After crashing out of finals in straight sets last season, Melbourne will be desperate to make amends in 2023.
Looking at their best 22 on paper, they certainly have the squad to contend again and you’d expect this team to make another run at a premiership.
With Brodie Grundy and Lachie Hunter adding to an already experienced list, check out who we think lines up in Simon Goodwin’s Round 1 team.
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Defenders
Melbourne have one of the best defences in the competition.
That starts with the key pillars Steven May and Jake Lever, perhaps the best defensive duo in the AFL.
They’re supported well in the air by Harrison Petty who enjoyed a breakout 2022 season while Christian Salem and Angus Brayshaw are elite users off half back.
Michael Hibberd holds his spot as the sixth defender, but Jake Bowey could easily assume his role if he continues to progress in his third season at the level.
Adam Tomlinson, Joel Smith and Daniel Turner are all AFL-ready depth options should injury issues arise.
Midfielders
Melbourne’s 2021 premiership was built on the back of its powerful midfield unit.
Max Gawn is without doubt the best ruckman in the AFL, and experienced trio Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and Jack Viney are as good as you’ll get for a centre bounce unit.
On the wings, Ed Langdon is a lock while recruit Lachie Hunter should compliment him well on the side best suited to a left-footer.
James Harmes and Tom Sparrow will also run through the middle while Brodie Grundy joins to share ruck duties with Gawn.
If Grundy returns to his best, he could easily spend most of his time in the ruck allowing the versatile Gawn to float forward or back to create matchup nightmares.
Trent Rivers is an ideal substitute option while James Jordon is another name that could come into the team if injuries arise.
Forwards
Up forward was where Melbourne struggled in 2022, and they’ll hope the return of Tom McDonald helps solve some of their woes.
Who he’s supported by is the big question, with Ben Brown the likely candidate.
Jacob Van Rooyen could assume that second tall role as he continues to impress in his second pre-season, for now, we have him billed as a third-tall off the bench.
Bayley Fritsch is a goal machine and could easily play full forward should Brown fall out of favour, while Alex Neal-Bullen is a lock as a hard-working high half-forward.
On the ground is where Melbourne thrives, with Kysaiah Pickett a star small forward and Charlie Spargo a quality option.
Jake Melksham is unlucky to miss out but could easily come into the side if the Demons opt for a slightly smaller forward line, particularly with one of Grundy or Gawn resting inside 50.
