MELBOURNE'S plan to play at least one final in 2016 will receive a boost this year as the club moves into a position to pay 100 per cent of the salary cap.
After restructuring their player payments, the Demons have moved into a position to land a quality player in the next two to three years.
They expressed interest in out of contract midfielder Patrick Dangerfield during last season's trade period but eventually held on to picks No.2 and No.3.
At a media briefing held on Thursday the club confirmed its improved culture and financial position had put the Demons in a better position to compete in the market for players.
Melbourne has embarked on a major restructure of its list under new coach Paul Roos, with just 23 players who were at the club in 2013 remaining on the list.
Since Roos was appointed coach, the Demons have recruited Bernie Vince, Daniel Cross, Dom Tyson, Heritirer Lumumba, Viv Michie, Sam Frost, Ben Newton, Jeff Garlett and Aidan Riley from other AFL clubs.
They have also drafted talented youngsters Christian Petracca, Angus Brayshaw and Christian Salem and added father-son Billy Stretch to the list.
Simon Goodwin has also been appointed to take over as coach in 2016 and the club has restructured its development program to create more connection between the senior team and the Casey Scorpions.
The Demons restructured their executive under CEO Peter Jackson, have a different looking board and managed to stabilise their financial position recording a $160,000 profit in 2014.
They have budgeted for another small profit this year as they gradually rebuild trust with supporters after several years in the football wilderness.
Jackson told AFL.com.au in February that a series of good decisions was required to push the club up the ladder given the club had not played finals since 2006 but he was happy with the direction.
"Time will tell whether that [playing finals] is achievable," Jackson said.
"We've got to aspire to that because if we don’t, what the hell are we here for?"
