DELISTED Demon James Magner can't put a finger on why he played just two games in 2013 after an exciting debut season in 2012.
In that year, the mature-aged rookie became a household name with an impressive debut against the Brisbane Lions.
He earned two Brownlow votes for his opening performance, joining players such as St Kilda's Dean Grieg, Carlton's Warren Ralph and Collingwood (and St Kilda's) Mark McGough in achieving the feat.
After 17 games in 2012, many were surprised when Magner remained on the rookie list, and even more surprised when he did not get a senior game until round eight in 2013, particularly with the Demons having won just one game.
Even now Magner finds it hard to explain why he was on the outer.
"It's really hard to tell," Magner told SEN radio on Wednesday.
"Some other midfielders came in and I suppose the competition increased. I thought I was playing some good footy but obviously struggling to get a game this season."
An inside midfielder who won contested possessions, he was also tried with some success as a defensive forward. It dropped his average possession rate but proved his adaptability. He knows his decision-making and kicking can improve but his work ethic and running capacity will always add value to a list.
Magner met with new coach Paul Roos the day after he was appointed and was given no guarantees. He said the chat was open and honest but it inevitably left his career at the Demons hanging by a thread.
On the last Friday of the free agency period when Melbourne secured midfielders Dom Tyson and Bernie Vince and held on to selection No. 9 the writing on the wall would have been becoming clear to Magner.
A day earlier the club had also gained Fremantle youngster Viv Michie, so positions for midfielders were becoming scarce.
Magner had only good things to say about the Demons but he thinks he still has plenty to offer.
"I have only been in the AFL for two years so I have still got upside," Magner said.
"I feel like I've seen some of the highs and lows."
None of those players who earned two Brownlow votes on debut reached 50 AFL games, but Magner hopes to break the trend.
Right now, his career games tally sits on 19. The 26-year-old awaits a second chance.
