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.
5Callum M Brown
While adding Brown is one of the less likely options, the Irish Giant is yet to pen an extension in Sydney and could provide servicable skills as a key forward for the Demons.
Brown would immediately become a mainstay in the Melbourne forward line, kicking 16 goals so far this season. His shot accuracy of 59.3% is a dip from his 2024 accuracy of 73.9% but would still rank him as Melbourne's second most accurate shot.
His aerial threat is also a lure for the Dees, averaging 3.5 marks per game and just shy of one mark inside 50 per game.
The greater opportunity should present as a tempting idea for Brown, currently sitting behind Jesse Hogan, Aaron Cadman, Toby Greene and Jake Riccardi as a target for the Giants. Brown has recorded three goals and 10 marks in three games without Hogan this season, highlighting his potential to be a consistent option with more kicks heading in his direction inside 50.
