INS - Hore, McDonald, Pickett, Woewodin, B.Brown
OUTS - Spargo (inj.), Bowey (inj.), Schache (omitted), Tomlinson (omitted), Laurie (omitted)
MELBOURNE will make its return home to the ‘G with five changes to its side.
In news that will excite many diehard Demons, Marty Hore will pull on the red and blue guernsey for the first time since Round 23, 2019.
BE THERE FOR ROUND 1 >>> Tickets available here
Delisted by the Dees at the end of 2021, Hore returned to the club in November of last year via the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period.
In his time away from Melbourne, the defender completed two standout seasons in the VFL where he was named in the league’s team of the year twice and took out a club best and fairest playing for Williamstown.
It’s a triumphant story for Hore, who, in his earlier years at the club, saw interrupted opportunities at senior footy due to an unlucky run with injury.
On return to the club, the 28-year-old has been strong on the track and will provide plenty in defence as the Dees look to collect their first win of the 2024 AFL season.
Tom McDonald, Taj Woewodin and Ben Brown will all join the Round 1 team after impressive efforts in the VFL practice match last Friday, while Kysaiah Pickett has been selected after serving his one-week suspension.
Of the 23 named, one Demon will be confirmed as the team’s tactical substitute 60 minutes prior to the first bounce.
Charlie Spargo will miss the match with Achilles soreness, while Jake Bowey has been ruled out for up to eight weeks following shoulder surgery.
Bailey Laurie, Josh Schache and Adam Tomlinson have been omitted from the final team, with Laurie joining Tom Fullarton and Koltyn Tholstrup on the emergency list.
The opening bounce for Sunday’s match is set for 1pm (AEDT) with Dees fans encouraged to get down to the ‘G to cheer on the team in their first home match of the year. Tickets are available here.
Supporters unable to get to the game can tune into the broadcast live on Kayo Sports and Foxtel. Get access to Kayo as part of a 2024 Digital Membership, available here.
Check out the full team below.
