MELBOURNE has named its first side of the 2023 Toyota AFL Premiership Season, with a flurry of fresh faces set to take the field.
On Wednesday it was announced that young duo Judd McVee and Bailey Laurie would feature in the starting 22, making their AFL debut against the Bulldogs on Saturday night.
McVee is currently in his second season at the Dees and has become the talk of the pre-season, impressing early on the track and reinforcing his talent within the fanbase during Melbourne’s practice matches.
Laurie’s debut comes during his third season at Melbourne, with the 20-year-old working hard on his development within those first few years. He is set to provide further depth through the centre, thanks to his powerful contest work and elite ball-use.
Alongside McVee and Laurie, experienced recruits Brodie Grundy and Lachie Hunter will make their club debut this weekend, pulling on the red and blue for their first official in-season game.
A notable omission from the side is star defender Steven May, with GM AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson providing an update on the Demon.
“Steven has recently experienced some tightness in his calf and after another session today, we have made the decision not to take any risks. This will see him miss Saturday night’s match,” Richardson told Melbourne Media.
“We will be in a better position next week to understand how Steven is responding to his rehabilitation program, but at this stage, we expect him to be available for selection in Round 2."
Earlier this week, Senior Coach Simon Goodwin confirmed that Christian Salem, Bayley Fritsch and Jack Viney would also miss the season-opener but ensured the trio were making positive strides in their rehab programs.
"Those three guys [are] just a little bit short in terms of their preparation,” Goodwin told media on Wednesday.
“But we feel like with another couple of weeks of load into their bodies, they're going to be right for the season, for the whole season.
"Viney…he's close, he's a big chance to play next week and Fritta is very close as well. He'll play next week…and potentially Salem as well.”
In recent years, the two teams have created a modern-day rivalry with this Saturday night match sure to add to that action-packed history.
Fans are encouraged to get down to Melbourne’s spiritual home of the MCG from 6pm, when gates open, before the first bounce at 7:25pm. Tickets to the game can be found here.
For those unable to attend, the game will be available to watch live via the Seven Network, Fox Footy and Kayo Sports. Dees supporters can currently access a Kayo x Melbourne membership deal here, with a 12-month subscription part of the package.
See below for the full Round 1 side.
