Coach: Mick Stinear

2020 captain: Daisy Pearce

2020 best and fairest: Shelley Scott

Shelley Scott in action against St Kilda

2020 in a nutshell: The Dees would have been thrilled to qualify for their first finals series in 2020, albeit under strange circumstances. They finished the abridged home and away season with four wins and two losses, one a poor performance against new side St Kilda. Wins over eventual finalists North Melbourne and Collingwood were big ticks, but most of the action came during the trade period. Saying they were rebuilding on the run, the Demons traded six players out, including Elise O'Dea, Bianca Jakobsson and Harriet Cordner.

New players: Alyssa Bannan, Eliza McNamara, Maggie Caris, Megan Fitzsimon, Mietta Kendall, Isabella Simmons (draft), Lauren Magee (rookie)

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Notable departures: Elise O'Dea and Maddy Guerin (Carlton), Katherine Smith (GWS), Bianca Jakobsson (St Kilda), Aliesha Newman (Collingwood), Harriet Cordner (Richmond)

Inactive players: Nil

2021 opponents: Adelaide (h), GWS (a), St Kilda (h), Brisbane (a), Carlton (a), Richmond (h), North Melbourne (a), Western Bulldogs (h), Collingwood (a)

Circle it: Round five will see Melbourne come up against former co-captain and new Blue Elise O'Dea for the first time. These two sides have also had intriguing battles over the past few years.  

Player to watch: Midfielder/forward Lily Mithen was poised for a breakout season in 2020 before an ill-timed ankle injury held her back until round five. She's been in strong form on the track and is ready to spend more time in the engine room in 2021.

Best Rising Star chance: Alyssa Bannan

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 16: Alyssa Bannan of the Demons in action during the 2021 AFLW practice match between the Geelong Cats and the Melbourne Demons at GMHBA Stadium on January 16, 2021 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)