Masthead Non-Homepage

Sport.Navigation

New Top Leader

Masthead

Offseason

otherclubs_nav

ADELBRISCARLCOLLESSFREGEELGEELHAWMELBNMFCPORTRICHSTKSYDWCEWB

the year that was

THE YEAR THAT WAS

2011 snapshot

Melbourne FCLadder position: 13th
Leading goalkicker: Liam Jurrah (40.26)
Leading possession winner: Brent Moloney (509)
Full season results →

End of season report

Melbourne end of season reportMelbourne's youngsters gave fans plenty of reasons to be hopeful of much better times ahead
Full report →

Stats leaders

Melbourne end of season reportMost kicks: Brent Moloney (282)
Most handballs: Nathan Jones (241)
Most tackles: Brent Moloney (124)
Most hit-outs: Mark Jamar (484)
All 2011 stats →

NAB AFL Rising Star nominees

Rd 11: Jordan Gysberts Interview & highlights →

Games that shaped the 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.

Full match replays →

project 2010

PROJECT 2012

2011 NAB AFL Draft picks

Retirements & delistings

Nil

** - rookie-listed

List assessment

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.

Next big thing

Jack WattsWhen 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.
Jeremy Howe profile →

2011 Debutants Games Goals Avg. DT
Max Gawn
 4 1 56.2
Sam Blease 5 0 46.2
Luke Tapscott 15 2 51.8
Jack Fitzpatrick 1 1 47
Jeremy Howe 13 18 62.3
Tom McDonald 2 0 59

Embedded Video Player

Sensis Ad1

Latest News - Sidebar

Mobile Promo - Sidebar

Sensis Ad2

AFL.com.au Network

AFL Network News