After a season of off-field turmoil and on-field slumps, the Demons will be chasing a return to finals footy in 2025.

But do they have the list to take them back there?

There are superstars across all three lines of the field; Jake Lever and Steven May headline the defence, Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver have the potential to get back to their best, and Bayley Fritsch and Kysaiah Pickett have been the Demons' best forward duo since their premiership-winning season.

However, the loss of Alex Neal-Bullen leaves a concerning void, but the influx of Harry Sharp and Tom Campbell could be of benefit.

We've analysed the depth of all three lines across the field to determine who fits into Melbourne's best 23 ahead of a crucial 2025 season.

Our Best 23 for 2025 series will include players unavailable for the start of the season, except for those expected to miss most or all of the season through injury or suspension.

2. Midfielders

Should Petracca and Oliver be healthy, they are immediate inclusions into the midfield mix, alongside Jack Viney. Caleb Windsor is more than likely to continue being positioned on the wing unless Harry Sharp challenges for his spot, with Ed Langdon to resume his usual position on the outside too.

Tom Sparrow adds depth into the midfield but may be stationed in the forward line more often, while Oliver Sestan and Brown are fringe options that could be blooded with more experience this season, although a position in the best 23 is unlikely.

Draftee Harvey Langford has impressed in his first pre-season at the club and can play either midfield or in the forward half.

Xavier Lindsay is a speedy and versatile player, but his best performances in his draft year came from the midfield. However, it may take time to see him in action as he recovers from a PCL injury.

Max Gawn is a lock for the ruck spot, with Tom Campbell and Tom Fullarton to bide their time in the VFL or as a back-up option.