B: Daniel Nicholson, James Frawley, Colin Garland
HB: Jack Watts, Tom McDonald, Lynden Dunn
C: Jack Trengove, Jack Viney, David Rodan
HF: Sam Blease, Chris Dawes, Colin Sylvia
F: Shannon Byrnes, Mitch Clark, Jeremy Howe
Foll: Mark Jamar, Jack Grimes, Nathan Jones
I/C: Jimmy Toumpas, Jordie McKenzie, James Sellar
Sub: Luke Tapscott
Injury list
Mitch Clark's return is anticipated but he’s unlike to hit his straps until rounds four or five. Jack Trengove and Sam Blease will be underdone in round one but could be available, and the same applied to Chris Dawes. The club is taking a prudent path with the concussion recovery program for Rohan Bail.
The big questions
- Is the team improving as quickly as can reasonably be expected? The Demons have been down and out for a long time, but there's a quiet optimism the team is finally on the upward curve. More and more will be demanded, though, as Mark Neeld enters a more critical stage in his coaching tenure.
- Will the forward combination with Mitch Clark and Chris Dawes work? Melbourne was enthusiastic in its pursuit of Dawes, and got their man in last year's trade period. Clark showed bits and pieces in 2012, but injury took hold later in the year. How well the pair gel will determine much of Melbourne's success this season.
- When will the J-squad of Jimmy Toumpas, Jack Viney, Jack Trengove, Jack Grimes, Jack Watts, Jordie McKenzie, James Strauss, Josh Tynan, Jeremy Howe, James Frawley and Jesse Hogan peak? The Demons have built a steady core of players in recent drafts, and have had a large turnover of their list. They're still in a rebuilding phase, but things are looking up. It's a little quirky, but Melbourne will be hoping the players with a first name starting with 'J' can usher in a successful era at the club.
Summer standout
Jack Watts has been the standout in the practice match series. He returned much fitter and with Neil Craig emphasising what he needs to do in order to take the next step, the competitive aspects of his game are improving. He is just 22 and remains a relaxed character but appears to be relishing the chance to settle in defence.
Fantasy cash cow
Matt Jones is valued at $102,700 but has been in good enough form pre-season to vie for a spot in the midfield. As a mature-aged recruit he can be expected to bear some of the brunt for the talented youngsters and, if he is good enough, he will play plenty of games. At worst, his value will increase in the early rounds.
Sudden impact
Jack Viney is the man most likely although the Demons will ensure his development is done with an eye on the future. He has a strong body already, has been in the system for one season and is no shrinking violet. He has the attributes to make a strong early impression.
It's crunch time for…
Colin Sylvia. An obvious talent, he is out of contract this season as a restricted free agent and needs a consistent year to prove to outsiders that his future is with Melbourne. At his best, he is a match-winner but at his worst he can appear an unfulfilled talent. He needs to play his role consistently.
Pivotal match
Round one is only worth four points but it looms as more significant than most for the Demons. At the MCG against the Port Adelaide, most would have pencilled the opening game as a win for the Demons when the fixture arrived. If they win they can settle into a season of improvement but a loss will allow the doubters to find voice.
Melbourne will have a good year if…
It can play four quarters more often. They need to win more of the football and find more goalkickers. An injury free Clark will make a difference, particularly if Dawes can start holding some marks and Jeremy Howe plays on the opposition's third best defender. Signs that Viney and Toumpas are as talented as their junior rankings indicate will give everyone heart, while Watts should provide the team with plenty of rebound.
AFL.com.au predicted ladder finish: 15th
