Melbourne Demons AFL 2024 Predictions, Projections and Player Movement

Melbourne are precariously perched at the pointy top of the AFL. There are few teams that are better or more consistent and for mine it is only injuries or absences that can derail the Demons in 2024. Their winning culture has been the envy of the league for the past few years and whilst this season will be a test on their depth i see them handling their business with gusto. 

Melbourne have a superstar list. They are still firmly in their Premiership window and there is no doubt they have the skill and the mindset to continue playing winning footy, not only this year but for the coming 2-3 years.

The Demons were 2nd in the league in Inside 50’s and 3rd in Contested Possessions last year pointing to a damaging attack and a willingness to win hard footy. Their already superstar players like Petracca and Viney still have the ability to improve, which is a scary thought for their opposition.

The lack of rucking and quality mid-field depth. The Dees were already short on rucks before the Grundy experiment. Max Gawn is an astounding player and when he plays well Melbourne usually win. It’s the risk though of overloading a veteran player and having all your eggs in the one basket. The young talls will need to learn quickly if injury happens to strike and Melbourne want to stay atop the AFL. Without Clayton Oliver for the foreseeable future the Dees are desperate for midfield presence and will need to call on their other veterans to help out in the middle while the young guns fill the gaps across the park.

The Demons were the worst in the league at allowing their opposition to have Rebound 50 entries. Teams often chose to kick rather than run to get through or around the Dees which also resulted in them playing a lot of contested footy, on both sides of the ball.

Jack Billings (trade, St Kilda), Kynan Brown (Rookie Draft, father-son), Tom Fullarton (trade, Brisbane), Marty Hore (SSP, Williamstown VFL), Shane McAdam (trade, Adelaide), Koltyn Tholstrup (No.13 draft pick), Caleb Windsor (No.7 draft pick)

Luke Dunstan (retired), Brodie Grundy (trade, Sydney), James Harmes (trade, Western Bulldogs), Michael Hibberd (retired), James Jordon (free agent, Sydney), Deakyn Smith (delisted), Kye Turner (delisted)