To me it felt like Roo's is using the last 3 games of the year as a trial for positions on the team list; and what I have observed is:
Dunn is our Fullback
Jetta and Salem are our two back flankers.
Jones is our centre
T McDonald is our Centre half Forward (but is just as likely a tall back)
Hogan is our Full Forward
Garlet is our Forward Pocket
Gawn is our Ruck
Viney and Vince are our starting midfielders (Rover, Ruck Rover)
Brayshaw is a rotating midfielder (forward flank)
Grimes has probably earned a spot on the bench
and that's it! That is the core of what the MFC has going forward based on performance. Howe would be the next person I would include as the floating 3rd tall in the backs.
Now obviously there are a lot of positions that will be filled by very capable players on the list, leaving a starting 22 of something like:
Blank Dunn Blank
Jetta Frost Salem
Brayshaw Jones stretch
Vanders T MacDonald Petrecca
Garlett Hogan JKH/Kent
Gawn Vince Viney
Grimes/Michie Harmes/NealBullen
Could Dawes play back where he only needs to get the ball to the ground and where running the straight lines would help with his persistent injury.
Cross has shown over the last few weeks that the pace of the game is going past him (his disposals are now reminding me of C Bruce towards the end of his career) - that he is still Melbourne's best players says more about the list than his performance. Note for most players at this stage of there career, there form will drop off very quickly.
Have not included Howe as anyone who has not resigned with a week to go of the season is obviously giving considerable thought to other options.