MELBOURNE

Pre-season expectations: Having made solid improvement under former coach Paul Roos, finishing 11th (10 wins, 12 losses) last year, the Demons - under rookie coach Simon Goodwin - were expected to seriously challenge for a top-eight spot this year and even end what has been a decade-long absence from the finals.

Record: 5-5

What's gone right: The Demons, keen to move the ball as quickly as possible, rank fifth for scoring (100 points per game) and eighth (89.9) for points conceded. Midfield bull Clayton Oliver, the boy from Echuca, on the Murray River, has had a strong season, averaging 30 disposals per game and would probably be leading the best-and-fairest count. Co-captain Jack Viney has been a consistent force and typically fearless but Nathan Jones, used, at times, in an outside running role, hasn't had the consistent impact he once did. However, his will was on show against the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday when his 12 disposals and two goals in the third term turned the contest. Jordan Lewis let his side down through a three-week suspension for striking Patrick Cripps, for his strong work in the middle and as a general across half-back has been important - and the reason the Demons went after the four-time premiership Hawk. Former Bomber Michael Hibberd has also had a major impact across half-back in his first year the club. Christian Petracca has shown glimpses of the star he will become, while Christian Salem has been steady.

Clayton Oliver is averaging 30 disposals a game. Photo: Getty Images

What's gone wrong: A lack of consistency. Two wins to start the season, then three losses, then fluctuating fortunes on a weekly basis. This includes a 41-point win over the Crows in Adelaide - the Crows had been the hottest side in the competition - but this was followed by a shock loss to North Melbourne. Not good enough for a side with finals aspirations. Jesse Hogan's surgery for testicular cancer midway through May was of far more concern than a typical football injury - it put life in the fishbowl that is the AFL in perspective. In welcome news, Hogan is in line to return against Collingwood straight after the mid-season break. Replacing a man of his value is difficult but the Demons have continued to post big scores. A serious hamstring injury to frontline ruckman Max Gawn against Geelong in round three forced a major rethink but Cam Pederson has been more than serviceable. Gawn, according to Goodwin, could be back in time for round 13, when the Demons face the Western Bulldogs. Angus Brayshaw's ongoing battle with multiple concussions are a worry. Again, this is more than just a football injury to worry about, for his life post football is of greater importance. He has returned to training. Oscar McDonald's form as a key defender has been patchy but Sam Frost continues to warm to a role as a third tall defender. Goodwin welcomed the bye after the Demons' come-from-behind win over the struggling Suns. "We've been a bit inconsistent in games and throughout periods in the first 10 rounds so, to the guys' credit, we've still got a lot of improving to do, so the bye gives us a chance to refine our game style and get the guys refreshed and recharged," he said.

The Dees hope frontline ruckman Max Gawn will be back from injury for the Bulldogs in round 13 . Photo: Getty Images

Standout star: Oliver's vision and toughness in heavy traffic is elite, particularly for someone in only his second season. He ranks No.1 in the league for ground-ball gets (118). He worked diligently on his stamina over summer and has become what co-captain Jones said was one of the best young players he had seen in a decade. "I saw a drastic change in his body shape and commitment to his training and preparation and, obviously, the start to the season he's had has been a significant reward for that," Jones said. Oliver's superb form has seen his odds for the Brownlow medal shortened.

Players under the pump: It's hard not to feel for Jack Trengove. He once had the football world at his feet. Unfortunately, his problems with a foot has meant his time appears up once this season is done. Jay Kennedy-Harris, Alex Neal-Bullen and Aaron Vandenberg are off contract and face a fight to remain.

The run home: If the Demons are to make the finals, the way the season is shaping, they will need 12, possibly 13, wins. That's at least seven of their next 12. It shapes as a defining month after the bye, for Collingwood (MCG), the Bulldogs (Etihad Stadium), West Coast Eagles (Domain Stadium) and the Swans (MCG) await. Before the season is done, the Crows, Port Adelaide and Greater Western Sydney are also on the menu.

Grading: B