Staying or going? The latest intel and verdict on every Melbourne player ahead of list cull
Melbourne will begin making calls on its list without its coach for 2026 locked in. Here’s who will stay, go, or be traded as the Dees embark on a return to relevance.
Less than one year ago, there was a host of uncontracted players across the league that were considered unlucky to miss out on extensions.
AFL list managers saw the 2024 draft crop as one of the best in years, prompting teams to open up additional slots at the expense of fringe and developing players at their club.
But fast forward another 12 months and the lack of quality depth in this class has list managers cautious to cut their lists too deep.
One development coach said he expected a “complete 180” on approaches from clubs around the competition.
“I think you’ll see there will be a real shift from last year, it won’t look anything like it did,” they said.
“It’ll be night and day if you compare last year to this year, there’s going to be guys who don’t deserve another chance get held onto.
“Last year it was the opposite; players were getting delisted so clubs could take swings in a strong draft.”
But there are clubs around the league that will need to defy the shallow and weak draft to progress with their rebuilds.
And the spring of 2025 is shaping to be a pivotal off-season for Melbourne, who needs to find an identity as it also searches for a new coach.
As it stands, Melbourne only has three selections (No. 24, No. 50 and No. 60) in the upcoming draft, meaning the list boss Tim Lamb will need to get creative to welcome in fresh talent.
The Demons have not been afraid to trade into a draft they like, moving heaven and earth to land Kysaiah Pickett and Xavier Lindsay, and putting a godfather offer to West Coast for the pick eventually used on Harley Reid.
While it’s not the draft to move future picks to trade into, Melbourne may be forced into turning to the crop to find future stars.
Stars like Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver pushed for exits last season and could try again despite holding contracts, while rising gun Judd McVee is also surveying the market and could be on the move.
See who is likely to remain and leave as Melbourne prepares for exit meetings this week.
1. STEVEN MAY
Age: 33, Games: 251 (16 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
May endured a brutal end of 2025, battling through poor form without his partner-in-crime Jake Lever. It was his lowest games return in a season since his first year at Melbourne. He is contracted for another season at Melbourne, but while every piece of statistical data suggests he is on a rapid decline, he’ll be wanted outside of Melbourne if the club decides to move on from the veteran. With a new coach and a host of other changes both on and off the field, May could be moved if all parties decide on a fresh start.
Verdict: Staying
2. JACOB VAN ROOYEN
Age: 22, Games: 57 (16 in 2025), Contract ends: 2029
He probably hasn’t come on as strongly as the Demons would’ve liked, but the reality is van Rooyen is a 22 year old forward that is a tick over 50 games into his career. But how much is his fault, and how much blame can be laid on the slow-moving, sky-ball game plan that has led to the one of the least-efficient forward lines in recent history? Van Rooyen is contracted until 2029, is seen as a big part of the future at Melbourne, and isn’t going anywhere.
Verdict: Staying
3. CHRISTIAN SALEM
Age: 30, Games: 199 (23 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
A mainstay in Melbourne’s defensive unit, Salem has been a very solid contributor this season. He has never been a superstar, rather a capable rebounding option that is also a solid one-on-one medium-sized defender. He is contracted for 2026 and is only 30 years old, so he’ll play on at Melbourne next season.
Verdict: Staying
4. JUDD MCVEE
Age: 22, Games: 65 (17 in 2025), Contract ends: 2025
Melbourne wants McVee to stay and he wants to remain at Melbourne, but he also wants a more lucrative role guaranteed to him and the Demons are somewhat unwilling to promise him anything. It’s unlikely he makes a decision on his future before a new coach is locked in, but considering he hasn’t signed the offer in front of him indicates his uncertainty. There would be a suite of suitors for the rookie draft graduate, including sides outside of his home state of Western Australia. His partner is Lily Johnson, who plays for Melbourne’s AFLW side.
Verdict: Staying
5. CHRISTIAN PETRACCA
Age: 29, Games: 212 (23 in 2025), Contract ends: 2029
Petracca pushed for the exits at the end of last season, and now Goodwin is gone he could ask for another trade. One sticking point is a lucrative, and lengthy, contract that ties him to the Demons until 2029. But Petracca might be keeping an eye on Goodwin’s permanent replacement before making an official decision. Whoever trades for Petracca would have to give up a King’s ransom to land the superstar.
Verdict: Staying
6. CALEB WINDSOR
Age: 20, Games: 36 (17 in 2025), Contract ends: 2028
The former first rounder had an indifferent year which has included some VFL games as well as being subbed on and off three times in 17 senior matches. He is a highly-regarded talent that can play on a wing or behind the ball, with internal hopes he can evolve into a centre square midfielder in time. Windsor is contracted until 2028 and will not be going anywhere.
Verdict: Staying
7. JACK VINEY
Age: 31, Games: 237 (18 in 2025), Contract ends: 2028
Viney is 12 months removed from a North Melbourne offer that prompted a three-year extension from the Demons. The deal for the former co-captain was seen as a questionable move at the time, considering Viney was already contracted for 2025 and would be signed until he was 34. The midfield will likely move past Viney in the coming seasons and he’ll need to develop another string to his bow; something he hasn’t done in his first 13 years at AFL level.
Verdict: Staying
8. JAKE LEVER
Age: 29, Games: 186 (8 in 2025), Contract ends: 2028
Rival clubs are coming for the contracted defender, who is signed on through to 2028. But that’s not stopping the likes of North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs, who are both needing experienced key defensive help. He has only managed eight senior games this season, battling injury and form, but his omission in round 16 has opened the door for interested rivals trying to entice Lever to a potential move away from Melbourne.
Verdict: Staying
9. CHARLIE SPARGO
Age: 25, Games: 108 (10 in 2025), Contract ends: 2025
A mainstay in Melbourne’s premiership side, Spargo has endured a difficult run in the past two years. And it comes at a bad time as he comes out of contract at the end of the season. He would be stiff to find himself off an AFL list in 2026 despite a limited campaign due to injuries.
Verdict: Staying
10. DANIEL TURNER
Age: 23, Games: 37 (19 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
The mid-season draftee has been a shining light of Melbourne’s campaign, improving to become a versatile option at either end of the ground. Turner has a great set of hands, allowing him to play as a marking target up forward or an intercepting defender down back. He’s now been on the list for four years and is contracted for 2026, but expect the developing Demon to secure his future beyond that.
Verdict: Staying
11. MAX GAWN
Age: 33, Games: 247 (23 in 2025), Contract ends: 2027
The only way Gawn is not at Melbourne next year is if he retires, but despite being 33 years old he is showing no signs of slowing down. Gawn has been the standout ruck and should be an All Australian for an eighth time. The only question over his future is whether he continues on as captain or if he hands over the reins, but even then it would be very unlikely for him to stand aside.
Verdict: Staying
12. KOLTYN THOLSTRUP
Age: 20, Games: 19 (9 in 2025), Contract ends: 2028
It’s been a frustrating start for the former first rounder, who hasn’t quite kicked on in his second campaign. He’s played just nine games so far this season, having been omitted twice and been subbed off three times. But as Melbourne enters a new era, the incoming coach isn’t going to shop around a No. 13 draftee who is contracted for another three seasons.
Verdict: Staying
13. CLAYTON OLIVER
Age: 28, Games: 205 (22 in 2025), Contract ends: 2030
The big money that Oliver is commanding from Melbourne will be a sticking point if he tries to find a fresh start for next season. He’s contracted for a further five years at about $1.7 million a year in the final seasons of his deal. If he is to move on, he’ll need to get creative as the interest from Geelong has died down, and no club will want to pay full freight. If Oliver really wants to move he’ll have to sacrifice some cash to get the commitment to be more manageable for a rival.
Verdict: Staying
14. JACK BILLINGS
Age: 30, Games: 172 (1 in 2025), Contract ends: 2025
Billings is 30 and at the end of his contract, and considering he has played just one senior game in 2025 it is hard to see him at the club next season. His VFL form has been outstanding late in the year, collecting 30+ touches six times in an eight-game stretch. He would need to find a third AFL club to add to his 172 games.
Verdict: Going
15. ED LANGDON
Age: 29, Games: 202 (23 in 2025), Contract ends: 2028
The winger has been consistent again this season, notching up his 200th game late in the season. Langdon has barely missed a game since making the move to Melbourne ahead of the 2020 season, and while he’s never been a superstar he is one of the first magnets on the whiteboard each week. He’ll be 30 at the start of the season and is signed for another three years.
Verdict: Staying
16. BAILEY LAURIE
Age: 23, Games: 12 (1 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
Laurie will be hoping a new coach brings new life into his career. He landed at Melbourne with the No. 22 pick in 2020 and has played 12 games since, with just one as the sub coming in 2025. Laurie is contracted for 2026, which gives him a chance to prove himself under a new system. His form in the VFL has been outstanding as a midfielder who drifts forward, which could lead to a club sniffing after his services.
Verdict: Staying
17. JAKE BOWEY
Age: 22, Games: 84 (23 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
Bowey enjoyed a career-best season and has become Melbourne’s primary ball user off half back. Bowey is locked in at Melbourne for next season, but the Demons will likely move early to sign him beyond 2026.
Verdict: Staying
18. JAKE MELKSHAM
Age: 33, Games: 248 (19 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
It’s been a serious resurgence for Melksham, who ended the season with a career-high goals tally. He booted 33 goals in 19 games, pipping his haul of 32 from 2018. He told this masthead in July he wouldn’t move clubs, having said “I’m not going anywhere – I’ll either be at Melbourne or I won’t.” But he signed on for another season soon after the final game of 2025.
Verdict: Staying
The Melkman is ready for more. 🥛👠Jake Melksham is set to light up the MCG again in 2026, with the Melbourne forward signing on for next AFL season. #DemonSpiritpic.twitter.com/GIUEE5fuCE
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) August 25, 2025
19. HARVEY LANGFORD
Age: 19, Games: 22 (22 in 2025), Contract ends: 2027
He enjoyed a consistent maiden campaign, missing just one game this season and rolling through the midfield as well as playing up forward. The club is in love with Langford, both as a player and a young leader, and see him as a long-term, blue-chip midfielder.
Verdict: Staying
20. XAVIER LINDSAY
Age: 19, Games: 18 (18 in 2025), Contract ends: 2027
The Demons traded up on draft night, sacrificing their 2025 draft hand, so they could secure Lindsay. And it has paid off, grabbing two top-10 midfielders who have different strengths. Lindsay’s classy ball use and creativity allows him to thrive outside the contest or off half back. Another big win from the recruiting team.
Verdict: Staying
21. MATTHEW JEFFERSON
Age: 21, Games: 7 (7 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
The high-flying key forward made his debut in round 1 after two full seasons toiling away in the VFL. He still isn’t the finished product, but Jefferson managed seven games in 2025 for a return of 4.4. He is a highly-touted former first rounder, and will be given time to develop.
Verdict: Staying
22. BLAKE HOWES
Age: 22, Games: 28 (12 in 2025), Contract ends: 2027
The athletic and versatile defender has been relatively restricted as a lockdown medium-sized option, but has shown glimpses of being relied on as an interceptor when at VFL level. It’s a hard role to crack alongside May, Lever and McDonald, who are all strong in the air. After 16 games last year, Howes only played 12 in 2025 but he has shown clear improvement at VFL level, averaging 23 touches and 10 marks per game. He is signed to 2027, so he won’t be moving.
Verdict: Staying
23. SHANE MCADAM
Age: 30, Games: 53 (0 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
He hasn’t been able to get a clear run at it in his career, let alone his time at Melbourne. The small forward ruptured his achilles in February after just three senior games in 2024. McAdam has a deal for next year, but he could still be paid out of his deal to open up a list spot.
Verdict: Staying
24. TRENT RIVERS
Age: 24, Games: 123 (23 in 2025), Contract ends: 2027
Rivers is developing nicely as a versatile option for Melbourne, having initially cut his teeth as a defender. But the young gun has enjoyed strong form when exposed to the midfield, which will likely continue next season. He is signed until 2027.
Verdict: Staying
25. TOM MCDONALD
Age: 32, Games: 249 (17 in 2025), Contract ends: 2025
The veteran defender was consigned to a depth role in 2025, yet McDonald has played more games than both Steven May and Jake Lever – the players he was supposed to be backing up. He showed decent form at AFL level too; averaging 14.4 touches and 6.1 marks per contest. His form warranted another one-year deal that he signed at the end of the campaign.
Verdict: Staying
The Melkman is ready for more. 🥛👠Jake Melksham is set to light up the MCG again in 2026, with the Melbourne forward signing on for next AFL season. #DemonSpiritpic.twitter.com/GIUEE5fuCE
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) August 25, 2025
26. JED ADAMS
Age: 21, Games: 1 (1 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
Adams made his senior debut in round 21, and while it wasn’t a monster performance it was great reward for the key defender who has toiled away in the reserves. Adams is contracted until the end of 2026, so won’t be going anywhere, but he’ll want to kick on and start playing consistent footy next season.
Verdict: Staying
27. MARTY HORE
Age: 29, Games: 20 (0 in 2025), Contract ends: 2025
If Marty Hore can make his way back to play at senior level, it would be an incredible story of perseverance. Hore was delisted at the end of 2021 after an injury-riddled run, but landed back on Melbourne’s list in 2023 after some strong VFL form for Williamstown. But the defender suffered a torn ACL and ruptured biceps tendon against Gold Coast in the VFL this season.
Verdict: Going
28. WILL VERRALL
Age: 21, Games: 0 (0 in 2025), Contract ends: 2025
It’s a hard gig to expect senior games when the No. 1 ruck at your club is one of the all-time greats who is also the captain. Melbourne has been impressed by his improving form in 2025, as Verrall attempts to improve his forward craft. He’s out of contract but it would be a surprise to see him moved on, unless the Demons land another ruck in trade or free agency.
Verdict: Staying
29. TOM CAMPBELL
Age: 33, Games: 58 (0 in 2025), Contract ends: 2025
Campbell hasn’t played AFL footy for Melbourne yet, but his Casey form has been strong. The Demons have preferred Gawn as a one-out ruck with a key forward pinch-hitting, and Gawn played the entire season. Campbell will likely be retained as a ready-made back up option who is widely regarded as someone who is great for culture.
Verdict: Staying
30. HARRY SHARP
Age: 22, Games: 34 (18 in 2025), Contract ends: 2025
It’s been a mixed bag for Sharp this season. He played 18 senior games this season, but he was subbed on or off in 10 of those games. Sharp has shown flashes at AFL level, but didn’t have the game that broke the substitute image. He would be considered stiff not to earn a deal after playing the majority of the season in the seniors, but an extension is no guarantee.
Verdict: Staying
31. BAYLEY FRITSCH
Age: 28, Games: 171 (22 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
Go back three months and Fritsch was widely regarded as out the door at Melbourne. But after a week at Casey the forward has been a solid contributor for the Demons. He loves the club and he doesn’t want to go anywhere, so he will be at Melbourne in 2026 considering he’s got a contract.
Verdict: Staying
32. TOM SPARROW
Age: 25, Games: 117 (22 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
Sparrow has regressed in recent years despite playing at least 20 games for a fifth straight season. The midfielder would’ve hoped to make a bigger dent in the Demons’ centre bounce rotation in 2025, but he has played mainly forward or outside of the contest. He’s got a deal for next year and likely hasn’t shown enough to be a trade target for rival clubs.
Verdict: Staying
33. TOM FULLARTON
Age: 26, Games: 21 (2 in 2025), Contract ends: 2025
Fullarton was brought in to help the Demons’ forward-line woes. He’s been great for Casey in his two seasons in red and blue, but that has not translated to consistent games or decent form at AFL level. He is out of contract at the end of the season and hasn’t shown enough to warrant another deal.
Verdict: Going
35. HARRISON PETTY
Age: 25, Games: 101 (19 in 2025), Contract ends: 2027
Petty was locked into a defensive role heading into 2025 after a couple of failed seasons up forward. But despite the pre-season promises, Petty played as a versatile utility. As someone who hasn’t played permanently forward, Petty has done well to average a goal per game this season. He is signed on at Melbourne for another two seasons so will remain at the Demons.
Verdict: Staying
36. KYSAIAH PICKETT
Age: 20, Games: 126 (20 in 2025), Contract ends: 2034
Pickett was widely tipped to be out at the end of the season, but he turned his back on the prospect of a move west and instead signed the longest, and most lucrative, contract in the AFL. He’s now signed until the end of 2034.
Verdict: Staying
37. KADE CHANDLER
Age: 25, Games: 79 (23 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
The highly-regarded forward has been a mainstay for Melbourne the past few seasons, and he is on track to improve his output from last season. It hasn’t been a breakout season for Chandler but he is an honest, hardworking pressure forward that is averaging a tick under a goal per game.
Verdict: Staying
38. OLIVER SESTAN
Age: 21, Games: 0 (0 in 2025), Contract ends: 2025
The rookie pick is slowly blossoming into a valuable midfield option for Casey, collecting at least 20 touches in almost every game he’s played. Unfortunately for him, a hamstring injury and then a facial injury has sidelined him since round 10, but he is eyeing a late push for VFL finals. Still uncontracted for 2026, Sestan’s future is up in the air.
Verdict: Staying
39. RICKY MENTHA JNR
Age: 18, Games: 0 (0 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
Mentha got his chance in the pre-season, signing on at Melbourne as a Category B Rookie. He’s signed on until 2026, so he won’t be going anywhere, but the small forward has shown decent signs of improvement in the elite program. While he’s only kicked seven goals in 16 games, he is averaging 11.8 touches and 2.8 tackles per game.
Verdict: Staying
40. TAJ WOEWODIN
Age: 22, Games: 21 (1 in 2025), Contract ends: 2025
Woewodin has fallen out of favour this year after playing 16 matches in 2024. While 10 of his 16 games last year were as the starting substitute, it was still plenty of AFL-level exposure that should have held him in good stead to carve out a bigger role in 2025. But instead he’s toiled away at VFL level, averaging 18.4 touches and 4.7 marks in a wing role with shifts through the centre at times. He’s out of contract and would be one of the last to be offered a deal.
Verdict: Going
41. KYNAN BROWN
Age: 20, Games: 2 (0 in 2025), Contract ends: 2025
Brown made his debut in 2024 but hasn’t broken back into the side in 2025. Instead he’s been stuck in the VFL, averaging 17.6 touches and 5.4 tackles for Casey. He’s rolled through the midfield, wing and up forward at times, but so far hasn’t completely ripped a game apart at the level. He’s out of a contract and will be made to wait for a deal.
Verdict: Going
42. AIDAN JOHNSON
Age: 25, Games: 5 (5 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
The VFL premiership player was plucked out of Werribee to make an instant impact at AFL level, and while he’s played five senior matches he hasn’t exactly solved Melbourne’s forward line woes. His reserve form has been stronger, booting 16 goals in seven games, including 5.2 from 21 touches against Carlton and 3.5 from 15 touches against Richmond. He’s got a deal for next year.
Verdict: Staying
43. JACK HENDERSON
Age: 25, Games: 5 (5 in 2025), Contract ends: 2025
He was an incredibly late signing for Melbourne, pinched out from under West Coast’s nose as he trialled for the Eagles. He broke through for an AFL debut, but ultimately he’s battled in the VFL this season. Henderson’s contract expires at the end of the season, and would be nervous about his future beyond this year.
Verdict: Going
44. LUKER KENTFIELD
Age: 19, Games: 0 (0 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
The young key forward is coming on at the Demons, with the club excited at Kentfield’s long-term prospects. He was picked up in the mid-season draft last year and has built into his 2025 campaign nicely. He has played permanently forward in the past two months and has thrived, kicking 16.7 in six games.
Verdict: Staying
45. ANDY MONIZ-WAKEFIELD
Age: 21, Games: 6 (0 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
An untimely injury in the summer prematurely ended his 2025 campaign. But Andy Moniz-Wakefield is progressing well through the rehab for his torn ACL and should be ready to hit the ground running in the pre-season. But the small forward-turned-defender received a show of faith in the form of a one-year extension in August.
Verdict: Staying
46. JAI CULLEY
Age: 22, Games: 16 (4 in 2025), Contract ends: 2026
The former Eagle only made Melbourne’s list due to Moniz-Wakefield’s ACL injury, but he toiled away in the VFL to earn a senior debut against his old side. The final month of the season was essentially an audition for a contract extension, and currently Culley has answered the call – averaging 14.5 touches and 1.5 goals per game in the AFL – enough to earn him a one-year deal.
Verdict: Staying
Originally published as Staying or going? The latest intel and verdict on every Melbourne player ahead of list cull
Star’s axing leaves Piastri’s mum stunned
