IN – Zanker
OUT – Gillard (omitted)

MELBOURNE has made one change for its Preliminary Final, with Eden Zanker coming in to face the Brisbane Lions on Saturday.

Zanker, who missed Round 10 with quad soreness, comes into the side having proved her fitness on the track over the past three weeks in preparation for tomorrow’s final.

Young Defender Tahlia Gillard will make way, adding to the side’s emergency list alongside Jackie Parry.

The Demons are preparing for an epic battle against the reigning premiers, in what will be a history-making final.

Saturday’s match will mark the AFLW’s first official match to take place on the MCG, a ground-breaking step for the competition. 

The game will also be a significant moment in Demon Karen Paxman’s career, as she runs out for the 50^th time.  

Paxman is the second Demon to reach the milestone (Libby Birch celebrating 50 games in Round 10) and the first player in the club’s history to reach 50 games in the red and blue.

As one of six foundation players, the midfielder quickly became a star of the league in 2017 and hasn’t missed a single game since.  

Paxman was the first Demon to become a five-time All-Australian and currently has two club best and fairest awards under her belt.

In addition to the AFL’s ground-breaking decision to hold the final at the MCG, the league also confirmed on Sunday that there would be free entry to all NAB AFLW Preliminary Finals, thanks to Telstra.

Giving all fans the opportunity to enjoy football at the ‘G, tickets are redeemable via Ticketek with supporters encouraged to arrive early ahead of the first bounce at 12:40pm (AEDT).

For those watching from home, you can catch all the action from 12:30pm (AEDT) live via Fox Footy, Kayo Sports and the AFL Women’s website.

View Melbourne’s full side for the Preliminary Final below.