Oskar Baker: The speedy youngster impressed with his ability to break lines and take the game on in match simulation over the pre-season. Uses the footy exceptionally well for a young player. Will be given time to develop in the VFL, but the Demons have high hopes for a player who possesses a bit of X-factor.

Angus Brayshaw: Was excellent against St Kilda in the JLT Community Series with 19 disposals and two goals. Brayshaw is still wearing the helmet after his concussion issues over the last 18 months, and the Demons just want to see him back out on the field and contributing. The determined midfielder was sick earlier this week but is expected to be available for Sunday's game.

Lachlan Filipovic: The developing rookie ruckman received a one-year contract extension at the end of last year after an injury-interrupted first season at the Dees. Will look to hone his craft in the VFL for most of the year.

Max Gawn: The 2016 All Australian ruckman is in great shape after shedding up to eight kilograms at the end of last season. Gawn's form in the JLT series was extremely encouraging for the Demons, with the 208cm big man back to his dominant best. After an injury-riddled 2017, Gawn's return is a decisive one for the Demons.

Nathan Jones: The co-captain has struggled to shake off a flare up of back spasms in recent weeks but has been declared fit to play. Jones averaged 14 disposals in two JLT games and was solid without being spectacular. Jones' on-field leadership will be important for a team on the precipice of finals.

Jay Kennedy Harris: Kennedy-Harris did not feature in the JLT series and will have to work his way into senior contention with some good form in the VFL. The speedy midfielder/forward managed just six senior games last year (despite being prolific in the VFL), so 2018 shapes as a crunch year for him.

Mitch King: The young ruckman will start the year as Max Gawn's back up and will continue to learn from his mentor. After coming back from a ruptured ACL, King's form in the back half of last year was encouraging. Still a fair way off AFL footy at this stage of his career.

Corey Maynard: The former basketballer made a quicker than projected progression to life as an AFL footballer in 2017 and will look to take the next step in his development this season. A player who thrives on the contest and physical contact, Maynard averaged 16 disposals and six tackles in the JLT matches.

Clayton Oliver: Will be looking to back up a breakout season in which he won his maiden best and fairest and caught the attention of the AFL world. Oliver looked sharp in the JLT series and looks to have improved his outside game. Will be put through a fitness test at training on Thursday after a knock to the knee.

Christian Petracca: Many are tipping Petracca to take the competition by storm and it's not hard to see why. The powerfully-built youngster trained as a midfielder over the summer and looks set to make an impact on ball or up forward. Has all the tools to be a top-five player in the competition in the coming years.

Christian Salem: A dedicated off-season fitness program saw Salem come back to the club in top nick and that level of commitment allowed him to produce his best football in the JLT games. The Demons have shifted him into an inside midfield role, and after injury and illness have held him back, 2018 could be a big year for Salem.

Billy Stretch: The hard-working wingman was consistent across the two JLT games, averaging 19 disposals. Stretch is one of the most professional players on Melbourne's list and he has given himself every chance of featuring in round one.

Dom Tyson: After overcoming a calf problem, Tyson returned to the team and collected 19 touches and laid eight tackles against the Saints. Tyson's ability around stoppages makes him an important part of the team. The midfielder was best afield in the VFL on Saturday and looks ready to go against the Cats.

Jack Viney: Viney goes into the 2018 season with hardly any training under his belt after off-season foot surgery. The co-skipper will miss round one, but is targeting a return – most likely through the VFL – in round three. Getting him back into the team and fully fit will be hugely important to Melbourne's midfield. - Ben Guthrie