2021 could not have gone much better for the reigning premiers. The Demons finished top of the ladder, had a healthy list and broke a 57-year long premiership drought. 2022 shapes as a great opportunity for the Dees to go back-to-back and join some of the great teams of the modern era.
The star power of the Demons are well in their prime and have continued to look strong over the pre-season. The addition of fresh young talent and some added depth has given Simon Goodwin's side a good platform to contend again this season.
As the flag favourite, the Demons will be looking to get out of the blocks early in season 2022.
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Ins:ย Luke Dunstan, Jacob Van Rooyen, Blake Howes, Taj Woewodin, Judd McVee, Andy Moniz-Wakefield
Outs:ย Nathan Jones, Neville Jetta, Austin Bradtke, Kye Declase, Marty Hore, Aaron Vandenberg, Aaron Nietschke, Jay Lockhart
Weaknesses
Lack of discipline: It is almost impossible to highlight a weakness in this Melbourne team, who dominated the rest of the competition last season. However, with new rules to crack down on umpire abuse and time-wasting this season, we've already seen the Demons fall victim to the new interpretation this pre-season.
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The Demons conceded a whopping eight 50-metre penalties against Carlton in the AAMI Community Series last week. Many of these penalties were given as a result of umpire abuse and time-wasting. Ultimately, propelling the Blues to a five-point victory at Marvel Stadium.
While players and teams around the competition will no doubt adjust to these new interpretations, Melbourne experienced first-hand the consequences of their lack of discipline.
