INS – McDonald, Hibberd
OUTS – Melksham (inj.), D.Turner (omitted), Laurie (Round 24 sub)

MELBOURNE is set for its qualifying final clash against Collingwood, with two experienced Demons returning to the starting side.

Simon Goodwin confirmed on Wednesday morning that the team’s forward line would receive a boost in the midst of Jake Melksham’s season-ending knee injury, naming Tom McDonald as an inclusion.

“He’s played the last three games really well at VFL,” Goodwin said.

“He’s kicking goals, he’s moving better, and he’s got his body 100% fit and healthy and that’s really important for Tommy.

“He’s a leader and he’s proven that he can play well in finals footy…we’re rapt to have him back.”

Along with the addition of McDonald, Michael Hibberd will also join the final line-up, the backman returning from a stint on the sidelines with concussion.

Despite an interrupted season, Hibberd has continued to demonstrate that his unrelenting pressure and attack at the contest is a crucial asset for Melbourne’s defence.

Daniel Turner and Bailey Laurie (Round 24 substitute) have both been omitted from the starting 22 with Laurie joining Brodie Grundy, Adam Tomlinson and James Jordon on the emergency list.  

The Thursday night qualifying final will be one of the club’s biggest games of recent history, with the sold-out match expected to hit upwards of 90,000 attendees.

Goodwin explained that the Dees were ready to embrace the challenge and were confident in the work they’d put in.

“It’s a big occasion and clearly they’re very excited,” Goodwin said.

“It’s a big stage to play on, the MCG, 90 to 100,000 people and the first final with a lot to play for.

“We think we’re well prepared, we think we’re ready and we’ve had a great couple of weeks of training.

“We just can’t wait to get out there and execute what we’ve been doing the last eight weeks.”

The MCG gates will be open from 5:30pm for general public, with all the on-field action set to begin at 7:20pm.

Check out the full team below.