AFTER nearly eight weeks on the sidelines, Olivia Purcell will make her return to football this Sunday when the Dees face the Saints.

Melbourne will meet St Kilda at RSEA Park, with the star midfielder passing a final fitness test to be a confirmed selection in Week 7.

Purcell was ruled out for the opening six weeks of the Dees’ 2024 campaign after undergoing surgery on facial fractures sustained in a pre-season practice match. 

The 24-year-old will provide another layer of strength through the middle of the ground, her ferocious attack at the contest a huge boost for the team.

Eden Zanker will also re-join Melbourne’s team having proven her fitness after three weeks sidelined with an injury to her patellar tendon.

The All-Australian forward will bolster the side’s impact inside 50 as they look for their third consecutive win.

Paxy Paxman is also a chance to make a return after missing two games with a foot concern, while Saraid Taylor and Jemma Rigoni have been added to the extended line-up of 24 players.

Melbourne’s final team of 21 players will be confirmed tomorrow at 5pm (AEDT).

Gab Colvin will miss with concussion while Sarah D’Arcy has been omitted.

For the second time this week, the Dees will don their 2024 pride guernsey which represents the club’s journey towards inclusion, and commitment to providing a safe environment for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

INS – Purcell, Zanker, Paxman, Rigoni, S.Taylor
OUTS – Colvin (concussion), D’Arcy

See below for the extended squad.