Harley Balic: The former Fremantle player did not feature in either JLT Community Series game and will start the year in the VFL. The Demons have been conscious of the amount of footy Balic missed last year through injury and personal reasons. Will need to find good form at the lower level before being considered for senior selection.

Tomas Bugg : Has won back the trust from his teammates and those at the club after an ugly incident involving Sydney's Callum Mills that saw Bugg suspended for six weeks last season. Displayed encouraging form in the JLT Series and will be in line for a spot in round one.

Bayley Fritsch: A round-one bolter after an excellent pre-season and promising JLT Series, which saw the 21-year-old drill three goals in the two pre-season games. He has an impressive vertical leap and is just as nimble at ground level as a mid-sized forward. A likely starter against the Cats.

Jeff Garlett: Garlett had a slightly interrupted pre-season following a rib injury he sustained at training after Christmas. Returned for the club's second JLT Community Series game against the Saints and kicked a brilliant goal. Looked unhindered in a VFL practice match on Saturday and should line up against the Cats.

Mitch Hannan: Hannan was a revelation for the Demons in his first season at AFL level in 2018, booting 22 goals in 20 games. The youngster was not able to rediscover his best form over the JLT Series after a slightly modified pre-season program. Will likely build into the season, but his talent cannot be questioned.

James Harmes: The high-energy forward was among the most influential Demons against North Melbourne in the first JLT game. However, a head knock at training ruled him out of the second pre-season game against the Saints. Was one of Casey's best players through the midfield in Saturday's VFL practice match.

Jesse Hogan: The key forward is in good nick and ready to attack the year after a solid pre-season and JLT Series. Although he will spend most of his time up forward, Hogan will also have stints in the midfield as the Demons look to be versatile forward of centre. Having Hogan back and fit again after such a personally challenging year is a huge fillip for the Dees.

Dion Johnstone: The young forward's pressure ability is strong and he has an appetite for the contest. Melbourne is working with him on winning more of the football and being able to impact the scoreboard on a more regular basis. That development will continue in the VFL for most of the season. 

Dean Kent Spent most of the pre-season in rehab following shoulder surgery in August last year. Kent has built up his training load in the last month and a bit and he had his first official hit-out in the VFL at the weekend. Out of contract at season's end, 2018 shapes as a defining year for the speedster.

Tom McDonald: Goes into round one in doubt due to a lingering toe injury. McDonald was on modified training up until Christmas following off-season ankle surgery, but got in a decent block after that. Will partner Jesse Hogan in attack in 2018. Becomes a free agent at the end of the year.

Jake Melksham: One of Melbourne's strongest-performing players across the JLT Community Series and AFLX tournament. Melksham appears to have found his niche up forward, where he applies strong pressure to the opposition and is tough to beat in one-on-one contests.

Alex Neal-Bullen: Neal-Bullen could be in for a breakout year after a strong pre-season and JLT Series where he demonstrated his running power and finishing ability. The Demons are stacked for half-forwards, but Neal-Bullen offers them a player who is strong around clearances and can work his opponent over in transition.  

Cameron Pedersen: Pedersen stepped up valiantly in the absence of Max Gawn through injury last year, playing as an under-sized ruckman. The versatile big man played a different role through the JLT Series up forward and sometimes behind the footy as well. Right on the borderline of selection heading into round one.

Tim Smith: Has been re-integrated into full training over the last six weeks after being sidelined by a long-term foot injury that required surgery late last year. Smith played in the VFL at the weekend and looms as a solid back-up option once fit should Hogan go down with injury.

Charlie Spargo: The club's top draft pick has made good progress after overcoming a shoulder injury he suffered midway through last season. Spargo has excellent goal sense and he's strong in the air for a player of his height (173cm). Could appear in the senior team later in the year. 

Aaron vandenBerg: Listed as 'indefinite' on the club's injury list, vandenBerg ran outside for the first time this year last Friday. The midfielder has been battling a stress fracture in his heel and had a number of setbacks last year. Will not be rushed back after missing the entire 2017 season with injury.

Sam Weideman: The promising young forward had surgery on his ankle at the end of last season and subsequently had a restricted pre-season campaign. Played in the VFL at the weekend and booted two goals. The Demons remain hopeful he will push into the senior team sooner rather than later.