INS – Petty, Jordon
OUTS – Spargo, Tomlinson (omitted)
MELBOURNE has named its side to face the reigning premiers, with Harrison Petty and James Jordon entering the final 22.
Jordon has been called upon after a number of solid displays as the tactical substitute alongside strong performances in the VFL, including a 32-disposal haul during Round 11.
Petty, who has been out of action since Round 9, will re-join the Demons’ line-up tomorrow night after impressing on the training track.
GM AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson praised the dedication of the young utility throughout his rehab process.
“Harrison has completed a huge amount of work in getting himself fit after suffering a mid-foot injury,” Richardson said.
“He will be an exciting addition to our team as he provides us with great flexibility at both ends of the ground.”
Clayton Oliver, who has spent time on the sidelines in recent weeks, will not make a return for the Thursday match, with Richardson providing an update on the midfielder.
“Unfortunately, Clayton will miss tomorrow’s night match as he continues to rehab his hamstring,” Richardson said.
“Clayton was close to being available for selection, but we have decided to instead take a conservative approach. It’s very likely he will be fit and ready to go for our match next week.”
While Charlie Spargo and Adam Tomlinson have been omitted from the starting side, they join Taj Woewodin and Ben Brown on the Thursday emergency list.
The Demons will be looking to come back with a win after a four-day break during their bye round, similarly to the Cats, who will want to bounce back from a Round 14 loss to Port Adelaide.
“They play the ground incredibly well,” Simon Goodwin told media on Monday.
“We know what we’re up against…we want to make sure that we’re as best prepared as possible to play a really strong footy team.
“We’re going to leave no stone unturned in preparation for the game that we’re coming up against.”
The first bounce is scheduled for 7:20pm (AEST), with the match broadcast live across the Seven Network, Fox Footy and Kayo.
Check out the full Round 15 team below.
