MELBOURNE has made just one change for its clash against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, naming small forward Jay Kennedy-Harris for the injured Jack Viney.
Kennedy-Harris, who played in Melbourne’s round one win over the Gold Coast Suns at the MCG, has replaced the hard-at-it Viney, who will miss at least the next four matches with a fractured fibula.
Mahoney said Kennedy-Harris was unlucky to miss out on selection in round two.
“With the injury to Jack Viney, Jay Kennedy-Harris comes back into the side,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“We thought Jay performed really well in round one and deserves his opportunity again in Adelaide.
“He’ll provide us a bit more speed through the midfield and up forward, where he has played his best footy.”
Melbourne has named midfielder Viv Michie, former co-captain Jack Grimes and ruckman Jake Spencer as its emergencies.
Mahoney said the trio was putting pressure to be included in the line-up, after strong form with Casey in the recent practice matches.
“There is pressure on the guys [in the Melbourne side] to perform this week, as players continually perform well for Casey Scorpions,” he said.
Melbourne will play its fourth match at Adelaide Oval, having played in the first AFL home and away match at the venue in round 24, 2011, when it fell short by eight points to Port Adelaide.
The Demons won a thriller over the Crows by three points in round seven last year and then went down by just three points to the Power in round 18 last year.
Meanwhile, draftee Alex Neal-Bullen is set to play his first match of any sorts this year, when he plays for Casey in its AFL Victoria Development League team.
Mahoney said the South Australian had overcome a knee injury.
“Alex has put in an extended rehab program, following the dislocation of his knee cap,” he said.
“He’s now ready to start playing footy through the Casey development team this week.”
Round three: Melbourne team
B: Colin Garland, Lynden Dunn, Jeremy Howe
HB: Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Christian Salem
C: Daniel Cross, Heritier Lumumba, Sam Frost
HF: Dean Kent, Jesse Hogan, Bernie Vince
F: Jeff Garlett, Chris Dawes, Jack Watts
FOLL: Mark Jamar, Dom Tyson, Nathan Jones
I/C: Aaron vandenBerg, Ben Newton, Angus Brayshaw, Jay Kennedy-Harris
EMG: Viv Michie, Jack Grimes, Jake Spencer
IN: Jay Kennedy-Harris
OUT: Jack Viney (leg)
