MELBOURNE’S Bayley Fritsch will return from a foot fracture to face Sydney on Sunday at the SCG, with the forward named in the side’s extended squad.

Senior coach Simon Goodwin confirmed on Thursday morning that Fritsch would make the trip up to Sydney after nearly seven weeks on the sidelines.

“He's done a power of work,” Goodwin said.  

“We feel like he’s ready to go and he’s an important player for us. 

“So, we’ll get him in the team this week and look forward to seeing his best, he’s a high-quality player that’s really important for us.”   

Fritsch joins the extended line-up alongside Tom McDonald, Taj Woewodin and Daniel Turner, with the final 22 to be released at 5pm on Friday 25 August.

Josh Schache, who was the used tactical substitute during Round 23, has been omitted from the 26-player squad.

INS – McDonald, Fritsch, Woewodin, D.Turner
OUTS – Schache (omitted, Round 23 sub)