In a nutshell

What could go wrong, did go wrong. Premiership favourites for much of the summer, the Demons' season spiralled out of control. Their injury list was long, their forward line malfunctioned and their key players went backwards. 

What we said in the pre-season

It wasn't hard to find pundits backing Melbourne for the flag, such was the hype around the Demons' pre-season. Clayton Oliver was being tipped for the Brownlow Medal, while Tom McDonald was being tipped for the Coleman Medal. How wrong we all were. One of last season's most exciting teams produced just five wins in 2019. 

Clayton Oliver's season was strong but, like his team, fell short of lofty pre-season expectations.  

What worked

Hunt's rejuvenation
Shifted into a forward role, Jayden Hunt became a hard-leading option in an otherwise dysfunctional Melbourne attack. He finished with 21 goals for the year.

The recruitment of Marty Hore
Plucked from Collingwood's VFL side, the mature-aged recruit enjoyed an outstanding first season across half-back. He ranks inside the top-25 for intercept marks per game.

'Frost-ball'
It wasn't always reliable, but it was always fun. Sam Frost enjoyed an improved season, with his unpredictable ball use out of the backline a feature in helping Melbourne drive forward.

What failed

What didn't?
Pick an area. The forward line failed miserably, the backline was all at sea, the midfield had key players stagnate and question marks are being raised about the coach as well.

The fitness department
Having had a worrying number of players undergo post-season surgeries at the end of last season, Melbourne's fitness concerns started in the summer. They continued throughout a dreadful 2019. 

The forward line
Melbourne ranked eighth for inside 50 differential and 17th for scoring. Go figure. Sam Weideman's development stalled, while Tom McDonald was severely out of form.

Overall rating

F. It's hard to see this season as anything else but a complete failure for Melbourne. 

The coach

His position is safe, given he signed a three-year extension through to 2022 in March this year. However, questions have been raised about his credentials. Both his forward and backline looked dysfunctional, while the lack of energy within the team has been stark. 

MVP

Max Gawn. It's hard to fault the ruckman. He looks destined for another All Australian blazer after a season in which he averaged 17.7 disposals and 39.5 hitouts per game. Alongside Brodie Grundy, he's one of the premier rucks in the competition. 

Surprise packet

Jay Lockhart. Recruited to the club just weeks before the season started from its VFL affiliate Casey, the diminutive forward didn't take long to adapt to the pace of senior footy. He knows how to win the ball and he has a good goal sense.

Get excited

Darren Burgess. The high-performance guru will lead an overhaul of the club's fitness department. Having held roles at English Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal, Burgess will get to work on putting Melbourne's best players back on the park this summer. 

Disappointment

Angus Brayshaw. Having finished third in the Brownlow Medal last season, Brayshaw's form has plummeted in 2019. His ball-winning numbers have dropped, while his ability to impact the contest through his delivery on the outside has also waned. 

Best win

Round four: Melbourne 15.10 (100) d. Sydney 11.12 (78)

Having lost its first three games, this was a win that gave Melbourne hope. Away from home on a Thursday night, the Demons overturned a half-time deficit to record their first victory of the season. Nathan Jones was the star with 21 disposals and three goals. 

Best individual performance

Max Gawn. Round 12 v Collingwood

Up against arguably the best ruckman in the competition in Brodie Grundy, Gawn delivered one of his best performances of the season. Despite the heavy defeat, Gawn finished with 34 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 33 hitouts and 10 clearances.

Low point

If the high point came on a Friday night against Sydney, the low point came on a Thursday night against Sydney. Melbourne's round 22 defeat at the MCG was dismal. With other teams gearing up for finals, Melbourne was on the end of a comprehensive 53-point loss where it managed just five goals for the night. This was as bad as it got.

The big questions

After his first significant challenge as a senior coach, can Simon Goodwin turn this around?

Will the tall forward duo of Tom McDonald and Sam Weideman finally click?

Can Steven May and Jake Lever become consistent A-grade defenders? 

Season in a movie title

Failure to Launch

Who's done?

Retirements: Jordan Lewis, Corey Maynard
Delistings: Nil
Unsigned free agents: Nathan Jones, Corey Wagner

How should they approach trade and draft period?

The Dees will wait on where a potential compensation pick for the Suns lands before they focus on who they might take at the draft. Currently holding the second pick, they'll be hoping for either Matt Rowell or Noah Anderson. Expect them to target outside speed. 

Early call for 2020

The first six weeks are crucial. The Demons simply must get off to a good start to ease the growing pressure on Goodwin. Another slow start – and more injuries – will ensure the focus and the heat on the club ramps up to new levels. That could create a toxic atmosphere.