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 Thursday, we look at James Frawley, Colin Garland, Brad Green, Jack Grimes and Ben Holland.
James Frawley – In his second AFL season, the tall defender played 11 matches –including eight matches from rounds five to 13 – taking his tally to 20 games. His absence in round 11 was due to a shoulder injury. The 19-year-old showed some encouraging signs in 2008, but will be looking to build on his progress next year. He signed a new two-year deal late in the season, keeping him at the club until the end of 2010.
Colin Garland – In line to win Melbourne's most improved award this season, after playing 17 of his 19 AFL games in 2008. In just his eighth AFL match, Garland was given the unenviable task of manning Hawthorn superstar Lance 'Buddy' Franklin – a role he received plaudits for after holding him to just three goals. The Tasmanian defender also received a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in round 14. Garland is now one of the club's most important long-term prospects and has signed on until the end of 2010.
Brad Green – One of Melbourne's most consistent and best performers in a tough season, Green was surprisingly overlooked in the club's initial 2008 leadership group, but was reinstated by the season's end. The 27-year-old now looms as a genuine captain of the club. Either across half-back, in the midfield or up forward, Green gave his all for the red and blue, missing just two matches in 2008 with a hamstring injury in rounds 16 and 17. He was also named as one of Melbourne's 150 greatest players.
Jack Grimes – Selected at No.14 overall in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft, Grimes was effectively the player gained after trading Travis Johnstone to the Brisbane Lions. After an outstanding junior season in 2007, captaining the Northern Knights and gaining under-18 All-Australian honours, Grimes had a tough first AFL season, due to groin/back problems. The midfielder played his first game mid-year for the Sandringham reserves, before making his AFL debut in round 22. Long-term he looms as a beauty.
Ben Holland – With Melbourne's youth pushing in 2008, the key forward/defender struggled to play this year, featuring in just two matches. He retired in the lead-up to round 22, where he played his final game against his former club Richmond. His only other appearance in 2008 was in round nine, where he kicked three goals against Hawthorn. A quadricep and shoulder injury also interrupted his year. Holland played 66 matches for Melbourne from 2004-08, as well as 125 games for Richmond.