What's in their favour? A sizeable broom swept through the Demon camp at the end of a disastrous 2007, both on and off the field. If nothing else, Melbourne will take a sense of a fresh start into the new season under new coach Dean Bailey. Surely injuries couldn't wreak as much havoc as they did with the senior list last season, the likes of Jared Rivers, Brent Moloney, Matthew Whelan and Clint Bartram all vital parts of the machine up and running, and Brock McLean and Colin Sylvia hopefully able to contribute more.
What's not? Melbourne's leadership group is ageing and more susceptible to disruption through injury than most, skipper David Neitz and Russell Robertson indispensable up forward, and livewire Aaron Davey needing to recapture the spark that went missing last season. The Demons have traded a key playmaker in Travis Johnstone and have big question marks over their defence - undersized, lacking physical strength and now experience after the retirements of Clint Bizzell and Nathan Brown, and delistings of Daniel Ward and Matthew Ferguson.
Stepping into the spotlight? Melbourne has been able to blood some impressive youngsters such as McLean then Nathan Jones in recent times, and has a few more coming along in the shape of explosive forward Matthew Bate, Ricky Petterd - highly impressive in 2007 until puncturing a lung - and key forward Michael Newton, who took last season's Mark of the Year. Former Crow John Meesen could make an impression in the ruck, while rawer still but capable of making a contribution this season are Simon Buckley and Colin Garland, and 2007 draftees Addam Maric and Cale Morton.
In their wildest dreams? Melbourne's luck on the injury front changes, its veterans stand up, Davey and McLean regain their mojo, Sylvia finally finds his, and the Demon midfield holds the line well enough to prevent their defence from being exposed too badly. Even a token finals appearance in 2008 would be a major achievement.
The reality? A team in transition and adjusting to life under a new master's voice will be vulnerable indeed to the AFL's heavyweights. But Melbourne is not without its share of skilful game-turning types who could pull more than the odd surprise. Will be doing well to avoid the bottom four.
ROBERT WALLS 14th It has been a decade of Neale Daniher at the helm but now that is over and Dean Bailey will reinvigorate and provide structure to a group of players that need a solid shake up. Veterans in Yze, Robertson, Green, White and Holland must surely realise that time is running out.
ROHAN CONNOLLY 14th The leaders are getting on in years, the next generation of them perhaps a bit flighty and the kids still very raw. Bailey will instil some order and a genuine vision for the Demons, who could pull the odd surprise here and there, but the transition will take time.
