CO-CAPTAIN Jack Grimes has been rushed back for Sunday’s clash against the Sydney Swans at the MCG, after spending the past eight weeks on the long term injury list.
Grimes, arguably Melbourne’s most consistent performer in its opening five matches this season, suffered a collarbone injury against Carlton in round six. He was sidelined ever since.
But the 24-year-old is one of four Demons to be included in the provisional side.
Rebounder James Strauss, plus tall utilities James Sellar and Cam Pedersen have also been added to the 25-man squad.
But the Demons have lost the speedy Sam Blease with an ankle injury, which forced him to be subbed from last round’s win against the Western Bulldogs.
First-year Demon Jimmy Toumpas, veteran Shannon Byrnes, Strauss, Pedersen, runner Daniel Nicholson, Sellar and livewire Aaron Davey have been named on the seven-man bench.
Acting general manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said Grimes was ready to go.
“Jack has worked very hard, following his shoulder operation,” Mahoney said.
“Given the type of injury he’s had, he’s been able to do a lot of the running and he’s been doing ball work and contested work for the past two weeks.
“We’re comfortable that he’ll have the match fitness to play, which is why he’s come straight into the team.”
Mahoney said Blease “unfortunately didn’t quite come up”.
“He was tested today (Thursday) at the main training session and he was unable to get through the test, so he’ll miss this week’s game,” he said.
Pedersen has played seven matches this season, with Sellar featuring in six and Strauss four.
Mahoney said the trio was putting pressure on for a call-up.
“James Sellar was a carryover player for last week’s game and Cam Pedersen performed very well for Casey in defence,” he said.
“James Strauss played one of his best games for the year, showing his speed and ball use, and he’s continually putting pressure on players to perform.”
Melbourne round 15 team
B: Lynden Dunn, Colin Garland, Dean Terlich
HB: Tom McDonald, James Frawley, Mitch Clisby
C: Matt Jones, Jack Trengove, Jack Grimes
HF: Dean Kent, Chris Dawes, David Rodan
F: Jack Fitzpatrick, Jack Watts, Jeremy Howe
FOLL: Max Gawn, Colin Sylvia, Nathan Jones
I/C (from): Jimmy Toumpas, Shannon Byrnes, James Strauss, Cam Pedersen, Daniel Nicholson, James Sellar, Aaron Davey
IN: James Sellar, Jack Grimes, James Strauss, Cam Pedersen
OUT: Sam Blease (ankle)
