MELBOURNE has named its final team to open the 2024 Toyota AFL Season.
The Dees will face the Swans on Thursday night as part of the newly introduced Opening Round, in which four blockbuster games take place in NSW and Queensland a week ahead of Round 1.
On Monday it was announced that Melbourne will head into the match with a duo of young AFL debutants in Caleb Windsor and Blake Howes.
Howes first arrived at the club at the end of 2021 and following two interrupted years of injury, the wingman turned defender now gets his chance at the top level.
Windsor’s rise to debut has been a quick ascent, only joining the club four months ago during the 2023 National Draft.
The speedy and silky winger has fit seamlessly into the Demon line-up and after impressing in the club’s pre-season hit-outs, has earned his spot in the season-opening team.
In addition to Windsor and Howes, it was also confirmed that Jack Billings would make his club debut having come across from St Kilda during the 2023 AFL Trade Period.
Billings has bolstered Melbourne’s side further with class and experience across the midfield and forward line.
The Demons’ strong engine room will return with Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca and Tom Sparrow all named in the midfield, led by star ruckman Max Gawn.
Up forward, Josh Schache, Jacob van Rooyen and Bayley Fritsch will be looking to make their scoreboard impact inside 50, while at the other end of the ground, the likes of defensive stalwarts Steven May, Jake Lever, and Adam Tomlinson will look to dampen the impact of Sydney’s forward line.
Windsor, Billings, Bailey Laurie, Jake Bowey and Kade Chandler have been named on the interchange bench.
Of the 23 named, one Demon will be confirmed as the team’s tactical substitute 60 minutes prior to the first bounce, following the AFL’s change in team announcement procedure.
Tom McDonald, Tom Fullarton and Taj Woewodin will be emergencies for the season-opener.
The opening bounce for the Thursday night clash is set for 7:30pm (AEDT), with Dees fans encouraged to tune into the broadcast live on the Seven Network, Kayo Sports and Foxtel. Supporters can get access to Kayo as part of their 2024 Digital Membership, available here.
Check out the full team below.
