MELBOURNE fans will get a first glimpse of the club’s newest young talent as first round draftees Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay step out in red and blue against North Melbourne.
A swathe of experienced Demons will watch on from the sidelines as the club tailors pre-season loads to have its veterans fit and firing come Round 1, naming a 29-man squad for the match simulation.
Max Gawn, Ed Langdon, Christian Salem, Steven May and Bayley Fritsch will all wait until the club’s practice match against Fremantle to ramp-up their pre-season progress.
“In assessing what is best preparation for the season ahead, some of our more experienced players will only take part in the one practice match," GM of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson said.
“As a result, those missing tomorrow’s game will prepare to play next week. Traveling to Perth for that match adds another layer to our decision-making, and we’ve factored that into our approach.
“While Saturday’s team features plenty of young talent, we expect them to perform strongly. It will be a great opportunity for our supporters to see what we believe will be some exciting young talent, put their best foot forward with less than three weeks until Round 1. Each player has earned their spot, and we look forward to having a quality hit-out.”
Alongside Melbourne’s first round pairing, mature forward Aidan Jonson, Lion-turned-Demon Harry Sharp, journeyman ruck Tom Campbell and Category B pickup Ricky Mentha Jnr will all make their first appearances for the club.
Other uncapped Demons featuring in the squad of 29 include 2022 first round selection Matthew Jefferson, developing key defender Jed Adams, ruck prospect Will Verrall and forward-turned-defender Oliver Sestan.
Judd McVee (hamstring), Jack Viney (ribs), Christian Petracca (ribs), Caleb Windsor (skin infection), Koltyn Tholstrup (bone stress), Luker Kentfield (illness), Jake Melksham (hamstring) and Charlie Spargo (Achilles) remain sidelined with their respective injuries.
The match simulation play starts from 10am AEDT and is broadcast live on Foxtel and Kayo.
The play start time was brought forward from the initial 11am bounce, due to the high temperatures forecast.
The match sim will consist of four 25-minute quarters, plus game-specific simulations at the end of the second and fourth quarters.
Following the match, the Casey Demons will face North Melbourne in a VFL practice match at 1pm.
Please note there is limited shade, seating and amenities at Arden Street Oval, so please prepare accordingly.
TRANSPORT
- Public transport is advised with North Melbourne Station, Macaulay Station and the 57 Tram all walking distance to the club
- Very limited street parking is available around the oval, however secure paid parking is available at Arden Gardens, 250m from the ground
AMENITIES AND WHAT TO BRING
- Arden Street has limited seating so feel free to bring picnic blankets and portable chairs for your comfort
- Food trucks, coffee and ice cream will be available on site as well as water taps. Fans are encouraged to BYO food and water bottles
- Limited shade is available, so with high temperatures expected please wear sun smart clothes and hats, and apply sunscreen
