MELBOURNE has named key forward Jesse Hogan for Sunday’s clash against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG, but has lost co-captain Jack Viney with a foot injury.
Hogan is one of four players into squad, along with speedster Billy Stretch, hard-nut Ben Kennedy and potential second-gamer Corey Maynard.
Hogan has been named in the starting 18, while Stretch, Kennedy, Wagner, Maynard, utility Angus Brayshaw, forward Mitch Hannan and tall Sam Weideman have been named on the extended bench.
Viney, who missed two matches with a foot injury in rounds 16 and 17, has played the past four games.
General manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said Viney’s foot injury was different to his previous setback.
“He pulled up sore in his foot, but his previous plantar fascia injury is fine,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“He’s got a different injury to his foot, which he pulled up sore from on the weekend.
“He’ll have this weekend off and we expect him to be available next week.”
Hogan has endured a tough season and played just eight matches.
He has been sidelined because of suspension (rounds three and four), the sad passing of his father, Tony, (round six), fighting testicular cancer (rounds eight to 15) and a shoulder injury (rounds 20 and 21).
His return looms as a crucial inclusion, as Melbourne continues to push hard with its 2017 campaign.
Stretch is in line to play his ninth game for the season, with his most recent appearance coming against Carlton at the MCG in round 16. He has been one of Casey’s most consistent players in recent weeks.
Kennedy, who has been an emergency twice this season, continues to knock on the door of senior selection, after an outstanding season in the VFL.
Maynard, who made his AFL debut against GWS Giants at UNSW Canberra Oval in round 20, is back in the mix, after being named an emergency against St Kilda at the MCG last Sunday.
The match starts at 1.10pm.
Melbourne team: round 22
B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta
HB: Jordan Lewis, Tom McDonald, Jayden Hunt
C: Dom Tyson, Nathan Jones, Clayton Oliver
HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Jesse Hogan, Christian Petracca
F: Jeff Garlett, Cam Pedersen, James Harmes
Foll: Max Gawn, Bernie Vince, Jake Melksham
I/C (from): Angus Brayshaw, Billy Stretch, Mitch Hannan, Sam Weideman, Ben Kennedy, Josh Wagner, Corey Maynard
In: Hogan, Stretch, Kennedy, Maynard
Out: Jack Viney (foot)
