Best 22 – round one
B: Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Jake Melksham
HB: Jayden Hunt, Oscar McDonald, Jordan Lewis
C: Dom Tyson, Nathan Jones, Christian Salem
HF: Christian Petracca, Jack Watts, Dean Kent
F: Angus Brayshaw, Jesse Hogan, Jeff Garlett
Foll: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney
I/C: Tom Bugg, Jake Spencer, Bernie Vince, Billy Stretch
Injury list
Dean Kent (back) and Jeff Garlett (hamstring) are racing the clock to be fit for round one and will play in a VFL practice match on Sunday. Both are vital members of the team and the Demons will give them every opportunity to push their claims. Michael Hibberd (Achilles), Aaron vandenBerg (foot), Sam Frost (toe), Mitch King (knee) and Josh Wagner (fibula) will not be available for the opening round as they recover from their respective injuries.
The big questions
Can Simon Goodwin take the Demons to a new level?
The new coach has made some key statements in the pre-season, he's given responsibility to young players and has taken a hands-on approach. Goodwin wants his players to play with speed and be bold, so look for an attacking Melbourne side this season.
What impact can Jordan Lewis, Michael Hibberd and Jake Melksham make?
Apart from their obvious talent, Lewis and Hibberd were recruited to add much-needed experience to a young team with minimal finals experience. Lewis, in particular, has featured in many September campaigns and has been added to the club's leadership group. Hibberd's toughness and powerful kicking should add something different to Melbourne's back six, while Melksham's versatility will be important as the season progresses.
Will Melbourne deliver on its promise?
The Demons appear ready to become a team to be reckoned with in 2017. But, the development phase is over, and it's now time for Melbourne to produce consistent performances to put itself in a position to contend for finals.
Look for…
Clayton Oliver to have a breakout season and cement his status as Melbourne's most talented young player. The emerging midfielder is ready to take his game to a new level in 2017, having improved his fitness and worked on adding different layers to his game. Oliver has stripped more than 5kg off his frame and is better equipped to impact games on a consistent basis.
Who they play
With both teams hoping to put themselves in finals contention, the round one match-up against St Kilda shapes as vital. That Melbourne has not defeated the Saints in its last 14 attempts adds to the significance of the clash. The Demons have one of the most friendly fixtures out of any side in the AFL. Their seven home games inside Victoria to start the season is a significant advantage.
Fantasy cash cow
Dion Johnstone (FWD, $150,000) was nominated by co-captain Nathan Jones as his bolter in 2017 and the skipper is not the only person at the Demons excited by what the youngster could produce. Johnstone is tenacious, speedy and importantly does not take a backward step. Look for the 18-year-old to appear at senior level at some stage this season.
Sudden impact
Experienced trio Lewis, Hibberd and Melksham will all add experience and steel to a young team. Lewis' on-field direction and leadership will be particularly significant for the Demons. Young forward Dion Johnstone, pick No.68 in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft, has impressed the coaches with his toughness and goal sense and may be called upon to play during the year.
It's crunch time for…
Jack Watts. When isn't it crunch time for Jack Watts? After his best season at AFL level in 2016, where he booted a career-high 38 goals, Watts is back under pressure after being left out of the club's first two JLT Community Series games based on his training standards. After being stung by public and internal criticism, Watts will want to respond with vigour.
Pressure rating on the coach
Goodwin is as cool as the other side of the pillow and his temperament reflects the heat on his job in his first season as coach.
The Demons will have a good year if…
Players such as Christian Petracca, Angus Brayshaw, Christian Salem, Jayden Hunt and Clayton Oliver continue on their upward trend. Melbourne is stacked with talented young players, but they need to learn how to perform at a high level every week and develop winning habits.
They’re in trouble if …
Max Gawn goes down with injury. Back-up ruckman Jake Spencer had a fine pre-season, but, along with Jesse Hogan, Gawn is Melbourne's most important player. Losing the All Australian big man would be disastrous for the Demons.
Pass mark
The Demons should be aiming to make finals for the first time since 2006. They are among a logjam of teams who appear to be vying for positions 6-12 on the ladder.
AFL.com.au predicted ladder finish
Eighth. The Demons have been favoured to pip St Kilda for the last spot in the top eight, based on projections by AFL.com.au reporters.
Player Ratings star
Max Gawn, 13. Emphasising his outstanding season, the Demons ruckman rose 282 places in the Schick AFL Player Ratings.
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