MICHAEL Hibberd, Jake Melksham and Sam Weideman will return for Melbourne’s clash against the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
Simon Goodwin confirmed at this weekly media conference that the trio would play this round, with Jesse Hogan (foot) and Jayden Hunt (ankle) sidelined through injury.
The final make-up of the side hasn’t yet been confirmed.
“We’ll make a few changes. Jake Melksham got through training, so he’s one that will come into the side, and Sam Weideman,” he said.
“His (Weideman) VFL form has been outstanding, so he’s another guy that we’ve been working towards getting him into this position to come in and play a key role for us. His form at VFL indicates that he’s ready for an opportunity and we’re looking forward to getting him in.
“He (Hibberd) was close to playing last week … so he’s fully fit and ready to go as well.”
Goodwin said Weideman had worked “really hard” to handle the demands of playing in the AFL.
“We’ve seen a huge change in his physical capabilities,” he said.
“He’s launching at the ball incredibly well at VFL level, so it’s an opportunity for him – a really strong opportunity – at an important time for us.”
Defender Neville Jetta was also “right to go”, after copping some knocks last week, Goodwin said.