Sam Frost: Had a strong pre-season and has made significant ground in regard to his defensive positioning. Played the final JLT game against St Kilda but may miss out on the round one side given the Demons are likely to prefer Oscar McDonald and Jake Lever in the key posts.
Michael Hibberd: Won All Australian honours in 2017 after a superb first season at Melbourne. Hibberd was a strong performer in both the Demons' JLT games, averaging 25 disposals from his two pre-season games.
Jayden Hunt: The Demons speedster is one of the brightest young talents on Melbourne's list and one of the most attacking half-backs in the AFL. Hunt spent time in defence and on the wing in the JLT Community Series.
Neville Jetta: Still severely underrated by those outside Melbourne. The lockdown defender is often charged with negating the opposition's most dangerous small forward. Had to manage a tight calf and knee soreness across the pre-season, but is ready to go for the home and away season.
Declan Keilty: The developing defender found his niche down back in the second half of last season and that appears to be his spot. Faces a tough challenge to break into the senior team with Jake Lever, Oscar McDonald and Sam Frost ahead of him, but could come in and do a job when required.
Jake Lever: The marquee recruit has been everything the Demons expected him to be when they were scouting him at Adelaide last year. Lever is as vocal as any player on Melbourne's list and has shown that he's not afraid to organise the defence. Crucial to Melbourne's finals hopes in 2018.
Jordan Lewis: The veteran is expected to be fit for round one despite suffering a calf strain in the club's first JLT Community Series clash against North Melbourne. His expert ball use and leadership will be called upon in defence this season after a summer spent training in the backline.
Oscar McDonald: With brother Tom to play forward, Oscar is the Demons' first-choice key defender alongside Lever. Has added size to his frame and has made great progress over the pre-season. Suffered back tightness in the Demons' last JLT game, but will be right to play in round one.
Pat McKenna: Spent most of the pre-season in rehab after a serious hamstring injury sidelined him for almost the entire 2017 season. The former Giant has started running and will soon integrate into training. Getting him back on the park will be the Demons' first priority.
Harrison Petty: Had a delayed start to his pre-season after injuring his elbow prior to Melbourne drafting him with pick No.37 in last year's NAB AFL Draft. The key defender will spend the majority of the year in the VFL honing his craft.
Joel Smith: Did not join in full training until well after Christmas after suffering a serious leg injury in August last year. Has started to integrate into full training as of the last three weeks. Will start the year in the VFL and build up form before pushing for senior selection.
Bernie Vince: The oldest player on Melbourne's list, Vince, 32, is expected to get the nod for round one. His ability to use the ball precisely off half-back is still a key component of Melbourne's team. Will be interesting to see whether the Demons can play both Lewis and Vince in the same team as the year goes on.
Josh Wagner: Played in the Demons' two JLT Community Series games and is right on the cusp of selection. His ability to play on multiple opponents gives Wagner a chance, given that he is versatile enough to play on talls and smalls. May just miss out based on the strength of Melbourne's half-backs. - Ben Guthrie
