The Demons would be hoping they can replicate the success of the men's team from 2021 as they look to break through for a maiden AFLW premiership.
Melbourne have been unable to get over the hump in recent seasons and have recruited with an eye to getting past that final hurdle. They have recruited well and will be one of the leading contenders if they can get it all to click.
Despite losing three-time All-Australian Tegan Cunningham, the Dees have replaced her with Tayla Harris who will help fill the void left in the Melbourne forward line.
Once again Melbourne will turn to veteran skipper Daisy Pearce to lead the charge and guide some of the young talent at the Dees through to the ultimate success. While Pearce may not be the player she once was, she is still a key part of the Melbourne midfield.
Melbourne's lineup is stacked with stars who could easily push the best teams in the competition at the pointy end of the season.
2021 Recap
The Demons hit the finals series in terrific form after a superb finish to the year where they managed to knock off some of the competitions best teams. They got themselves into a preliminary final.
They fell short of the Crows in the prelim- which there is no shame in. Their ability to peak on their run at the right time was a credit to the Dees as they beat Brisbane, Adelaide and Fremantle in the run home.
A knee injury to Pearce was a blow to Melbourne's premiership hopes. While the youth stood up throughout the year, the hole left by arguably their best players absence.
Off-season moves
The acquisition of Harris is the obvious marquee signing for the Demons with the tall-forward filling an important void in the Demons list. Her 2021 season left a bit to be desired and her move away from Carlton has perhaps put a bit of pressure and expectation on her shoulders.
Harris is joined by Olivia Purcell and Eliza West as well National Draft selections Alison Brown, Georgia Campbell and Tahlia Gillard. Purcell looms as the recruit who could have the most impact as she recovers from an ACL injury.
The ex-Cat may not be a pillar of the Demons side this year but her impact could be profound come finals time.
Recruits:ย Tayla Harris (Carlton), Olivia Purcell (Geelong), Eliza West (rookie).
Draftees: Alison Brown, Georgia Campbell, Tahlia Gillard.
Out: Tegan Cunningham, Meg Downie, Niamh McEvoy, Shae Sloane (retired), Chantel Emonson (Geelong), Mietta Kendall (delisted).
Strengths and weaknessesย
Melbourne's defensive unit for the Demons was a tad shaky last year. They conceded the most points of anyone in the top six by some way. A strong focus on team defence is needed to help steady the flow of scores put up against the Demons and help protect an at times, vulnerable back six.
With a new-look forward line, they will need to make sure that they are restricting teams much better than in 2021.
Their strength is their ability to win the ball in midfield. Skipper Daisy Pearce is the clear standout in midfield for Melbourne and her ability to take a game by the scruff of the neck and carry the midfield is an elite trait.
But her supporting cast isn't to be dismissed. Karen Paxman is a star of the competition and may well be Melbourne's best player. If that duo can thrive next to each other Melbourne could cover up their leaky defence with a monopolisation of the football.
Season summaryย
Western Bulldogs (A), Richmond (A), St Kilda (H), Adelaide (A), Gold Coast (H), GWS Giants (H), Brisbane (A), North Melbourne (H), Fremantle (A), Carlton (H).
Defining period
The run home looms as a big opportunity to make a statement. As with the nature of an AFLW season, every game is defining.
But if the Demons can make a solid start to the year they face Brisbane away, North Melbourne and then Fremantle away. Those games will be difficult but could catapult Melbourne into genuine flag contention.
It could also break their premiership and perhaps finals hopes as well. But if they are looking to be considered a flag contender then they need to beat the best sides, and what a chance to prove yourself.
Predictions
The Demons absolutely have the list and ability to go deep into a finals campaign but they have been done no favours by the fixture.
It's hard to see them chalking up enough wins against teams likes Fremantle, Brisbane, North Melbourne and Adelaide to seriously challenge. A new-look forward line may also take time to gel and find a groove and time is a luxury not afforded in an AFLW season.
If they are to miss the top six, there's no doubt they will be the best team not featuring in the finals in 2022.
Cameron Grimes: 2nd
Danielle Sorati: 4th
Ed Carmine: 7th
Jake Benoiton: 8th
Michael Georgiou: 2nd
Mitch Keating: 6th
Niesha Happell:ย 4th
