Over the next two weeks, melbournefc.com.au will review Melbourne's 2008 playing list. Although the team had a disappointing on-field season, claiming its first wooden spoon since 1997, several youngsters impressed. Working through the list alphabetically, five players will be reviewed each day (four in the final edition), starting with Clint Bartram and ending with Trent Zomer.

On Friday, we look at Mark Jamar, Chris Johnson, Paul Johnson, Nathan Jones and Addam Maric. 

Mark Jamar – Although he played 22 matches in 2006, Jamar accumulated career-best disposals and hit outs from his 14 appearances in 2008, after assuming the No.1 ruck duties for much of the second half of the season. Jamar played eight of nine matches from rounds 13 to 21, but was dropped for round 22. Although he made advances this season, he is entering his eighth AFL-listed listed in 2009 and with Jeff White departing, he must step-up again.

Chris Johnson – Managed 10 matches this year – his best effort in five seasons at the club – as his genuine promise started to translate into AFL matches. After making two appearances early in the season, Johnson returned in round 13 and remained in the side, until he missed the last three rounds with a groin injury. From rounds 13 to 17, he was among Melbourne's best players, with a career-best 33 disposals coming in the win over the Brisbane Lions. Now looks set to become a regular and prosper in 2009.

Paul Johnson – Achieved 16 games this year, the same tally he achieved in 2007 – his most matches in six AFL-listed seasons – yet this year he became a genuine regular. The only reason he missed six matches were due to injury (four with a broken hand and two with a hip). Johnson really took some promising strides in 2008, either up forward or in the ruck, showing he has the ability to perform at the highest level. Now an important part of the club's big-man make-up, Johnson will be eager to step-up again in 2009.

Nathan Jones – After finishing second in the club's best-and-fairest last season, Jones played his 50th match in the final round – in just his third AFL season. Although he was disappointingly dropped in round 18, the nuggetty onballer still gained career-best numbers this season – 432 touches. He remains an integral member of Melbourne's onball division and considering he will be just 21 years old for the 2009 season, the future is looking bright for the hard-at-it Demon.

Addam Maric – Selected at No.21 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, the sharp-shooting small forward came to the club with the reputation of being one of the best kicks at the elite junior level. After starting the season in the Sandringham seniors, Maric suffered an adductor problem and was also dropped to the Sandy reserves mid-year. But three weeks later, he made his AFL debut in round 17, playing five of the last six matches. It was a good return in his first AFL-listed season; expect further progress in 2009.