MELBOURNE has named a 26-player squad ahead of its return to the Red Centre.

The Dees will host the Dockers at their Alice Springs home of TIO Traeger Park in what has become a much-loved game of the club’s fixture.

In the extended line-up, Melbourne has confirmed the inclusion of Jack Billings, Bailey Laurie, Daniel Turner and Ben Brown.  

Of the 26 named, 23 will be selected for the final team, which will be confirmed tomorrow night at 5pm (AEST).

Heading to the game? Join the Dees at our Alice Springs Open Training this Saturday. Find out more here. 

In unfortunate news for the Dees, they will be without forward Jacob van Rooyen with GM of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson providing an update.

“Jacob experienced some minor discomfort in his adductor at training today,” Richardson told Melbourne Media.

“Following further assessment, we have decided to take a cautious approach with this injury and Jacob will miss this week’s match.

“At this stage, we do expect him to be available for next week’s match.”

The Dees will be looking to collect back-to-back wins following an emphatic defeat of St Kilda in Round 11.

The Sunday game with kick-off from 1pm (AEST) with fans able to tune in via Fox Footy or Kayo Sports.

INS – Billings, Laurie, Turner, B.Brown
OUTS – van Rooyen (inj.)