The reigning premiers were the team to beat in the first half of 2022, winning their opening 10 games and were the firm premiership favourite.
However, three consecutive losses between Rounds 11-13 and inconsistent form has seen them slip to third, two wins away from ladder leaders Geelong.
Despite this, at their best, they are still the best in the competition and no one will count them out from achieving premiership glory despite the blip in form.
The Dees have a knack for making all their players vital cogs in a team where everyone has and knows their roles, and will no doubt look for further AFL-ready depth for their 2023 side, as they did with ex-Saint Luke Dunstan.
One area of concern is their forward line stocks, with Sam Weideman out of favour and Mitch Brown out of contract at season's end.
Ben Brown has been ever present since crossing from North Melbourne at the end of 2020, while Tom McDonald has struggled with injury and form in recent years.
Star half-back/midfielder Angus Brayshaw was subject to intense speculation about his future as a free agent before signing a massive six-year deal to stay at the Dees.
But young West Australian star ruckman Luke Jackson appears set to request a move to Fremantle for 2023, leaving their big man stocks quite thin.
So we've compiled a list of five players who the Demons could target this off-season to bolster their already star-studded squad in 2023.
TRADE TARGETS: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON, FREMANTLE, GEELONG, GWS, HAWTHORN
3. Miles Bergman (Port Adelaide)
Port Adelaide youngster Miles Bergman is a young and extremely versatile player that appears set to explore a return to Victoria this off-season.
While not officially linked to any clubs in particular, it is believed the 20-year-old has been attracting interest from multiple Victorian teams ahead of the trade period this off-season.
Bergman has become a key part of the Power side in recent weeks, playing across a wing and half-back role, after finding games hard to come by early.
Currently averaging 17.1 disposals and 5.3 marks this year, Bergman can play anywhere on the field, an aspect of his games that clubs admire.
The Demons could look into a move for Bergman for not only more young talent at the club but also as a player who could become a key piece instantly.
He is contracted for next season so a move would likely cost the side looking to secure Bergman a few picks in return but it could be well worth investing in.
It's unclear whether Port will try to tie down Bergman or entertain offers but either way, clubs will be coming thick and fast to enquire about his availability.
Definitely, a storyline to keep an eye on this off-season.
