Working hard ... the Dees have had a promising summer on the track. Source: Wayne Ludbey / News Limited
The AFL season begins on Friday. We get you ready for the opening bounce by taking a look at all the teams and their prospects for 2013.
TRYING TO MOVE FORWARD, QUICK
Like any power forward, Chris Dawes yearns for express delivery. Kick it long and quick and give me space is the goalkicker's mantra. That tall target role was a key part of Melbourne's pitch that prompted the Magpies premiership big man to shift camp down Olympic Boulevard to ply his trade as a permanent forward.
And the Demons' reliance on Dawes will be even more pronounced if Mitch Clark's rehab from that serious right foot injury stalls or drags on too deep into the season. Simply, Melbourne need to find more scoreboard contributors in their front half to start the ladder climb from a lowly 16th. To emphasis that goal dearth, Clark was still the major goalkicker by a wide margin despite missing the entire second half of 2012.
The Demons have gambled with that urgent need to apply scoreboard pressure to opposition teams. Even Dawes's calf problems from last year surfaced again in the pre-season. Cam Pedersen couldn't break into North Melbourne's team, but he won Werribee's best and fairest and he can take contested marks. Geelong's dual premiership forward Shannon Byrnes will be 29 in early April and the much-travelled David Rodan is approaching 30 with renewed enthusiasm if dodgy knees.
Beefing up strength and endurance was an off-season priority again, particularly to find more options in the midfield rotations. Young Jack Viney shows the skills and grunt to assist Jones, Grimes, Trengove and Co. to at least get the traffic heading in the right direction for Dawes and others targets.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
JORDIE MCKENZIE
Has enjoyed a full pre-season to load up for the vital run-with roles against the targeted opposition ball magnets. His stoppage work and defensive pressure is first class, with more than 100 tackles in each of the past three years. And he knows how to get the ball himself, averaging 17 possessions last season.
MARK JAMAR
Will be called upon to shoulder the bulk of the ruck duties again, particularly, with young Max Gawn back on the long-term injury list with hamstring troubles and the uncertainty over Jake Spencer's development. While Jamar is a reliable tap ruckman, he must adapt to the new separation rules at stoppages and boundary throw-ins.
JEREMY HOWE
Was one of the standout performers in a dark season for supporters. His spring-heeled antics earned him an amazing eight Mark of the Round nominations and, to no-one's surprise, he ultimately won the award. But there's more to this Demon with his competitive assets and goal nous always a worry for opponents.
TOM GILLIES
Probably his last chance to become an established AFL defender with this one-year contract. The Demons are banking on his versatility to curb the tall or quick as the replacement for Jared Rivers down back. Managed only 13 games in four seasons as he struggled to push into an elite Geelong backline. But he did win the Cats' best first-year player in 2009.
JACK VINEY
With such a rich family history at the club, his every stat will be closely scrutinised and compared with father Todd. But the kid gives the impression he will forge his own history with his fearless attack on the ball. And he has already been tested and hardened against the bigger bodies at VFL level.
Bruce Matthews' forecast: 14th-15th.
Do you agree with the prediction? Have your say below and follow the Demons all year long on FOX FOOTY.
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