Blease did not play in the opening round against the Gold Coast Suns or Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium last Saturday night, after he was suspended for one match.
The versatile runner did not attend a compulsory meeting last week, and was therefore not considered for selection.
But coach Mark Neeld was adamant the talented youngster was back in the selection frame against the Pies.
“That one I found really interesting, in the fact that he was given a one game suspension, so everyone thinks that it’s got to be two or three,” he said.
“Sam had a one game suspension. That finished on Saturday night, so he’s fine and he’ll train and put his hand up for selection.
“I think that it may have in some quarters been reported incorrectly that Sam was late. He didn’t attend the session, which is very different from being five or 10 minutes late.”
Neeld said that if another player missed a training session in the future, they would more than likely miss a match.
“I would say so,” he said.
Neeld said some players would be rested this round, including key forward Mitch Clark.
“We’ve got a plan as to how many minutes every player should play, dependant on the role we want them to play in the home and away season,” he said.
“The good thing about last weekend is that we got through unscathed, so there will be some changes, but I’m not sure who they will be. We’ve got match committee this afternoon (Wednesday).
“Off the top of my head, Mitch Clark won’t play this week. He was due to have the week off, so he’ll rest and Clint Bartram will be another one. There will be a couple more who will sit out as well.”
Co-captain Jack Trengove has also been ruled out this week, due to a shin complaint.
“He’s coming along well. He won’t play this week. His plan is to get him up for NAB [Cup round] three,” Neeld said.
Reflecting on Melbourne’s opening NAB Cup round, Neeld said his immediate thoughts after the games had not changed much since the review early this week.
“My ideas on the game haven’t changed since post-match,” he said.
“They were hard conditions, and I thought all three sides kept their heads over the footy and tried to use it as best they could.
“So it was pretty positive.”
