ELIZA McNamara has played 22 games for Melbourne since making her debut in round one last year, missing just once due to health and safety protocols, but now the Demons face a season without her.

McNamara averaged 14.3 disposals and 2.9 marks last season out on the wing, with her elite endurance allowing her to move from contest to contest with ease. Her running capacity and workrate will be difficult for coach Mick Stinear to replace, but he does have options.

Casey Sherriff will no doubt continue her role on the wing, one in which she excelled last season. Despite unceremoniously breaking her arm in Melbourne's Grand Final loss, Sherriff looks on track to have a big impact come August.

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Averaging 9.6 disposals and 1.6 inside 50s across her career, Sherriff's speed and discipline outside the contest is key to the Demons' game style.

Although known as a tough, in-and-under midfielder, Lily Mithen is another who has shown strength outside the contest. In the latter half of season six Mithen played a pivotal role complementing the inside strength Melbourne possesses.

Her work ethic, remaining involved in passages of play repeatedly as the ball moves down the field is reflected on the stats sheet. Mithen averaged a career-high 18.3 disposals, 3.7 marks and 5.1 tackles last season, she will certainly be vital in covering McNamara's role.

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Another option who was used sporadically last season is Alyssa Bannan. During the only match to date that McNamara has missed since joining the club – round one last season against the Bulldogs – it was Bannan to whom Stinear turned to play opposite Sherriff outside the contest.

Known for her speed and composure when streaming down the ground, Bannan has all the skills to be used as a great slingshot player on the outside.

And Stinear can always rely on inaugural Demon Karen Paxman to ply her trade on the outside. The club's best endurance runner until McNamara joined the side, Paxman is known for her contested work but has spent plenty of time out on the wing in her six years.