MELBOURNE has made one change ahead of Sunday afternoon’s clash against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
Christian Petracca will return for the Demons, after missing last round with a finger injury – the result of a dog bite.
The 22-year-old replaces Christian Salem, who will miss with a broken thumb sustained in round six’s win over Essendon.
“It’s great to get some stability finally in the team and get some continuity,” coach Simon Goodwin told Melbourne Media.
Jeff Garlett, Tim Smith, Josh Wagner and Cam Pedersen have been named as emergencies.
Goodwin said after some promising signs against Richmond in round four, his side continued to “take some steps forward” and build on its performance last week.
“After half time against the Bombers, we got our game style going, especially the offensive side,” he said.
“We spoke about that in terms of connecting and turning our contested ball wins into some good offence.
“That was a real pleasing part of the weekend and it was great to get our third win, and our season up and running.”
Melbourne will return to Etihad Stadium for the second week in a row, aiming for its fourth consecutive win at the venue. It will also be the 13th time the two teams have met there.
“We’ve had some really important games against St Kilda over the years,” Goodwin said.
“We know what they’re capable of. They bring a lot of pressure and they’re a real contested ball-type of team.”
Goodwin said while the Demons will be prepared to face St Kilda’s best, the focus will remain on their own game style.
“It really is about how we go about our footy,” he said.
“Clearly there are lots of little things that we can continue to work on, but if we can replicate what we played in the second half [against Essendon], I think it’ll be an exciting day for our supporters.”
Round Seven
Sunday, May 6
St Kilda v Melbourne, Etihad Stadium
Away, 3:20pm (AEST)
Melbourne
B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta
HB: Angus Brayshaw, Jake Lever, Jayden Hunt
C: Jordan Lewis, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson
HF: Mitch Hannan, Jesse Hogan, Jake Melksham
F: Sam Weideman, Tom McDonald, Christian Petracca
Foll: Max Gawn, Bernie Vince, Clayton Oliver
I/C: James Harmes, Charlie Spargo, Alex Neal-Bullen, Bayley Fritsch
In: Petracca
Out: Christian Salem (thumb)
St Kilda
B: Jarryn Geary, Nathan Brown, Shane Savage
HB: Sam Gilbert, Jake Carlisle, Jimmy Webster
C: Jack Newnes, Jack Steele, Maverick Weller
HF: Luke Dunstan, Paddy McCartin, Jack Billings
F: Jade Gresham, Tim Membrey, Ben Long
Foll: Tom Hickey, Sebastian Ross, Jack Steven
I/C: Hunter Clark, David Armitage, Nick Coffield, Rowan Marshall
In: Hunter Clark, David Armitage, Rowan Marshall
Out: Blake Acres, Brandon White, Jack Sinclair
