MELBOURNE will "absolutely" be active in the upcoming NAB AFL Exchange Period for what will be the fourth season running, says coach Paul Roos.

The Demons have been big movers in the area of trade and free agency in recent years, with 15 players crossing to the club outside of the NAB AFL Draft since 2012.

They're poised to load up again this October, with Roos forecasting more raids on talent from other clubs.

"We're really aware of where we're at as a footy team," Roos told the club's website. 

"The coaches have now had a good look at the team for two years and our consistency is a real concern, so we need to address that. 

"We need to get guys in the team that are really good characters and work really hard, so we'll certainly be looking at all players from other clubs that become available. 

"The mantra to the recruiting guys is to get good characters that can run, because the game now [demands elite running] - if you can’t run, it's pretty hard to play."

The Demons have traded for 10 players including Chris Dawes, Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince and Jeff Garlett since 2012, and acquired a further five through free agency.

First-year midfielder Angus Brayshaw and promoted rookie James Harmes are no certainty to return for Sunday's clash with Greater Western Sydney after both were rested last week.

"Both were out of the team and the term was 'rested' but their form had dropped off in relation to being tired and it's been really, really hard [for them] – so we'll have a look at the team,” Roos said. 

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"The idea about resting them was more about, 'you're not in the best 22 now, but we want to give you the chance to finish off the year really well', because their form up until then had been really good.

"Like all young players, they do lose a bit of form, so I'd like to think that they'll get another chance".