2019 IN PROFILE
Fifth (down two positions on 2018 - 1 fewer wins)
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10 wins, 6 losses
Defeated Sunbury in elimination final, lost to East Point in second semi-final and lost to Sebastopol in preliminary final
Senior players: 34
STATISTICALLY SPEAKING (home and away)
Quarters won: 40
Best quarters: second (averaged 9-point lead), second (highest average score, 22 points)
Worst quarters: first (averaged 3-points lead), first (lowest average score, 16 points)
Highest quarter score: 51 points
Quarters less than 10 points: 11
BEST AND FAIREST - Dyson Stevens
LEADING GOALKICKER - Braedan Kight 31
HENDERSON MEDAL VOTING
17-Shaun Campbell
12-Mark Orr
10-Connor Griffiths
6-Braedan Kight
6-Liam Carter
5-Matt Denham
3-Billy Crofts
3-Dyson Stevens
3-Jack Walker
1-Ryan Davis
IN SUMMARY
Melton will reflect on a year which in the end was one of what might have been.
When Aaron Tymms took over as head coach in 2018 he was looking at a four-year plan to secure Melton's fourth BFL premiership and first since 2005 after more than decade without finals.
The Bloods broke the finals drought in year one and reached the grand final, only to lose by two points.
It was shattering to get so close, but at the same time extremely satisfying to go so far.
With all this, 2019 was always going to be much more challenging with expectations much higher.
And it proved just that.
It was a stop-start season for the Bloods.
QUICK STICKS: WRAPPING UP THE BLOODS' SEASON IN 30 SECONDS
Three wins in the opening four rounds was a pass mark, with the loss being to reigning premier East Point.
Their middle phase was a little more hit-and-miss, with three wins - none in succession - and four defeats.
Melton then rounded out the year with four wins out of five games, with significant victories over East Point away, Sunbury and Redan.
While on the surface fifth might have looked like an under achievement, it was far from it with the Bloods just one game off top position and boasting the second best percentage.
The latter was a result of a disciplined defensive mindset.
Compared with East Point and Redan, Melton struggled for potency in attack, but over the season no one conceded fewer points than the Bloods.
Melton achieved this with much the same line-up that took it to a grand final.
The Bloods were selective in recruiting, with Dyson Stevens and Shaun Campbell their prize pick-ups.
Each delivered in spades.
Melton wanted more in the midfield and this duo probably exceeded expectations.
The Bloods did well to reach the preliminary final, where for the third time for the season they lost to Sebastopol.
2020
Keep building. This what the Bloods have to do and they can start from within.
A number of players did not reach the same heights as 2018 and if they can rediscover that form that will be a great start in the search for a flag.
Melton needs to target a top two finish. This would put it on the front foot going into the finals rather than having to rely on something extraordinary such as its last quarter comeback against Sunbury in an elimination final.
CONCLUSION
Melton is well served in the big man department with the Carter brothers, Ben Archard and Mark Orr.
More depth in the midfield, and in particular outside run, could be the x-factor the Bloods need.
As defensively solid as they are, more run off the back of the square would also see them closing the gap to the likes of East Point.
8/10
Solid season in which for the second year in a row the Bloods were not far off the mark.
Hard to fault, but still room for some decent improvement.