Melbourne's rookie list is filled with players who were overlooked in previous drafts and who went back to VFL football and worked hard on improving their games. The Demons also have two former basketballers on their list, with teams having to be more creative with their talent spotting. With so many talented youngsters on the senior list, Melbourne has plenty of depth on its rookie list to rely on. 

Tim Smith
The mature-age forward played two senior matches earlier in the season before being struck down by injury. Smith suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung against Richmond in round five before being ruled out for the season with a navicular foot injury. The Demons are big admirers of the 26-year-old's competitiveness and will back him in to return after his rehab. 

Mitch White
The solid defender has managed four games in three seasons on Melbourne's rookie list and played his first match for the year against Sydney on Friday. Can no longer remain on the rookie list, so will need to be added to the primary list. Has a fight on his hands to prove he deserves another contract.

Joel Smith
The category B rookie signed a new two-year contract extension that will see him remain with the Demons until the end of 2019. The former basketballer earned many admirers over the pre-season and made his debut in round one. Unfortunately, his maiden AFL game was cut short when he injured his shoulder which required surgery. Back playing in the VFL and will push for senior selection in the coming weeks. 

Declan Keilty
Keilty has played up forward, in the ruck and even down back in the VFL this season. His strength is his versatility and that will help as he pushes for a run in the seniors. The query will be whether he can take the next step to AFL level. 

Lachlan Filipovic
The developing ruckman has been sidelined by a hip injury and will miss at least the next month of football. Added to the Demons' list in last year's NAB AFL Rookie Draft with the club needing extra depth in the ruck department, Filipovic remains a work in progress. 

Corey Maynard
Nearing a senior debut after an impressive debut campaign in the VFL. Signed as a category B rookie after playing four years of division one college basketball, Maynard's physicality and work rate have stood out. The 25-year-old has far exceeded expectations at this stage of his career. - Ben Guthrie