MELBOURNE has regained defender James Frawley and recalled ruckman Max Gawn for Saturday night’s clash against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG.
Frawley was sidelined for the past two matches, due to a hamstring injury sustained late in the match against Hawthorn in round 10.
Gawn, who has played six matches this season, from rounds four to nine, gets an opportunity, with Jake Spencer set to miss the next three games due to suspension.
“James Frawley’s back in the side after missing three weeks with a hamstring injury. His rehab has been really strong and we look forward to him having an impact on the game,” acting general manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said.
“Max Gawn gets his opportunity again. He’s been displaying some great form at VFL level, but it’s disappointing for Jake Spencer, who will miss the next three weeks, due to suspension.
“Jake showed last week that if you come into the team in good form, you can perform at AFL.”
Versatile tall Cam Pedersen has been left out of the side and named an emergency, along with midfielder James Magner and tall James Sellar.
Pedersen has played seven matches this season, while Sellar has featured in six games and Magner has made two appearances.
It will be a big night for the club with Melbourne set to play the Western Bulldogs in the inaugural women’s match as a curtain-raiser.
The women’s game starts at 5.10pm, before the men’s clash at 7.40pm.
Round 14 Melbourne team
B: Lynden Dunn, Colin Garland, Dean Terlich
HB: Tom McDonald, James Frawley, Mitch Clisby
C: Jimmy Toumpas, Jack Trengove, Matt Jones
HF: Aaron Davey, Chris Dawes, Sam Blease
F: Jack Fitzpatrick, Jack Watts, David Rodan
FOLL: Max Gawn, Colin Sylvia, Nathan Jones
I/C: Shannon Byrnes, Daniel Nicholson, Dean Kent, Jeremy Howe
EMG: Cam Pedersen, James Magner, James Sellar
IN: James Frawley, Max Gawn
OUT: Jake Spencer (suspension), Cam Pedersen
