I think they can
They have an easier draw than all of the other top 4 aspirants. Someone from outside of the 8 generally does jump into the top 4 and Melbourne look the goods.
Their midfield would be 4th best in the competition behind only GWS, Sydney and Bulldogs IMO.
It all hinges on how efficient their forwardline is because it has been a bit dysfunctional
Carlton look good for the spoon
They have an easier draw than all of the other top 4 aspirants. Someone from outside of the 8 generally does jump into the top 4 and Melbourne look the goods.
Their midfield would be 4th best in the competition behind only GWS, Sydney and Bulldogs IMO.
It all hinges on how efficient their forwardline is because it has been a bit dysfunctional
Carlton look good for the spoon
Hogan looks in ominous form. This year he's going to have a consistent foil alongside him in Weidemann which will only help. Petracca could kick 40 and Garlett has done it before in much worse sides. If the 2016 Jack Watts turns up for the season proper they've got a group of four forward who can kick 40 goals.
With Gawn feeding a midfield with the power and aggression of Jones, Viney, Tyson, Brawshaw, Oliver, Vandenberg and Petracca (who is going to play on-ball for significant parts of games) they're every chance of doing a lot of damage.
Missing the finals would be a significant failure. A lot rests on the shoulders of second and third year players. All of Petracca, Brayshaw, Stretch, McDonald, Oliver, Weidemann and Wagner are going to have something close to break-out seasons for Melbourne to make the top four. Certainly not impossible but it's unlikely.

