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.
4James Worpel
Similarly to Flanders, Worpels presents as a perfect opportunity to bridge the gap between Melbourne's best at stoppages and current form in that area.
Worpel averages over 10 contested possessions and three stoppage clearances per game this season, but has reached the heights of over four stoppage clearances per game in years past, highlighting his capability of being the inside bull Melbourne would thrive on having, particularly if room is made by a potential Oliver departure.
While Worpel has a lure to his hometown Geelong and has been regularly connected there, he'd likely get more midfield opportunity at Melbourne and would benefit from Gawn's elite rucking.
He averages 6.1 first possessions from Hawthorn's Lloyd Meek and converts those into clearances 74.6% of the time. That could rise significantly with taps coming from Max Gawn.
