PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 06: Hayden Young of the Dockers celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2022 AFL Round 08 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Optus Stadium on May 06, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Demons are chasing their second premiership in three years in 2023, eager to regain the premiership cup after a 2022 semi-final elimination.

Melbourne had a pretty busy off-season following the conclusion of the 2022 season, acquiring some big-name talent.

The biggest name, former Pie and two-time All-Australian Brodie Grundy, made the move to the Demons after ten seasons at Collingwood. Lachie Hunter and Josh Schache also joined the club, as did some young talent through the draft.

Already having a side full of talent, with the likes of Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and Angus Brayshaw lining up, just to name a few, the Demons are primed to make another run at premiership glory.

However, teams can always get better. Though the Demons entered the season as genuine premiership contenders, we've compiled a list of the club's 'ideal' trade targets, irrespective of current contracts or salaries, that would be a perfect fit for the club.

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1. Josh Kelly 

The Demons have incredible midfield depth, as they do around the ground, but had issues last season over some inside 50 entries.

A highly decorated Giant, Kelly had a great 2022 season, averaging 26.7 disposals and 4.8 tackles a game, after the 2021 season saw him claim a second best and fairest. The 28-year-old has been a permanent feature in the expansion side since his debut in 2018, having played 177 games across his career.

The former co-captain led the Giants in the Brownlow count last season, and remains an important leadership figure at the club despite not being a co-captain in 2023.

While the Melbourne midfield is full of elite talent with few holes that need plugging, a player like Kelly is always desired by many.

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