All four players tasted AFL action in 2015, but none played more than the six games played by Bail. McKenzie played 79 games with the club, Bail 71, Fitzpatrick 22 and Riley 13.

Both Bail and McKenzie had been at the club for seven seasons, while Fitzpatrick ended up spending six years at the Demons. Riley joined Melbourne at the start of 2014, having previously played 12 games over three years at Adelaide. Bail endured a difficult run with injuries during his time at the club, and spent significant time out of the game due to concussion. Fitzpatrick battled both chronic fatigue and diabetes during his stint at the Demons, while McKenzie and Riley had groin and leg issues respectively.

Demons football operations manager Josh Mahoney paid tribute to the departing players. "All four players have had to overcome adversity at different stages through their careers and during their time at Melbourne," Mahoney told the club's website.

"All four players had limited appearances at AFL level this year, but they were all consistent players for Casey Scorpions and we appreciate the effort they put in at VFL level and how it assisted the development of our younger players.

"They have all contributed right to the end of their time at Melbourne and we thank them for their contribution and wish them all the best for the future."

Melbourne had already bid farewell to the retiring Daniel Cross, and ruckman Mark Jamar, who is yet to give up hope of of continuing his AFL career despite his contract not being renewed by the Demons.

Defenders Colin Garland - a restricted free agent - and Jeremy Howe, remain without deals for 2016.

Meanwhile Demons dasher Heritier Lumumba won't commence full training until after the Christmas break, with the former Collingwood player needing surgery on both his ankles.