MELBOURNE has made four changes for its Anzac Day Eve match against Richmond at the MCG.
Coming into the side are Dom Tyson, Jayden Hunt, Billy Stretch and Sam Weideman. As expected, Jordan Lewis is out with a hand injury, while Sam Frost, Bayley Fritsch and Tom Bugg have been omitted.
“Jordan Lewis goes out with that broken hand, and we’ve had three omissions. Dom Tyson comes back from illness, who was sorely missed last week,” coach Simon Goodwin told Melbourne Media.
“Billy Stretch has been playing some terrific footy in the VFL and Sam Weideman, who has had a limited pre-season, but has put together four or five weeks of really strong footy. He also comes into the side.
“Jayden Hunt, who went back to the VFL level, has really discovered his power, contest and run off half-back … so we’re looking forward to those guys performing.”
Mitch Hannan, Bayley Fritsch, Harry Petty and Tim Smith have been named emergencies.
Goodwin said Melbourne’s loss to Hawthorn in round four was “incredibly disappointing”, but he was looking forward to his team responding.
“In terms of the way we played, we broke down in every phase of our game,” he said.
“After a promising start, the game really got away from us in the second quarter and resulted in the second half not being anywhere near the level that we need to be as a footy club.
“It was disappointing, but it gives us a great opportunity [and we’ve had] nine days to really work hard on the training track. And we’ve made sure we’re really well-prepared heading into this week and come Tuesday night, we’re looking for a response.
“That’s a really exciting part for our supporters and our footy club – to see our boys under a bit of adversity and see how they respond.”
Goodwin said it was a privilege to be involved in such a match – now in its fourth consecutive season.
“It’s a great game, the Anzac Eve game. It’s been building over the last couple of years,” he said.
“The clubs have done a great job of putting this game together and it gives us a great chance to recognise the current service men and women that serve our country.
“Also, [we want] to play with the Anzac spirit. As a club that’s what we’re looking to do – to bond together with our mateship and our togetherness, and to put a performance on that we’re really proud of.”
Round five
Tuesday, April 24
Melbourne v Richmond, MCG
Home, 7:25pm (AEST)
Melbourne
B: Josh Wagner, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta
HB: Michael Hibberd, Jake Lever, Bernie Vince
C: James Harmes, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson
HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Sam Weideman, Christian Petracca
F: Dean Kent, Jesse Hogan, Jake Melksham
Foll: Max Gawn, Christian Salem, Clayton Oliver
I/C: Angus Brayshaw, Billy Stretch, Jayden Hunt, Jeff Garlett
Emg: Mitch Hannan, Bayley Fritsch, Harry Petty, Tim Smith
In: Tyson, Weideman, Stretch, Hunt
Out: Jordan Lewis (hand), Sam Frost, Tom Bugg, Bayley Fritsch
Richmond
B: Alex Rance, David Astbury, Dylan Grimes
HB: Bachar Houli, Nathan Broad, Jayden Short
C: Shaun Grigg, Trent Cotchin, Kamdyn McIntosh
HF: Jason Castagna, Sam Lloyd, Jacob Townsend
F: Shane Edwards, Jack Riewoldt, Dan Butler
Foll: Toby Nankervis, Kane Lambert, Dustin Martin
I/C: Brandon Ellis, Jack Higgins, Dion Prestia, Reece Conca
Emg: Corey Ellis, Tyson Stengle, Anthony Miles, Ivan Soldo
In: Nathan Broad, Sam Lloyd, Jack Higgins
Out: Josh Caddy (hamstring soreness), Nick Vlastuin (calf), Jack Graham (suspension)
