The Demons have brought in big men Stef Martin and Michael Newton, plus versatile small Jamie Bennell.
Jamar, an All-Australian in 2010, will be sidelined for the next four to six weeks, after injuring his posterior cruciate ligament against Adelaide Crows last round.
The Demons have all of a sudden been hit by injury in the ruck department.
Nominated rookie Michael Newton will become the second ruckman, with Lynden Dunn also expected to pinch-hit.
Emerging ruckman Jake Spencer could not be considered after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, playing for Casey last round, ending his 2011.
Premiership ruckman Robbie Campbell played a half of football in the Casey reserves last weekend, but it was his first run for this year. He returned from an achilles injury sustained in the pre-season.
Forward/ruckman Jack Fitzpatrick also injured his ankle playing for Casey last round and is also sidelined.
Beanpole Max Gawn is still emerging and played for Casey seconds last round.
But he was one of Casey’s best against Northern Bullants last round and has gained a call-up.
After just one match in the AFL, Bate has been relegated to an emergency.
Teams
Melbourne
EMG: Joel Macdonald, Neville Jetta, Matthew Bate
B: Jamie MacMillan, Nathan Grima, Scott Thompson
HB: Daniel Pratt, Michael Firrito, Brady Rawlings
C: Ben Speight, Shaun Atley, Brent Harvey
HF: Scott McMahon, Aaron Edwards, Lindsay Thomas
F: Sam Wright, Drew Petrie, Jack Ziebell
FOLL: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Daniel Wells
IN: Lachlan Hansen, Ben Cunnington, Leigh Adams, Kieran Harper
EMG: Cruize Garlett, Cameron Richardson, Cameron Pedersen
OUT: Liam Anthony (omitted), Cameron Pedersen (omitted)