The early going of season 2022 was looking to be a Melbourne cakewalk. Having won their opening 10 games, the talk was when they would lose a game.
By the end of the home and away season, Melbourne hit a wall losing six of its last ten to finish second on the ladder. Although battling through an inconsistent patch, expectations were that this talented group would be there on the last Saturday of September. This would be diminished within the space of two weeks, losing Sydney and Brisbane leaving a sour taste in their mouths.
Despite not fulfilling the ultimate goal, Melbourne is going to be right into the premiership conversation yet again. Adding former Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy and Western Bulldogs midfielder Lachie Hunter only strengthens an already imposing depth in its playing list.
Here we will go through the five burning questions surrounding how Melbourne will fare in 2023.
4. Will a change of scenery unveil the best in Lachie Hunter?
After a difficult 2022 for Lachie Hunter, which saw him play only 10 games due to personal issues, it is a fresh beginning for the 28-year-old.
The Western Bulldogs' 2016 premiership player will provide plenty of experience, having played 173 games. By landing the classy runner, Melbourne fills its other wing position to pair alongside Ed Langdon, giving the Demons one of the most dangerous wing pairings in the competition.
Hunter fits the side's mould with his ability to cover plenty of meterage, his precise left-foot and ball-winning abilities fitting into Coach Simon Goodwin's plans. Despite last season being a subpar campaign, a change of scenery will see the hard-running wingman thrive.
Last Saturday's practice encounter against Richmond showed exactly why Hunter is such a damaging player when given time and space.
He finished with 26 disposals, including 20 uncontested, 6 marks, and 4 score involvements. Speaking postgame to the club's website, Hunter said developing synergy with his new wing pairing alongside Langdon felt good.
“Hopefully we give the team some balance. I mean he kind of owns that right side and hopefully, I can do the same on the left side. He's an experienced player who's been here for a while and knows how it works," he said.
A firing Hunter only makes this Melbourne brigade more potent than ever before.
