Former Lion Mitch Clark will make his debut for the Demons, along with mature age rookie James Magner, and 18 year-old newcomer, Josh Tynan.
Clark, who has already shown some impressive form in the NAB Cup, was the club’s big off-season recruit during last year’s trade period.
His contested marking and strength up forward has been a highlight of his game.
He will line up against his former team for the second time this year, having already played against the Lions in the opening NAB Cup round.
Magner looms as one of the good football stories of the season.
The 24 year-old was bypassed in the draft for several years, but continually shone in the VFL for Frankston, and more recently Sandringham, as a tough-as-teak midfielder.
He was selected at No. 42 in last December’s NAB AFL Rookie Draft and was one of Melbourne’s better NAB Cup performers.
Tynan has shown plenty of enthusiasm and courage in fewer than six months at the club.
His ability to put his body on the line and back himself in the contest have been noted among his pre-season form.
Tynan was Melbourne’s second selection in last year’s NAB AFL Draft (No. 52 overall).
Co-captains Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove will also lead the team together for the first time.
Interestingly, the young skippers did not play together during the NAB Cup, due to the interference of injury.
Grimes played in the opening NAB Cup round, but missed the remaining matches due to a shoulder injury.
Trengove did not play his first official match until the third NAB Cup round.
Melbourne’s remaining leadership group members - Clint Bartram, Mitch Clark, James Frawley, Colin Garland, Mark Jamar and Nathan Jones - are all playing in this first game of the season proper.
Jack Watts and Rohan Bail, who both impressed for Casey in the opening VFL round last week, have also been included.
Rookie Tom Couch - upgraded to the senior list for Neville Jetta, who has been placed on the long-term injury list - has been named as an emergency.
Former Crow and first year player James Sellar is also an emergency.
The match will start at 1.45 pm.
Round one team
B: Joel Macdonald, James Frawley, Clint Bartram
HB: Rohan Bail, Jared Rivers, Colin Garland
C: Jack Watts, Jack Grimes, Nathan Jones
HF: Jack Trengove, Brad Green, Jeremy Howe
F: Aaron Davey, Mitch Clark, Stef Martin
FOLL: Mark Jamar, Brent Moloney, Jamer Magner
I/C: Matthew Bate, Jordie McKenzie, Sam Blease, Josh Tynan
EMG: Lynden Dunn, Tom Couch, James Sellar
