Current ladder position: 16th (two wins, 12 losses)

Form: LLLLW

The run home:
Western Bulldogs (1st) at Telstra Dome
Fremantle (14th) at Subiaco Oval
North Melbourne (10th) at the MCG
Essendon (12th) at the MCG
Geelong (2nd) at the MCG
West Coast (15th) at the MCG
Port Adelaide (13th) at AAMI Stadium
Richmond (11th) at the MCG

Where to from here?
Even if Melbourne wins its remaining eight matches, it would need a miracle to play in this year's finals. And although Brisbane made the finals with 10 wins in 1995 – it also did in 1997 with the aid of a draw – September is well off the radar for the Demons in 2008.

Instead, the focus is development, getting matches into younger players and regaining the health of several experienced players who are sidelined for the rest of the season. And don't think for a minute the Demons will 'tank', as coach Dean Bailey is hell-bent on converting his training methods into practice – a winning culture.

The entire club is entering a new era, particularly since the appointment of Jim Stynes as chairman. A lack of on-field success and financial instability has not dampened the club's enthusiasm, which is steadfast in rebuilding long-term success.

Crunch games:
Round 15 – Western Bulldogs (a)
Round 19 – Geelong (h)

Melbourne will want to test itself against the Bulldogs and the Cats in its run home, with those sides currently first and second on the ladder. With Melbourne's form improving in recent matches, taking on the best in the business will show where they are really at.

Injury list:
James McDonald (groin) 1 week
Brock McLean (ankle) season
Brent Moloney (shoulder) season
Jared Rivers (groin) season
Russell Robertson (achilles) season

Who's gonna save us?
With several key players out for the rest of the year, the attention turns to some of Melbourne's emerging types. One of the most improved and exciting youngsters to emerge is Colin Garland, who has filled a key defensive post with aplomb. His ability to play tall or small makes him valuable and one Melbourne fans can look forward to developing. His effort on Hawthorn gun Lance Franklin in round nine was somewhat of a breakout performance.

What the club says:
"If supporters want to look at the youth – there is nothing but excitement. With Austin Wonaeamirri coming through, even Stef Martin came in and had an impact in his first game.

"The young guys are the core of the team, but it is important we [experienced players] set the example and try and play our part [for the rest of the year]." – acting captain Cameron Bruce

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.