MELBOURNE has added four players to its squad for this weekend’s Heart of the Nation game in Alice Springs.

Oskar Baker, Tim Smith, Corey Wagner and Josh Wagner have all been included on the extended bench, with a chance to return to the side against West Coast on Sunday afternoon.

The Dees are yet to withdraw anyone from the team that went down by eight points to the Western Bulldogs last weekend, with a 26-man squad named for Round 18.

Baker and C.Wagner come into the side on the back of some strong form in the VFL last Sunday, while J.Wagner was the carry over emergency for the red and blue.

Smith’s inclusion is a big positive for the Dees, as the key forward has overcome a calf injury sustained against Brisbane three weeks ago, and could assist stand-in forward Harry Petty inside 50.

The final team will be announced at 5pm on Friday, before the Dees take off on Saturday for their home game at TIO Trager Park.