BAYLEY Fritsch was the hard luck story of 2018.

The now 22-year-old had a debut season to remember playing 23 games and being a part of two winning finals, but his year was left soured.

Fritsch failed to secure a Preliminary Final berth, being left out of the side that travelled to Perth.

It was footy heartbreak for Fritsch, but that won’t be keeping him down in 2019.

“Obviously it was disappointing, and disappointing to see the boys go down, but I guess that’s footy,” Fritsch told Melbourne Media.

“That happens and I’ll move on pretty quickly.

“I’ve just come back this year to do everything in my power to hopefully not let that happen ever again.

“So I’m just looking forward to this year now.”

And from all reports, Fritsch has come back in a big way.

The silky left footer is flying on the track, impressing his teammates and coaching staff over the pre-season.

“I’ve got through all the sessions, I think I’ve only missed half of one so to tick off the second pre-season I’m feeling pretty good,” Fritsch said.

“I’m at 100 percent, feeling good and ready to jump into it.

“I’m looking forward to getting into the games in the next couple of weeks.”

Fritsch was recruited to Melbourne as a half-forward after a dominant VFL season with the Casey Demons in 2017, but he proved his versatility last year playing in roles across the entire field.

But he may now be ready to make a position his own.

“I’ve probably trained the majority of the pre-season in the midfield so I might try to settle on the wing,” he said.

“At times I could potentially go forward, but I guess I’ve got a little bit of flexibility so I’m happy to go wherever the team needs me.”

At 188cm, Fritsch will be a damaging proposition up the field with a great aerial ability, as well as having clean hands at ground level.

He will be able to deliver the ball cleanly inside 50 and most importantly has the confidence to perform I the role.

“I liked my time on the wing last year,” Fritsch said.

“After talking to the coaches, I probably thought I played some of my best footy there so hopefully I can play that role well.”

With the season now edging closer, Fritsch is ready to jump into the coming practice matches.

Melbourne’s first JLT Community Series game kicks off on Sunday afternoon, as the Demons take on Richmond at Deakin Reserve in Shepparton.

“There’s a great feeling amongst the group,” Fritsch said.

“Pre-season is pretty much done now, we’ve only got two practice matches and then we’re into it.

“It’s all come around pretty quickly but we’re really excited.”