The Melbourne Demons are at a crossroads. Despite retaining almost every key player from their 2021 premiership season, the Dees have taken a dramatic tumble down the standings in 2025 - currently 5-11, on a five-game losing streak and on the cusp of the bottom four.
2025 was not meant to pan out this way, especially considering the injury excuse from 2024 hasn't been viable. Their core four of Christian Petracca, Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver and Kysaiah Pickett have featured in 12 games together this season and won just four of those games. That's a stark drop off compared to their win rate together between 2021 and 2024, winning 46 of 66 games in which they all played (69.6%).
So, how do Melbourne fix things and find themselves back in September contention? Surrounding their superstars with a deeper supporting cast will be crucial to revive what was once perceived to be a potential dynasty.
Here are five trade and free agency targets for Melbourne to consider this year.
2Sam Flanders
Sam Flanders could be looking for a shift to Victoria at season's end to look for more opportunities, with his role changing on a weekly basis at the Suns. The midfielder has been forced out of the middle at times this season, resulting in a drop in his disposal numbers and overall influence.
However, Flanders is a proven midfield weapon, averaging 31.2 disposals per game in 2024. Even with the adversity 2025 has thrown his way, he's averaging a career-high 6.1 score involvements while averaging 12 fewer possessions, and has put together three consecutive 24+ disposal efforts since Gold Coast's bye.
If Clayton Oliver leaves Melbourne at the end of the season, Flanders has the proven capability to replace his impact and thrive in the middle and at stoppages. Melbourne rank 17th for stoppage clearances this season, with just two players averaging at least two per game. Flanders, who averaged 2.8 in 2024, will be a huge boost for the Dees to get back toward the upper echelon of the league again in this area, as it was a key element of their game between 2021 and 2023.
