On the back of securing their first finals berth for 12 seasons, Melbourne is a chance to take out the premiership in the eyes of Carlton legend, Robert Walls.
Finishing the home and away fixture with six wins from eight games, Melbourne are riding a wave of good form into this finals series.
Led by All-Australians Max Gawn and Clayton Oliver, the Demons have an engine room capable of matching the any other team in the competition.
Walls credits the pre-finals bye as a factor supporting the ability of a club outside the top-four to win every game in September.
Despite finishing fifth, Melbourne has demonstrated an ability to win important contests this year, succeeding against West Coast and Greater Western Sydney in the weeks before finals, in order to cement a finals appearance.
Despite only having four players with finals experience in Jordan Lewis, Michael Hibberd, Jake Melksham and Nathan Jones, the Demons possess multiple talents capable of taking their games to a new level this finals series.
Walls identifies young Demon, James Harmes, as a September X-factor capable of shutting down the elite midfielders Melbourne will face in the finals matches, including an upcoming task on either Patrick Dangerfield or Joel Selwood.
"He’s played on some big guns — Josh Kelly a couple of weeks ago and did a really good job on him," Walls told Fox Sports.
However, Walls credits the success of Melbourne's contested style of play as being a driving force behind their ability to win in September.
“I like the way they play, it’s an attacking brand of football. And they’ve got the best ruckman in the competition," Walls added.
“I just reckon they’re a team on a mission, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they got to the Grand Final and won it.”
Ultimately, Walls is predicting a third drought-ending premiership in three years, following the seemingly miraculous victories of both the Western Bulldogs and Richmond in past seasons.
Walls tipped the Demons to defeat Richmond in the grand final.
