MELBOURNE has made one change for the round 20 clash with the Gold Coast Suns, with Aaron vandenBerg replacing the injured Jake Melksham in the team.
Cam Pedersen, Tim Smith, Dean Kent and Jayden Hunt have been named as emergencies for the Sunday afternoon clash.
Coach Simon Goodwin said he was over the moon to have vandenBerg back on the field for the first time since round 23, 2016.
“It’s a terrific footy story. It’s nearly two years since he last played for us,” Goodwin said.
“He’s gone through a hell of a lot and he’s had three VFL games now and he’s prepared himself incredibly well, so we’re excited about what he can bring our team.”
As announced, Jake Melksham will miss the clash due to a hamstring complaint, however Goodwin said it was likely the forward would recover ahead of round 21.
“Unfortunately for Melky, he’s a little bit tight through that hamstring.”
“He had it through the second quarter and continued to play on, but he’s going to take a week to get right and hopefully he’ll be back for the Sydney game the week after.”
Goodwin said the team are looking forward to being back at home for the Suns clash, after two games on the road in Geelong and Adelaide.
“We’re really looking forward to the Gold Coast, who played a terrific game two weeks ago against Sydney,” Goodwin said.
“They’re a contest, tackle-based team, so we know what we’re up against and we’re looking forward to that challenge and putting on a great show for our fans.”
Melbourne team: round 20
B: Bernie Vince, Sam Frost, Neville Jetta
HB: Christian Salem, Oscar McDonald, Jordan Lewis
C: Dom Tyson, Clayton Oliver, James Harmes
HF: Aaron vandenBerg, Jesse Hogan, Bayley Fritsch
F: Jeff Garlett, Tom McDonald, Jay Kennedy Harris
Foll: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Angus Brayshaw
I/C: Christian Petracca, Charlie Spargo, Alex Neal-Bullen, Joel Smith
Emg: Dean Kent, Cameron Pedersen, Jayden Hunt, Tim Smith
