For the first time in a decade, the Melbourne Demons is a destination of appeal to players.
With a bright future ahead, the league is preparing to witness the birth of a considerable force, as the Demons look to cause a stir in 2017.
Paul Roos’ resurrection is complete, leaving Simon Goodwin in charge of a formidable outfit.
Despite not playing finals since 2006, Melbourne will take confidence out of the underdog champions from Footscray this year.
In an equalised competition, the premiership race has never been so open, leaving the blossoming Dees in a position to swoop.
The trade period has been a significant success for Melbourne, and is the next stepping stone in their road to glory.
As expected, dashing Dons defender Michael Hibberd has made the move, providing a thumping left boot off half back.
But the surprise of the period has been the fall out at Hawthorn, with Jordan Lewis following four-time premiership teammate Sam Mitchell with an unexpected move away from the club.
Lewis signed a three-year deal with the Demons, identifying his new side as a powerful club, stating “Melbourne are really knocking on the door.”
His confidence in the structure is a delight for fans, showing that the red and blue is now a guernsey that players dream to where.
The 30-year-old will slot straight into a powerful best 22, with his experience a treat for first round draft picks Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca, Angus Brayshaw and Dom Tyson to feed off. He will also provide support for Jack Viney, while leading by example with the senior Nathan Jones and Bernie Vince. To boot, his class will complement the silky Christian Salem, with the left-footed duo preparing to deliver the ball inside 50.
Most importantly, Lewis will enjoy being fed by All-Australian star Max Gawn, who will only improve.
Ex-Bomber Jake Melksham will be another welcomed addition to the Melbourne midfield. Melksham made the move to the Dees during the 2015 trade period before being suspended due to the CAS findings. Demons fans are yet to gain a glimpse of the pacey wingman, but he is sure to excite on the MCG.
Youngster Jayden Hunt was a revelation in 2016, playing 19 consecutive games to finish the season. Hunt’s run off half back was something to behold, and if he continues to grow, opposition sides will have to take note.
Hibberd will combine well with Hunt down back, both providing class at ground level and courage in the air. With Neville Jetta rounding out the small defenders, the Demons have a tight combination.
To complete the powerful defensive six, the Demons saw growth in three young talls this season. Ever reliable Tom McDonald led by example and assisted his brother Oscar in finding his feet at AFL level. Oscar’s ability to intercept the ball is unique as the pair are able to not only defend, but rebound as well.
Finally, the Demons gave up on a failed attempt to turn ex-Giant Sam Frost into a forward, with the running defender rejuvenating his career. Frost is a strong presence, able to take a key forward and use his long arms to spoil in the air. However, he also provides run and confidence with pace that cannot be matched by a man of his height.
This defensive set up should be a weapon, as the Demons’ web will be sure to shut down opposition scores throughout 2017.
At the other end of the field, the signing of Jesse Hogan allows Demons fans to take a deep breath and sleep easy at night, after speculation of a return home to Perth.
With the pressure off the 2015 Rising Star winner’s shoulders, one can only hope he will recapture his best form and have the dominant 2017 that everyone knows he is capable of.
Jack Watts had a career-best season, booting 38 goals and assisting Gawn in the ruck to add another string to his bow. Watts’ class is superb in any role and he has become ‘Mr Reliable’ at the dying stages of games.
Pacey duo Dean Kent and Jeff Garlett are difficult to combat, and they will undoubtedly cause havoc at the feet of Hogan yet again next year.
With first-round draftee Sam Weideman showing tremendous signs at the back end of the season, including a stunning debut performance, fans are excited to see his progress. Weideman and Hogan are set to become one of the great key-forward combinations in the AFL and if they can fire in 2017, there is no reason the Demons cannot go all the way.
An extremely strong best 22 for the Dees fails to include proven young performers in Billy Stretch, James Harmes, Josh Wagner and Aaron vanDenberg, as well as the senior Cameron Pedersen and Heritor Lumumba, showing the depth this club now has.
The talent pool is only expected to grow in coming years, with players sure to join in a bid for premiership glory.
The days of Hawthorn, Geelong and Collingwood are over. Melbourne’s future has been recognised and the shift in trade requests will follow suit.
Promising coach Goodwin will be itching to get a hold of his group in the preseason, as he musters up a premiership worthy gameplan.
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