2015 season – 13th
2016 prediction – 12th
THE BRIEF
Ten full seasons have now passed since the Demons last played finals. We’ve changed Prime Ministers five times in that period. In fact, even more staggering; the iPhone wasn’t around that last time the Dees made the top eight. Beyond that, they’ve basically been rooted to the bottom couple of spots for the entire decade. That means high draft picks and in similar fashion to their on-field exploits, the Dees have also failed spectacularly at the draft table. The good news for Melbourne fans is I think you are now better than bottom four. The bad news is I still don’t think you’ll be playing post the home and away rounds, which is good news if the Victorian ski season stretches beyond it’s usual time frame. There looks to be enough fight and consistency in the older players and enough talent in the younger ones to guarantee more wins than have been experienced in recent years but depth looks a problem. Injuries could quickly have the Dees free falling toward a dark and unfortunately familiar place.
THE LOCK
Max Gawn: Somewhat controversial given how consistent the likes of captain Nathan Jones and veteran Bernie Vince are, but it all seemed to click for Gawn when given the chance last season. He only worked back into the senior side around mid season but strung together some very good football. His pre-season form has been exceptional yet again and I think he is about to become one of the game’s most dominant big men. The tall, lanky, awkward types generally do take that little bit longer.
THE STOCK
Jesse Hogan: Not exactly sticking my neck out here because in one full season of senior football this fella showed all those who didn’t already know, he is a star. A key forward who has both power and football nous, Hogan has been dubbed the saviour by many a member of the Melbourne faithful. Some of those are now nervous given he has put contract talks on hold until the end of the season but all I make of that is he is as smart off the field as he is on it. Why would he sign a contract now when he can dominate the competition this year and watch his market value soar like a 3 bedroom in downtown Toorak? These days 60-odd goals will just about snag you a Coleman Medal and there’s $21 about for Hogan to do just that. His chances are largely dependent on his accuracy in front of goal of course.
THE SMOKIN’ BARREL
Christian Petracca: I wanted to put Jack Watts. I really did. But then again some people might actually value my opinion so i can’t just take the p*&s out of this entirely. We haven’t seen Petracca yet, so that’s a win. He could well be the star the Melbourne recruiters thought when they selected him with the number one pick, similar to what they thought of Watts when they did the same to him many moons ago. Petracca’s first season was cruelly cut off when he injured his knee before round one last year so, at the very least, the kid deserves a break. And when you miss your first season with injury there is only one genuine direction things can go. Demons fans deserve it too.
