ONE of the most consistent sides in AFLW history, Melbourne finally reached its first Grand Final this season, falling just short of ultimate glory.

But it wasn't all negative, the Demons broke countless records throughout their dominant season and enjoyed resurgent seasons from a number of players.

Over the next few weeks, womens.afl will look at each of the seasons of the 14 AFLW teams in reverse ladder order.

Coach: Mick Stinear

Leadership group: Daisy Pearce (captain), Karen Paxman (vice-captain), Lauren Pearce, Tyla Hanks, Libby Birch, Maddi Gay, Sarah Lampard, Lily Mithen, Kate Hore

2022 home and away finishing position: Second, nine wins and one loss, 185.6 per cent. Lost to Adelaide in the Grand Final

Best team performance: It's impossible to look past Melbourne's record-breaking 88-point win over Fremantle in round nine. The Demons became the first side to kick more than 100 points as they systematically moved the ball out of the middle into attack. Neat handballs to runners through the middle of the ground, countless forward options and a team-first attitude saw them break the record for most inside 50s (53) and most marks inside 50 (23).

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AFLW Match Highlights: Fremantle v Melbourne

The Dockers and Demons clash in round nine of the NAB AFL Women's Competition

Best individual performance: Captain Daisy Pearce's five-goal showing against Fremantle was a great one, but it was another game where her performance was more important to her side. In round seven against Brisbane, Melbourne had their backs against the wall at half time, down by 17 points and struggling to hit the scoreboard. From there, Pearce was switched into defence, and her steadying hand coming out of the back half completely changed the momentum of the game for Melbourne, who eventually overran the reigning premiers.

NAB AFLW Rising Star nominations: Alyssa Bannan, Megan Fitzsimon

Melbourne's Alyssa Bannan celebrates a goal during the preliminary final against Brisbane on April 2, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Debutants: Maggie Caris, Tahlia Gillard, Eliza West (AFLW debut), Alison Brown, Tayla Harris (club debut)

Retirees: Yet to be announced

Delistings: Yet to be announced

PLAYER MOVEMENT Who's going? Who's staying? All the latest news

Most improved: Lily Mithen has been a stalwart of Melbourne's side since the competition began, playing 46 of a possible 51 games in that time. Mithen averaged a career-high 18.3 disposals, 5.1 tackles and 3.4 score involvements this season, and became an essential cog for the Demons through the middle of the ground. Her repeat efforts and ability to cover the ground was crucial to her side's game style this year.

Star recruit: Leading Melbourne's goalkicking this season - and coming equal-second on the competition tally - Tayla Harris enjoyed her best year in attack since joining the competition in its inaugural 2017 season. Harris kicked 18 goals across her 12 games and broke the record for most contested marks in a season with 24. Her presence in Melbourne's forward line was crucial, not just in terms of providing a focal point, but in her ability to bring the ball to ground and engage smaller forwards in attack. Harris deservedly earned her fourth All-Australian guernsey and came equal-third in Melbourne's best and fairest count.

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Harris proves the difference in scary good outing

Tayla Harris shows the competition her dangerous best with a huge seven contested marks to go alongside two important goals

Unsung hero: Eliza West joined the Demons as a rookie ahead of the season, debuted in round one and played every game of the season in the thick of it. Providing some extra grunt around the ball, West averaged 12.8 disposals, 4.3 tackles and 3.3 clearances in her debut year, pairing particularly well with ruck Lauren Pearce.

What worked

  • In the past Melbourne has faltered in important games, largely due to poor accuracy at goal. This was an area where the side made great strides this season, going at a 44.3 per cent conversion rate - the third best in the competition. In games that they would have typically lost in the past, the Demons enjoyed victory and that went a long way toward their maiden Grand Final berth.
  • There was a real team buy-in for Melbourne this season, with everyone on the same page in terms of game style and bringing teammates into the contest. This standard was set by Daisy Pearce, who led the competition for goal assists this season and was regularly seen directing teammates to take a shot on goal or guiding them structurally.
  • Impressively, Melbourne was able to adapt in-game to what wasn't working better than almost any side. Player movements, stylistic changes, Stinear was not afraid to make changes when things weren't working, and the side was better for it. There were a number of games that, had Stinear not been willing to try new things, the Demons would have lost.
Daisy Pearce in action during the R6 clash between Melbourne and GWS on February 12, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

What needs improvement

  • Unfortunately for the Demons, they were unable to find any sort of game control when their opposition efficiently pressured and then spread quickly on turnover - exactly how Adelaide like to play. This led to the side's only two losses for the season, in round four and the Grand Final, both against the Crows. With the experience their players gained from this season, expect a more composed Melbourne outfit in season seven.

Early call for next season: The Demons will be raring to go again and hoping to go one better. Given the club's list profile it is well placed to challenge strongly for the season seven premiership, whenever that may be.

Season rating: 9/10