season.
As I quote a good friend of mine who doubles as a Melbourne member: “Losing to Brisbane by seven goals in round one after the death of Jim Stynes is possibly the most shameful thing I’ve seen from a football team.”
With very little going right for the Dees, you get the feeling that 2013 brings some sort of optimism.
But supporters should not be blinded by the colossal task ahead of them to restore pride and some sort of stability to proceedings.
Mark Neeld has less than a handful of bonafide stars at his disposal for the forthcoming campaign, which is a worry, so the onus is going to be placed on a select few while the vast array of youngsters will have to grow up quickly if they do not want to be eaten up by the unforgiving nature of the AFL.
It is difficult to detect exactly what went wrong last year, which makes it hard to predict what might happen in 2013.
Reigning Best and Fairest Nathan Jones turned himself into a near-elite player with his stunning 2012 but it appears that he was too frequently alone in the Melbourne midfield.
Jack Trengove was made co-captain and then had a shocker. He looked injured, but could easily have been shown up as too slow and not agile enough.
With him practically non-existent, the Demons midfield was by far the least exciting (and probably worst) in the league.
Brent Moloney was slower and lazier than ever before. He became a huge liability and I think Melbourne will benefit from his departure.
Mitch Clark was brilliant before he was cut down by injury, kicking goals as both a tall and a small, and he can only get better with the arrival of Chris Dawes from Collingwood.
The most exciting thing about the Dees this year is the presence of youngsters Jack Viney and Jimmy Toumpas. The son of former midfielder Todd, Viney is as tough as nails but may lack polish early while number four selection Toumpas will be a superstar of the competition despite slipping out of the top three in the draft.
Many are excited about seeing him in the red and blue.
2013 could be billed as a massive year for both Colin Sylvia and Jack Watts who are always touted as trump cards during pre-season.
Sylvia has so much natural ability as both a midfielder and leading forward but really needs to deliver while Watts may have found his niche across half-back. He is still yet to live up to the billing that comes with being a number one draft pick.
Whatever occurs this year, surely it cannot be worse than 2012, as the Demons look to steady the ship and get things back on track for both their fans and the legacy left by Stynes.
Key players
Nathan Jones – Became an ‘A-Grader’ last year when asked to do way too much. Will profit further from that this season.
Mitch Clark – Talented forward who is as capable on the ground as he is in the air. Keeping him fit so vital for the club.
James Frawley – Quality defender who often gets the big jobs and constantly repels attack.
Break out potential
Sam Blease – Five goals against St Kilda late in the season shows how much potential he has. The knock on him has been his fitness but is now ready to fire. Genuinely quick and a great kick.
Jeremy Howe – Spectacular. Ready to really put it all together after showing glimpses last year.
Promising youngsters
Jack Viney – Hard, committed and possesses great endeavour. Has enormous wraps.
Jimmy Toumpas – Expected to have big first season. Being earmarked as a future leader of the club.
Key inclusions
Chris Dawes – Tall forward from Collingwood should give a bit in the Demons attacking 50. Could create a dangerous partnership with Mitch Clark.
Shannon Byrnes – Half-forward from Geelong who can be used in midfield. His experience will be invaluable.
David Rodan – Nuggety rover/small forward who has had no luck in his career. Due a change of fortune and if so can be vital for the Dees.
Notable departures
Brad Green – retired
Jordan Gysberts – North Melbourne
Stefan Martin – Brisbane
Brent Moloney – Brisbane
Cale Morton – West Coast
Predicted finish: 15th
Worth a punt: Jimmy Toumpas – to win NAB Rising Star: $12
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