Surprise omissions headline Melbourne's starting 18

SEN footy expert Terry Wallace says Melbourne’s depth is highlighted by the fact he has left out a four-time premiership star and two top-10 draft picks from his starting 18.

Former Hawthorn star Jordan Lewis, Dom Tyson and Christian Salem headline a long list of players Wallace believes were not in the best 18.

Others, including Dean Kent, Cam Pedersen, Josh Wagner, Jake Melksham, Alex Neal-Bullen, Tomas Bugg, Sam Frost, Billy Stretch and former Docker Harley Balic, failed to make the grade.

“These players are still in the mix for the best 22 but purely on the side I picked they weren’t in the 18 to start the game,"he told SEN's The Run Home.

“It highlights the Demons have enormous depth and that’s a huge tick.”

Wallace said midfield physicality courtesy of Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney and Nathan Jones would hold the team in good stead, while rating natural talent as key to the team’s progression.”

The former Bulldog and Richmond coach expects the Dees to target outside run at Friday’s NAB AFL National Draft.

TERRY WALLACE’S MELBOURNE STARTING 18

B: Neville Jetta, Oscar McDonald, Michael Hibberd

HB: Jayden Hunt, Jake Lever, Angus Brayshaw

C: Bernie Vince, Nathan Jones, James Harmes

HF: Mitch Hannan, Sam Weidemann, Christian Petracca

F: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Tom McDonald

R: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney