Port Adelaide legend Kane Cornes believes that Melbourne can make the top four this year and make an assault for an elusive premiership.
Melbourne has an emerging and talented list, who has all the tools to not only make the finals, but to also cause some damage.
Cornes believes the sense of unknown that surround the Dees, will ultimately work in their favour. With Jesse Hogan looking fit and ready after a difficult season last year, Christian Petracca looks set to take the league by storm, while Angus Brayshaw looks to be finally over his concussion problems.
The arrival of Jake Lever from the Crows, looks like the Dees are finally ready to make their assault, after failing to make the finals since 2006.
“I’ve got high expectations for them. I’ve got Melbourne well and truly in my top four,” he said on SEN Mornings.
“I think they’re going to come from outside the top eight and do a Richmond, and challenge for the flag this year.”
Sports broadcaster Stephen Quartermain agreed with Cornes, while admitting that Melbourne is in the same boat as Hawthorn, considering their sense of unknown due to the Hawks welcoming a host of players back this season.
“They’ve pretty much got everything they need now the Demons," Quartermain said.
"The blueprint could see them go all the way if you look at the past two seasons, maybe just lacking a bit of outside run is my only concern for the Dees.
“Hawthorn they could finish top four, they could finish 10th-12th. I have no idea what to expect from the Hawks this year.”