Melbourne have again returned to the whiteboard following a straight sets finals exit as they look to make the most of a star-studded list.
The Demons were among the busier clubs through the trade and free agency space, signing three new players before adding a pair of first-round picks via the National Draft.
Melbourne's forward line was often a weakness for Simon Goodwin's side as they toyed with a number of options to help sharpen their scoring avenues, with their prolific midfield group and hardened rearguard unable often covering their end of the bargain.
With a list primed for another premiership tilt, how will Melbourne take shape in 2024? We've had a look at their list and named their best 23 for next season.
BEST 23s: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON, FREMANTLE, GEELONG, GOLD COAST, GWS, HAWTHORN, NORTH MELBOURNE
3. Forwards
Young tall Jacob van Rooyen is set to spearhead Melbourne's attack for the second season in a row after the Demons failed to find an efficient mix of support for the emerging star.
Swingman Harrison Petty is set to help fill that void after a short but strong stint as a forward target, with premiership attacker Bayley Fritsch to continue his role as a high-volume third tall option.
Joel Smith has also shown glimpses as a forward threat but could lose his place to Petty or return to the backline as a medium-sized stopper.
Recruit Tom Fullarton is unlikely to start in Goodwin's plans but is sure to make his case known as a strong VFL competitor, while veterans Ben Brown and Tom McDonald will hope for uninterrupted pre-season before making their own selection pushes.
First-round draft selection Matthew Jefferson is entering his second year with the club and will hope to emulate the path van Rooyen took to become a key piece in Melbourne's future planning.
Kysaiah Pickett will continue to cause havoc for opposition defenders as one of the most exciting small forwards in the game, leaving one of Kade Chandler and Charlie Spargo to fight for another small forward role.
Alex Neal-Bullen is set to roam across the forward and midfield thirds, while recruit Shane McAdam can be expected to slot onto a half-forward flank.
Koltyn Tholstrup is another who will push for a half-forward role, as will second-year Demon Taj Woewodin.
