Selecting every AFL team’s best 23 for 2026: Melbourne Demons

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. [caption id="attachment_170680" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Melbourne Demons player Changkuoth Jiath at training in 2025 (Image via Melbourne FC)[/caption] 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. Midfielders The midfield spots are completely up for grabs at Demonland with the departures of Oliver and Petracca providing clear openings in the engine room. One man likely to take up a position there is Kysaiah Pickett, who relished with greater midfield influence in 2025, dominating as a stellar dual-role attacking threat. Youngsters Caleb Windsor and Jai Culley will make a bid to start in the centre square, particularly Culley who impressed in the latter half of 2025 and has captivated onlookers during pre-season with his work ethic. [caption id="attachment_166067" align="alignnone" width="1706"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Jai Culley of the Demons trains during a Melbourne Demons AFL training session at Casey Fields on April 15, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)[/caption] However, King also has proven AFL talents at his disposal, able to inject former Saints captain Jack Steele into an on-ball role if he pleases. Unsurprisingly, Max Gawn will once again take the rucking duties and likely dominate, while Jack Viney and Ed Langdon should also be expected to play each week as Melbourne's gun ball-winners. Harry Sharp may press for a spot in the best 23 too after proving to possess a strong work rate in the front half during 2025, ultimately playing 18 games for the year, though many of those appearances came as substitute. Forwards Melbourne's forward line has come under scrutiny often since their 2021 premiership, often viewed as the key component of their structure that has let them down in the years since. However, the forward line may be on the mend with the recruitment of Brody Mihocek, and the expected development from young gun Harvey Langford, who was one of the few bright spots for this team last season. Kade Chandler will also provide pace and pressure in Melbourne's front half on a weekly basis, attacking the footy with tenacity, while Bayley Fritsch simply knows how to find the goals and will be a lock to feature each week. [caption id="attachment_158798" align="alignnone" width="2560"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 22: Matthew Jefferson of the Demons celebrates a goal with teammate Jacob van Rooyen during the 2025 AFL match simulation between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and Melbourne Demons at Arden Street on February 22, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)[/caption] Koltyn Tholstrup and Matthew Jefferson will push for selection from the outer, and will likely receive opportunities if Jacob van Rooyen fails to fire again, but the hope is the spearhead option can return to his 2024 best rather than the measly 16-goal effort he produced last year. Best 23 FB: Christian Salem, Steven May, Daniel Turner HB: Jake Bowey, Jake Lever, Trent Rivers C: Caleb Windsor, Kysaiah Pickett, Ed Langdon HF: Kade Chandler, Jacob van Rooyen, Harvey Langford FF: Jake Melksham, Brody Mihocek, Bayley Fritsch FO: Max Gawn, Jack Steele, Jack Viney I/C: Harrison Petty, Jai Culley, Tom Sparrow, Xavier Lindsay, Blake Howes Stiff to miss: Koltyn Tholstrup, Changkuoth Jiath, Matthew Jefferson, Harry Sharp, Latrelle Pickett

		P	W	L	PTS	%
1	ADEL	23	18	5	72	139.3
2	GEEL	23	17	6	68	141.5
3	BL	23	16	6	66	114.2
4	COLL	23	16	7	64	122.4
5	GWS	23	16	7	64	115.3
6	FRE	23	16	7	64	109
7	GC	23	15	8	60	124.9
8	HAW	23	15	8	60	120.9

Selecting every AFL team’s best 23 for 2026: Melbourne Demons

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