YOU KNOW what you’re going to get from Melbourne’s biggest names.

There’s the classy Kate Hore, the ever-reliable Libby Birch, and the machine that is Karen Paxman.

But there are some other Demons who are just as important and could make all the difference in their side’s successes this year.

So take a look at six girls who are spoken about less regularly, but look poised for breakout seasons in 2021.

Tyla Hanks

Tyla Hanks is likely to be the first name mentioned in this article every year, and rightfully so.

She’s an elite decision maker who shows class with ball in hand, and has all the qualities to become a top player in the competition.

While she’s still just 20 years of age, Hanks has been added to Melbourne’s leadership group for 2021 and is an experienced player in her own right.

The young girls are beginning to take over the league, and with two seasons under her belt, Hanks looks set to enjoy consistent midfield minutes and lead the way for the Dees this year.

Lauren Pearce

Lauren Pearce isn’t exactly underrated - she was an All Australian in 2019 - but some may have forgotten just how great an impact she can have.

Hindered by a knee injury in 2020, Pearce managed just two senior games for the season and was dearly missed by her side.

At 184cm, the star ruck dominates the aerial contests, but is also nimble at ground level.

If Pearce can play every game this season, the Demons’ midfield could become a serious force in the competition.

Eden Zanker

Eden Zanker is continuing to grow in confidence as she enters her fourth year in the league.

The former first-round draft pick is a versatile key forward, who was forced to spend a lot of time in the ruck last year.

Pearce’s return should allow her to stay closer to goal where she does her best work, so expect to see Zanker hit the scoreboard in a big way this season.

She’ll be looking to combine with Tegan Cunningham and Jackie Parry inside 50 and could be Melbourne’s biggest weapon in the front half of the ground.

Maddi Gay

While the competition began to take note of Maddi Gay last year, she has a lot of improvement still in front of her.

Set for added responsibility in the Dees’ midfield, Gay has been added to the leadership group for the first time and has put in a mountain of work over the pre-season.

The 24-year-old, who crossed over from Carlton for the 2019 season, has played 21 AFLW games and is ready to hit her peak.

She’s another natural midfielder who will spend more time on-ball in 2021, and she should benefit from playing alongside Paxman and Hanks.

Shelley Heath

Shelley Heath’s 2020 campaign was interrupted when she required surgery on her appendix, but her third season at the level looks promising.

Managing just six games across her first two years, the 160cm winger hasn’t really had the chance to get going, but that looks set to change over the coming months.

The former taekwondo champion is as tough as any player on the list, while her running ability is a major strength.

Heath can play both an attacking and defensive brand of footy, and despite flying under the radar, expect her to play a crucial role for Melbourne this year.

Alyssa Bannan

You never want to put too much pressure on a first-year player, but the fifth selection in last year’s draft should slot straight into the Demons’ best side.

Alyssa Bannan is a 177cm forward who will be a tough match-up for her opposition.

She’s got a long reach, proving threatening in the air, but it’s her pace at ground level which will excite Melbourne fans most.

The 18-year-old goes toe-to-toe in a foot race with Sinead Goldrick and she’s crafty around the goals.

While she might not be a high-possession player in her debut season, Bannan will provide a spark inside 50 and could change a few games for her side.