MELBOURNE has welcomed back defender Meg Downie for Sunday’s clash against Carlton at Ikon Park on Sunday at 4.35pm.

The Demons have named Downie, Jas Grierson, Claudia Whitfort, Aliesha Newman and Cat Phillips on the interchange. 

Laura Duryea and Emma Humphries, who were named in the initial squad on Thursday night, have been named emergencies. 

As known from the original squad, the Demons have lost defender Bianca Jakobsson, who was set to play against her former side for the first time, due to a quadriceps injury.  

Jakobsson is the only change from last round’s win over the Brisbane Lions at Casey Fields. 

Melbourne will be aiming to make it two from two, after bouncing back against the Lions last round.

The Demons started the season strongly, defeating GWS Giants and Adelaide Crows at Casey Fields respectively, before losing two on the road.

Melbourne dropped its first match of the season in round three, when it lost to Fremantle at Fremantle Oval. It then went down to Collingwood at TIO Traeger Park in round four.

After playing Carlton this weekend, the Dees are set to take on the Western Bulldogs at VU Whitten Oval in their final home and away round of the season. 

Melbourne remains right in the hunt to play in this year’s Grand Final, but must win this weekend and most likely the final round. A fascinating finish awaits the Demons.

Melbourne team: round six

B: Ashleigh Guest, Anna Teague, Harriet Cordner

HB: Karen Paxman, Mel Hickey, Brooke Patterson

C: Elise O’Dea

HF: Kate Hore, Richelle Cranston, Lily Mithen

F: Eden Zanker, Tegan Cunningham, Shelley Scott

Foll: Lauren Pearce, Daisy Pearce, Katherine Smith

I/C: Meg Downie, Jas Grierson, Claudia Whitfort, Aliesha Newman, Cat Phillips

Emg: Laura Duryea, Emma Humphries

In: Meg Downie

Out: Bianca Jakobsson (quadriceps)