sentences:  In 2018 Melbourne had a much improved season, but their form was relatively shaky as they started the season 2 wins to 3 losses, with large losses to Hawthorn and reigning premiers Richmond.However the club rallied behind a 36-point win over Essendon and go on to win the next 5 games in a row, and eventually finish in 5th place with a record of 14–8, to qualify for the finals for the first time in 12 years; their narrow losses to Geelong and St Kilda proved to be the difference between an elimination final and a double chance.In spite of this the Demons began well in the finals, defeating Geelong in the first elimination final and eliminating Hawthorn in their semi final matchup to earn a preliminary final spot for the first time since 2000, in which they were eliminated by the eventual premier, the West Coast Eagles by 66 points.