COLIN Sylvia and Matthew Bate have been named in the starting 18 for Sunday’s clash against North Melbourne at the MCG.
The pair is among four inclusions for the Demons, although the squad will be trimmed on Friday night.
The pair is among four inclusions for the Demons, although the squad will be trimmed on Friday night.
The only omission at this stage is small forward/defender Jamie Bennell.
Paul Johnson and Joel Macdonald have also been included in the 25-man squad, but have been named on the bench.
Macdonald, Johnson, Jack Trengove, Jordie McKenzie, Matthew Warnock, Rohan Bail and Michael Newton make up the seven-man bench.
Sylvia was a late withdrawal last round due to illness, with Bail his replacement.
Bate has played 14 matches this season, but has not featured for the Demons since round 16 against Fremantle.
But the forward has impressed for Casey in recent weeks, booting five goals against Werribee last round.
Ruckman Johnson was dropped last round, but after dominating for the Scorpions in the VFL last week, is back in contention.
Half-back/winger Macdonald missed round 21 with an ankle injury, but has played 16 matches this season.
Skipper James McDonald will play his 251st and final match for the club.
He will end his outstanding career as the seventh most capped player at Melbourne.
Cale Morton will also make his 50th appearances for the Demons in just his third AFL season.
Melbourne will be desperate to finish the season on a high and end a seven-match losing streak against North Melbourne.
Teams
Melbourne
B: Clint Bartram, Jared Rivers, Colin Garland
HB: Tom Scully, James Frawley, Cale Morton
C: Cameron Bruce, Nathan Jones, Liam Jurrah
HF: Colin Sylvia, Matthew Bate, Lynden Dunn
F: Austin Wonaeamirri, Brad Green, Jack Watts
FOLL: Mark Jamar, James McDonald, Brent Moloney
I/C (from): Joel Macdonald, Paul Johnson, Jack Trengove, Jordie McKenzie, Matthew Warnock, Rohan Bail, Michael Newton
In: Johnson, Macdonald, Sylvia, Bate
Out: Bennel
North Melbourne
B: Michael Firrito, Scott Thompson, Brady Rawlings
HB: Daniel Pratt, Nathan Grima, Scott McMahon
C: Cruize Garlett, Brent Harvey, Sam Wright
HF: Ryan Bastinac, Corey Jones, Daniel Wells
F: Ben Cunnington, Aaron Edwards, Ben Warren
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Andrew Swallow, Levi Greenwood
I/C (from): Todd Goldstein, Robbie Tarrant, David Hale, Matt Campbell, Jamie Macmillan, Leigh Harding, Marcus White
In: Jones, Campbell, Tarrant, Goldstein, Macmillan
Out: Leigh Adams (concussion), Lachlan Hansen (hamstring)
