Draw assessment
With nine of the first 13 games at the MCG, just five trips outside Victoria and meetings with Collingwood, Hawthorn and Geelong just once, the draw is very good. Five six-day breaks is about average while two cracks at GWS is a bonus. Tough patches, but that applies to each team.
Pivotal match
Brisbane Lions at the MCG in round one is huge. Both sides appear at similar stages in their development although the Demons' talent has attracted more headlines. If the Demons can win that game then it sets them up to remain on par for much of the season.
Injury list
Melbourne has been hit hard, losing Max Gawn for the season, with many other good players such as Jack Grimes, Jack Trengove, Luke Tapscott and Aaron Davey also enduring interrupted pre-seasons. Liam Jurrah has both injury and personal issues to deal with while the six-week injury to Colin Sylvia in the final NAB Cup match topped things off. Most should be filtering back in through the season.
Track specialist
High-flier Jeremy Howe has played just 13 games but looks set for a big 2012. Has benefitted from another pre-season and has an important role inside 50 and possibly further up the ground. Mark Jamar has overcome his knee problems and is in talks with the club to ensure he has a long-term contract. Jamar is vital but has prepared well.
Dream Team special
Matthew Bate suffered from a lack of opportunity in 2011 but he has had a strong summer, understands his role and can win his own ball. At $248,000 he appears good value, especially if he is used in the midfield as he has over the pre-season.
Draftee watch
Mitch Clark arrived through trade week and is certain to have an impact. However, James Sellar (drafted at No.54) has a huge upside after being a first round draft pick with Adelaide in 2006 and has performed well in patches during the pre-season. Josh Tynan is courageous and looks to have a big heart.
Needs a big year
Who doesn't among Melbourne's senior brigade? Forget Jack Watts, who just needs to make strong improvement, the pressure is on Aaron Davey and Brad Green to return to the high standards they are capable of. Of the youngsters, Cale Morton needs to cement a role after 64 games.
Best and fairest tip
Melbourne would love to see the three Jacks - Trengove, Grimes and Watts - fill the top five placings. Consistent midfielder Nathan Jones enters the season in best and fairest-type form after finishing fourth in 2011. Brent Moloney and Jamar will be contenders too.
Melbourne will have a good year if…
… it quickly understands the new defensive structures. The team is even and has about 30 players who would not surprise if named round one. The team's focus on winning the contested ball has not yet translated to chains of possession, with the Demons battling to match their opponent's disposal counts but it's a move in the right direction. The Demons will take one step at a time this year.
The big issues
How will senior players respond to being demoted if their form does not warrant a senior game?
Who will not adapt to the high performance culture that will be relentlessly introduced at Melbourne?
Can the team become more consistent from week to week than it was in 2011 and play as a team rather than a bunch of talented individuals?
Best 22
B: Clint Bartram, James Frawley, Colin Garland
HB: Colin Sylvia, Jared Rivers, Jack Grimes
C: Lynden Dunn, Brent Moloney, Jordie McKenzie
HF: Ricky Petterd, Stefan Martin, Jeremy Howe
F: Aaron Davey, Mitch Clark, Brad Green
FOLL: Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones, Jack Trengove
I/C: Jack Watts, James Magner James Sellar
Sub: Matthew Bate
AFL.com.au predicted ladder finish: 13th
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
