Melbourne 2024 preview: How added X-factor, hunger will help Demons rebound after consecutive finals losses

Melbourne snared both Shane McAdam and Jack Billings in the trade period, but are they walk-up starters in 2024? Lauren Wood previews Melbourne’s season.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 20 2023 Jack Billings of The Melbourne Demons trains at Stribling reserve in Lorne. Picture: Brendan Beckett

A second consecutive straight-sets exit and more post-season drama than a Taylor Swift break-up album has the spotlight firmly on the Demons in 2024. There’s been questions about culture, star midfielder Clayton Oliver under the microscope, cheeky swipes from Steven May at the B & F and more boardroom battles, but on-field is where they will be looking to exorcise their finals demons.

The Brodie Grundy experiment might have failed but having the endless talk about his future removed will be handy, while draftee Koltyn Tholstrup comes in with big wraps.

MELBOURNE

Coach: Simon Goodwin

Captain: Max Gawn

Dees skipper Max Gawn is set to continue leading the side in 2024. Picture: Brendan Beckett

What happened in 2023?

It really was a season of missed opportunities for the Demons, who made the finals despite plenty not going their way.

They built a bank of early victories and were evenly split for results in close games as they tinkered with their forward setup in the absence of a key target.

Oliver was missing for large chunks due to injury, while the Gawn-Grundy ruck experiment was dead in the water by the second half of the season.

The team finished fourth on the ladder with a 16-7 record but crashed out of the finals in unspectacular fashion, leaving the Demons without a finals victory since their 2021 triumph.

Need to rectify things when the pressure reaches fever pitch.

Where do they finish in 2024?

While there’s been a few chops and changes in the trade period and additions in the draft, the spine of the team remains and it’s hard to see them dropping too far away.

Not sure they would have “smoked” Collingwood – as May put it so bluntly – in the grand final, but they’re definitely capable of more than consecutive straight-sets finals exits.

The spotlight will follow Clayton Oliver after his off-season issues, along with coach Simon Goodwin who was forced to go on the defence in a lengthy radio interview after the season had ended, defending the club’s culture and handling of a positive drug test for forward Joel Smith.

Christian Petracca shouldered a big load for the Demons in 2023. Picture: Brendan Beckett

They were dominant in defence with May and Jake Lever absolute pillars, but need to sharpen offensively to gain that edge.

Delivered figures of 16.28 in front of goal in their last two outings – the Dees need to flip that script urgently.

Biggest improver in 2024?

Jacob Van Rooyen broke out and should only improve again to be a vital tall alongside a hopefully-fit Harrison Petty.

Draftee Koltyn Tholstrup will be a very close watch as is considered by those in the know to have been performing strongly to begin his first AFL pre-season.

Expect Judd McVee to take the next step after a full season at the level, with his body and game nous to only build next year.

X-factor

Shane McAdam should slot straight in after moving from Adelaide during the trade period, and is already mentoring draftee Tholstrup as they both settle into their respective lives as Demons.

If McAdam can find consistency and the team’s forwards stay fit, it could go a long way to unlocking the team’s offensive problems it has faced over recent months.

Clayton Oliver is one of the most electric players in the competition and if he can get things sorted, will be a more than handy addition for coach Simon Goodwin. Talk about an understatement.

Defender Christian Salem competes in a team training day at Lorne Beach in December. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Coach status

Simon Goodwin signed a two-year deal on the eve of the finals that sees him at the club until the end of 2026.

The new deal came amid more conjecture about the club’s culture and reported behavioural issues that had been said to have been raised at board level, but the Demons’ faith has seemingly unwavered in their man.

Who is in last year of contract?

Adam Tomlinson, Andy Moniz-Wakefield, Bailey Laurie, Ben Brown, Daniel Turner, Ed Langdon, Jake Bowey, Jake Melksham, Jed Adams, Joel Smith, Josh Schache, Kyah Farris-White, Kynan Brown, Lachie Hunter, Marty Hore, Oliver Sestan, Tom McDonald, Tom Sparrow, Will Verrall

Outs for 2024

Luke Dunstan (retired), Brodie Grundy (trade, Sydney), James Harmes (trade, Western Bulldogs), Michael Hibberd (retired), James Jordon (free agent, Sydney), Deakyn Smith (delisted), Kye Turner (delisted)

Ins for 2024

Jack Billings (trade, St Kilda), Kynan Brown (Rookie Draft, father-son), Tom Fullarton (trade, Brisbane), Marty Hore (SSP, Williamstown VFL), Shane McAdam (trade, Adelaide), Koltyn Tholstrup (No. 13 draft pick), Caleb Windsor (No. 7 draft pick)