Jake Melksham’s 2013 season, his fourth at AFL level will go down as the season he cemented his position as an elite level midfielder.
After a slow start to the season he was dropped for the club’s ANZAC Day blockbuster against Collingwood due to poor early season form.
The 22-year-old worked harder then ever from that point on, returning in Round 6 against Greater Western Sydney before breaking through against Carlton in Round 11.
21 disposals and three goals against the Blues in the club’s 140th year celebration match including the match winning goal with just minutes remaining began the young midfielders purple patch.
Melksham averaged a career high 20 disposals a game during 2013 that included a career high 28 possessions against West Coast in Round 20.
His accuracy and poise in front of goal became a cornerstone of Melksham’s game as he booted two or more goals on five occasions during the season.
A lift in his contested possession count and the ability to make the right decisions under pressure became regular traits of his game.
Melksham’s consistency in the second half of the season places him as another contender for the 2013 Crichton Medal.
Click here to read Melksham’s player profile and a snapshot of his 2013 season.
