MELBOURNE has revealed a strong side to face Brisbane at Casey Fields in its second and final JLT clash on Saturday afternoon.
The Demons will unveil prized recruit Steven May for the first time in red and blue colours as the former Sun returns from a hamstring injury.
Melbourne assistant coach (strategy) Craig Jennings says the 27-year-old will be a welcome addition to the side.
“Some very exciting highlights at selection, led by Steven May,” Jennings told Melbourne Media.
“He’s been a real pro since arriving. His contribution in meetings is first class.
“We already know he’s highly competitive which is a priority in our team.”
May is one of six changes to Melbourne’s side which faced Richmond in Shepparton last week.
The Demons will welcome the return of leaders Max Gawn and Neville Jetta, as well as senior trio Jordan Lewis, Aaron vandenBerg and Michael Hibberd.
While co-captains Nathan Jones and Jack Viney will be playing alongside Jake Melksham in the Casey Demons practice match on Saturday, Jennings said they’re all on track for Round 1.
“Viney, Melksham and Jones will get good game time in the VFL this week,” he said.
“They’re all progressing well and it’s a phenomenal opportunity for young players like Tom Sparrow to play alongside them in the midfield and up forward.”
Sparrow and James Jordon are two of the young Demons who will benefit from a run in the VFL on the weekend, as Casey play Brisbane’s NEAFL side in a practice match prior to the JLT match at Casey Fields.
Braydon Preuss will also play for Casey with Gawn returning to ruck for Melbourne, while Jeff Garlett will be sidelined by his shoulder injury.
With the Demons squad shaping up well, Jennings is confident his side is prepared to kick off the 2019 season.
“We’ve had a very strong last seven weeks on the track and in planning,” he said.
“Players were as focused as I’ve seen them this week in our strategy and planning meetings, which is one measure of their keenness to both prepare professionally and to show a willingness to improve every day.”
It will be a massive day for the club at Casey Fields on Saturday with a triple header of games kicking off at 12:30pm and Jennings is hoping for a big turnout from the Demons faithful.
“We love playing at all our home grounds – MCG, Alice Springs, Darwin and Casey,” he said.
“Our supporters get right behind our team so a big Melbourne based crowd at Casey Fields will be a great launch for us into Round 1.”
