Melbourne could be primed for another busy off-season as they look to steer themselves back into premiership contention and add to a list worthy of doing so.

Currently sitting outside of the top eight, the Demons - while still a chance to press their case for a strong finals run - will be looking at how and where the club can improve for the years to come.

Coach Simon Godwin has relied on a large number of the club's emerging ranks while remaining in the race for September, with a balance of future assets and some experience to aid both ends of the ground potentially in their sights this trade and free agency window.

So who could Melbourne consider come the off-season? We name five players who might be a good fit in their list planning beyond 2024.

OTHER TRADE TARGETS:ย ADELAIDE,ย BRISBANE,ย CARLTON,ย COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON,ย FREMANTLE, GEELONG, GOLD COAST, GWS, HAWTHORN

Back

1. Peter Ladhams

The Demons are in need of ruck support and personnel who could potentially aid the front half of the field while working in tandem with skipper Max Gawn.

Ironically, Ladhams has struggled to break into Sydney's side this year given the arrival of departed Demon Brodie Grundy, who couldn't quite fire as a forward while sharing the ruck role with Gawn in 2023.

Ladhams, who departed Port Adelaide at the end of 2021 in pursuit of better opportunities elsewhere, could be more suited for the hybrid ruck-forward role at the Demons, offering his services as a forward target who can alleviate Gawn's workload when needed.

LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Peter Ladhams of the Swans kicks the ball during the 2022 AFL Round 06 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Sydney Swans at UTAS Stadium on April 25, 2022 in Launceston, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

This weekend will be a prime example for why the Demons may also be chasing an experienced ruckman, with Gawn sidelined with an ankle injury to leave Melbourne without a clear replacement.

Back