Daniel Turner can't help but marvel at the young Melbourne teammates who have given the Demons a new spring in their step.
Second-year midfielder Harvey Langford last Sunday put reigning premiers Brisbane to the sword with 27 disposals and three goals, while fellow 20-year-old Latrelle Pickett again showcased his class.
Caleb Windsor and Koltyn Tholstrup keep developing, while Xavier Taylor debuted in the thrilling two-point win over the Lions.
All five were early draft picks between 2023 and 2025.
"They're talented, they're hard-working.They're absolute freaks," Turner told AAP.
"You forget they're only 19 or 20 years old sometimes and it's absolutely crazy.
"All the hard work behind the scenes - they're reaping the rewards. They're just so good and it's so exciting for what's to come."
While the Demons traded out Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver, they have showed renewed flair and excitement under first-year coach Steven King.
Key defender Turner, still just 24 himself, is also having fun and gobbled up nine marks and 10 intercepts against Brisbane.
"I've got a lot of confidence in myself and the team and we're going to do good things this year," Turner said.
"We're playing with a lot of fun and freedom. It's exciting. It's fun to play. I hope it's fun to watch.
"If we can play good football like that all year then who knows what we could achieve."
The Demons didn't live up to the favourites tag against Essendon in Gather Round and are determined to avoid a slip-up against winless Richmond at the MCG on Friday night.
"We're a young side and we've just got to be consistent," Turner said.
"So we've got to be able to go back there, keep the foot on the pedal, keep the momentum up, keep playing a good brand of footy, no matter who we're playing."
The game also marks the now-traditional Anzac Day eve clash between the Demons and Tigers.
"It's such a special game to play, and I've played in a couple of them," Turner said.
"I know we're a young group, but it's such a privilege to play in a game like that with such a good cause. It's one of my favourite games of the year."
Melbourne have made just one change, with Changkuoth Jiath replacing sidelined defender Harrison Petty.
Richmond regain spearhead Tom Lynch from a hamstring injury, while Sam Cumming, the No.7 pick in last year's draft, and SSP signing Tom Burton will play their first AFL game.
Jacob Hopper returns after being managed against North Melbourne, while Tom Brown has been recalled.
Tim Taranto (concussion), Maurice Rioli Jr (hamstring), Sam Banks (collarbone), Liam Fawcett (omitted) and Tyler Sonsie (omitted) drop out.
