CHAIRMAN Glen Bartlett says Melbourne is not resting on its laurels after a promising 2018 season.

Speaking at the Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy Dinner on Monday night, Bartlett said the club, in its entirety, must continue to strive for greater things in 2019.

“I think this was a defining year, when Melbourne brought chaos to the game,” he said.

“Our brand of football became clear as the season unfolded; we captured the hearts of anyone who loved AFL, with the hard, relentless, exciting brand of football we play.

“Despite the excitement we experienced this year, we need to strive even more now to get better and better.

“Let’s not lose the momentum or the hunger that we need to go all the way.”

Addressing the crowd of 1,600 people at Crown Palladium, Bartlett acknowledged the club’s progress, both on and off the field, over the past 12 months.

From defeating North Melbourne after 17 consecutive losses, to reaching 45,000 members for the first time in the club’s history, he said it was an all-round remarkable effort.

“Every single player who pulled on the famous red and blue this year made a contribution,” Bartlett said.

“Making the finals for the first time in 12 years, then to win two finals at the ‘G’ (MCG) in front of 90,000 plus, knocking out two giant clubs of the last decade in Geelong and Hawthorn [was a highlight].

“But as a club, while we’re happy with the progress, we’re far from satisfied.”

Alluding to the disappointing end to Melbourne’s finals campaign, Bartlett urged the group to back themselves, work together and tackle Season 2019 with ferocity. 

“We know that there is significant work to do, if we are again to feature at the business end of the season.”

“To achieve our ultimate goal, we need to continue to grow. That needs hunger. It needs desire. It needs commitment.

“To taste the Premiership glory we all crave, we need only work harder than ever, harder together, and harder than everyone else.”