IF MELBOURNE is to take the next step in 2021 and push inside the top eight, it will need contributions from the full playing list.

The club can’t ask much more from four-time All Australian Max Gawn, two-time Best and Fairest winner Clayton Oliver, or last year’s third place in the Brownlow Medal Christian Petracca.

But if improvement comes from the next level of stars in the Demons’ side, they may feature at the pointy end of the season once again.

Here are five players who could be crucial in their team’s bid for success this year:

RACE TO ROUND 1: SIGN UP OR RENEW FOR 2021

Ed Langdon

While Ed Langdon’s start to his time at Melbourne couldn’t have been much better – placing fourth in the club’s Best and Fairest in his debut season – 2021’s rule changes could suit him to a tee.

The interchange cap has been cut to 75, favouring players with endurance, while quarters are also returning to their longer length.

As a result, you can expect to see the 25-year-old’s average of 20 disposals (from his 17 games last year) increase significantly, receiving an edge later in games.

There are very few specialised wingman in the league, so his impact will be enormous as he helps the Demons transition the ball from end to end.

Jake Lever

Entering his fourth year as a Demon, Jake Lever has plenty to offer.

The former Crow’s first 36 games in the red and blue have been solid, but they probably haven’t reached his lofty expectations.

While fans have been reluctant to cut Lever any slack due to his price tag upon arrival, key defenders do take time to develop, and he is still yet to reach the prime of his career.

Now, at the age of 25, Lever should be ready to take on more responsibility in defence, and will work in tandem with Steven May to help rebound the Demons into attack.

There’s no doubting Lever’s ability to mark the the high ball, and if his pre-season performances are anything to go by, 2021 appears bright for the intercepting defender.

Bayley Fritsch

Bayley Fritsch may be the Demons’ best kick at goal, although data doesn’t necessarily back that statement up.

The club’s leading goal kicker missed more than he converted in 2020 (22 goals, 24 behinds), but if you look at where he marked the ball, that comes as no surprise.

Fritsch was taking some of the most difficult shots last season, so if he can get dangerous in the corridor at the MCG, you will see him slotting them through the big sticks more often than not.

And at 188cm, Fritsch is a difficult match-up for opposition defenders.

He plays a key forward-type role, reading the ball in flight better than anyone, but he’s nimble at ground level as well.

With 61 games under his belt, the 24-year-old is ready to become a star of this side, and will be crucial in helping Melbourne kick a winning score in 2021.

Luke Jackson

With Ben Brown (knee) and Sam Weideman (femur) on the sidelines for the start of the season, a lot of responsibility falls onto second-year tall, Luke Jackson.

And if his performance against Todd Goldstein in the absence of Max Gawn last year is anything to go by, he will thrive under the pressure.

Jackson can play just about anywhere on the field, but you would assume the key forward role awaits.

At 198cm and with a few extra kilograms to his name, Jackson will be a target for the Dees inside 50, while also showcasing an incredible endurance and ability to gather the ball below his knees.

The 19-year-old, who was pick No.3 in the 2019 National Draft, played just six games in his debut season before succumbing to a hamstring injury.

You never want to put too much pressure on an emerging footballer who is new to the game, and perhaps he won’t be the star every round of the season, but he’s an irresistible talent who can change a match, and will be exciting to watch for many years to come.

Tom Sparrow

All the pre-season hype has fallen the way of James Jordon, and rightfully so.

Jordon will debut in Round 1 after impressing his peers with a tireless work ethic and faultless attitude – not only this year, but ever since joining the club with pick No.33 in the 2018 National Draft.

But someone who was taken six picks earlier, and who lives with ‘JJ’, is Tom Sparrow, and the future is equally as bright for this inside midfielder.

It’s yet to be seen whether Jordon and Sparrow will be selected in the same side, but even if the latter isn’t included this week, don’t count him out from having an impact in 2021.

Sparrow, who has played seven games across his first two seasons with the club, missed the backend of last year with a collarbone injury, just as he was settling into the best 22.

The South Australian drives elite training standards and is willing to play any role for the team.

Sure, he might not amass 30 disposals per game, but Melbourne will rotate some lesser names through the midfield this season to complement the likes of Petracca and Oliver, and Sparrow’s defensive game me be the answer.

So keep an eye on his efforts throughout the season, as he looks to do the little things to contribute to a successful on-ball group.