Melbourne’s finals hopes were snuffed out on Sunday night, with the Western Bulldogs claiming the last available spot with their win over Fremantle.
The Demons finish 2020 ninth on the ladder with nine wins, having won six of their last 10 games.
Club great Garry Lyon believes the Dees are right where he expected them to be coming into the year – middle of the road.
“I suggested it last year when everyone was up in arms about why Melbourne couldn’t replicate their 2018 form, I suggested that maybe it was just one out of the box and what we’re seeing in 2019 was more likely,” Lyon told SEN Breakfast.
“Probably this year is about where their mark is. They’re not good enough to make finals because they can’t do it consistently, but they’re not as bad as they were last year where they finished second last one the ladder.
“Whether they’ve taken a step forward or not, you’d have to say they have. They have had four more wins, 30 per cent (more than last year), but they haven’t taken the steps you would have wanted.
“So, that’s where I see the Demons right now.”
Lyon gave his grade for the Demons based on their 2020 season.
“I’d give them a D grade. So that is a pass, but it’s not a great pass is it,” he said.
“It’s such a fine line isn’t it. If the Western Bulldogs lose last night, Melbourne are in the finals so do you give them a pass on the basis of what the Western Bulldogs do?
“This is where you’ve got to be unemotional and detached when you look at it and do you think Melbourne are better than ninth?
“They’re probably about where they should be, I reckon.”