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Why Russell is bullish that Melbourne can return to the top eight in 2025
Lachlan Geleit • January 31st, 2025 4:46 pm
SEN host Dwayne Russell is bullish about what Melbourne can potentially produce in 2025.
While the Dees finished 14th in 2024 off the back of three consecutive top-four finishes, Russell foresees Simon Goodwin’s side getting back to finals pending the form and fitness of Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca.
If the duo show signs that they’ve moved on from difficult 2024 campaigns where they had both injury and off-field distractions, Russell thinks the Dees are good enough to be 2025’s big ‘jump team’.
“Melbourne's going to be alright I think,” Russell told SEN Afternoons.
“To be honest, I'm thinking of picking Melbourne to make the eight, I think they'll be okay.
“I think if Clayton Oliver shows and Christian Petracca show us some good form in the pre-season, I'm actually going to pick Melbourne to make the eight.
“If those two are firing the midfield, then I think they're good enough to be the big jump team this year.
“I am thinking of picking them for the eight.”
If Oliver and Petracca fire on-ball, Russell thinks that the rest of Melbourne’s line-up takes care of itself particularly with stars in defence and Harrison Petty also heading back to defensive 50 this season.
“I can't wait to see what Melbourne provides,” Russell said.
“I think their forward line's okay, and their backline's great, I mean, if they've got Jake Lever and Steven May fit for a full 23 games plus finals and they've got Harrison Petty.
“I think they're looking alright, as long as Kozzie Pickett's happy.”
The Demons open their 2025 season with a Round 1 clash against GWS at the MCG on Sunday, March 16.
