INS – Lampard, Purcell (club debut), Gillard (AFLW debut)
OUTS – Colvin (calf strain), Brown (omitted), Caris (omitted)

OLIVIA Purcell and Tahlia Gillard will make their Melbourne debut on Monday night when the side takes on the Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium. 

Purcell will make her long-awaited return to AFLW, coming back from 12 months on the sidelines following an ACL injury suffered in Round 5 of 2021.

Prior to her injury, the former Cat had had an outstanding 2020, where she was named in the AFLW All-Australian side and received Geelong’s Best and Fairest Award.

Joining the Demons in June of 2021, Saturday will mark Purcell’s first game in the red and blue, with the fiery competitor set to bring a burst of energy into the midfield, while also having the skills to work across the ground when needed.

Gillard comes into the side to make a double debut, playing her first AFLW game and her first in the Demon colours.

The 18-year-old was named following a standout performance in the VFLW where she helped change the trajectory of the game, contributing to Casey’s come-from-behind win.

Gillard joined Melbourne less than 12 months ago and has been quick to show her skills on the track. Standing at 190cm, she will bolster the stocks of Melbourne’s backline as a tall key defender.

The Dees will also welcome Sarah Lampard back into the side for Monday’s match, after she missed last week with illness, but will be without fellow defender Gabby Colvin, due to a calf strain.

Ali Brown and Maggie Caris form the emergency list for Round 7.

Melbourne will be gearing up for a fierce challenge against the reigning premiers at Metricon Stadium on the Monday night, in what will be its second interstate trip of 2022.

Kick-off is scheduled for 7:10pm (AEDT), with broadcast available on Seven Network and Fox Footy.

You can check out the full team for Monday’s game below.