MELBOURNE will head into the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final with no changes to its starting 22.
The Demons have chosen to stay with the same line-up that secured them an emphatic 79-point Preliminary Final win over Geelong two weeks ago, as they prepare to take on the Western Bulldogs this Saturday.
After training strongly throughout the week, defender Steven May and forward Charlie Spargo have ticked all the boxes, ruling out any injury concerns, and are ready to be part of Melbourne’s first Grand Final in 21 years.
James Jordon, who was the unused medical-sub in the side’s Preliminary Final win, has been named as an emergency for the game, alongside Jake Melksham, Jayden Hunt and Kade Chandler.
The momentous game, which will take place at Optus Stadium, holds an important meaning for Melbourne and its supporters, with the side presented with an opportunity to break a 57-year premiership drought.
Of the Demons’ starting 22, all but one will make their Grand Final debut, with Jake Lever the only player to have featured as part of Adelaide’s 2017 Grand Final loss.
Coach Simon Goodwin told media earlier in the week that his group was ready for the battle, and to make the most of their opportunity.
“We’ve got enormous belief in the team and the footy club,” Goodwin said.
“But we don’t underestimate the Bulldogs. They’re a fantastic footy club, they’ve been here before, they’re playing some amazing footy and they’ve got some great players.
“Every game is a new challenge and one thing that we’re really strong on is that our respect for the competition and our respect for our opposition is always high, and that will always be the same.
“We’ve got belief in how we play but, on the day, you’ve got to go out and execute and execute strongly and that’s what our plan is.”
During a media conference on Wednesday, star midfielder Christian Petracca said that he was excited to take on the challenge of the Western Bulldogs side.
“They’ve arguably got the best midfield in the competition and their depth is really strong,” Petracca said.
“So, we’ve got to go in and back our structure and our system.
“It’s going to be an exciting battle.”
The opening bounce at Optus Stadium is set for 7.15pm AEST on Saturday night.
Extensive Grand Final coverage will be provided throughout the day via the Seven Network, with pre-game coverage starting at 10:00am AEST.
View Melbourne’s full side for the Grand Final below.
