Predictions, best 23: Rebound or rebuild? Dees’ writing on the wall
The Demons still think they’re in the premiership window, but they finished outside the top eight in 2024. CALLUM DICK names their best side, who’s playing for a contract and more.
Melbourne
Dees injury shock: Gawn suffers painful pre-Christmas fracture
Melbourne captain Max Gawn is set to miss most of January after suffering a painful blow in the final week of pre-season training before Christmas.
Nasty injury sidelines Dees skipper
A painful injury in pre-season training has derailed the summer plans of Melbourne’s star captain.
Dees expect Petracca drama to prompt widespread AFL change
Melbourne has again defended its medical team’s decision to allow Christian Petracca to return to the field with what would later be revealed as catastrophic injuries. Plus, what the Demons have learned from the drama.
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‘We are excited’: Dees laud Oliver progress after year of turmoil
Melbourne has conceded Clayton Oliver’s struggles became more public than the club hoped but have backed the superstar midfielder to return to his best in 2025.
Demons’ breakthrough in $100m facility fight
There were fears the $195 million purchase by Mount Scopus Memorial College this week could jeopardise Melbourne’s plans to build an elite new facility – but there’s some good news.
How new Dee went from sausage rolls and kicking snags to AFL
A few years ago, Aidan Johnson was kicking bags of goals in country footy while on the tools and having sausage rolls for lunch. He tells JAY CLARK about his meteoric rise.
Pickett’s uncle to train with Dees amid AFL interest
Kysaiah Pickett’s uncle is poised to train with Melbourne, with the club open-minded about adding him to the senior list in 2025 if a spot becomes available.
Demons ponder big man reshuffle to fix forward funk
Harrison Petty has endured a lean few seasons up forward, but the Demons may be eyeing a positional shift back to defence for the man. JAY CLARK has the details.
Track watch: Young gun upstages Bont, father-son Dee excites
A new rookie has upstaged Marcus Bontempelli on the training track, while Demons fans are hoping a stint at Melbourne will help convince Jeff White’s son Kalani to pick them over the Suns.
Plea for unity as Demon fans get their say on year from hell
A hotly contested board vote is underway as Melbourne enters a make or break season – and president Brad Green says the choice is crucial to support coach Simon Goodwin.
The ‘super-competitive’ VFL Bee now a surprise AFL Dee
Aidan Johnson – a 193cm forward out of the Ovens and Murray who hunts the ball like a midfielder – has got an AFL call-up at the age of 24.
First pics: Petracca returns to Dees after trade fiasco
Christian Petracca has made a welcome return to Melbourne, putting his trade threat in the past as he looks to launch into 2025. SEE THE FIRST PICTURES HERE
Petracca and Oliver clouds usher in Dees’ future-proofing draft haul
The Demons drew a line on a difficult year on Wednesday night, landing two young guns at the top of the draft, but is it a sign of their doubt surrounding the futures of their superstar midfielders?
Original URL: https://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne