Melbourne will go into 2026 with a refreshed list and a new approach under the tutelage of newly appointed senior coach Steven King.
The loss of Oliver and Petracca, who have been linked to a move for several years, allows the club to go into 2026 with an eye on what's next, as King plans to prioritise the development of youth over stars of years past.
With all of that in mind, let's take a look at what Melbourne's best 23 might look like...
Defenders
There are a number of question marks surrounding how the Demons' back six will line-up but there are three certainties to play each week - Christian Salem, Jake Bowey and Jake Lever.
Salem and Bowey provide run, direction and composure to the defensive third, and both are excellent kicks out of the defensive 50. Lever, assuming he can overcome injury difficulties that held him back in 2025, should rediscover his clinical best that makes him one of the better intercept defenders in the league.
Expect Trent Rivers to get a good run at things too, having been selected in the senior side every week since 2023. However, with the shuffling of magnets following several key departures, Rivers may find himself with greater midfield opportunities this season, which could open the door for Changkuoth Jiath to find a role off half-back consistently, helping replace the loss of Judd McVee in the process.
One player to watch is veteran Steven May. He was told to explore his options in the off-season as King looks to prioritise youth, so he may achieve fewer senior opportunities than he desires. However, it's hard to overlook his elite veteran leadership for what is now such a young side, and the importance of that sees him listed in our best 23 entering the new season.
In saying that, Dan Turner's rapid rise may see him overtake May's role following a breakout 2025 season. His intercepting capabilities and composure could inject poise into this backline.
