MELBOURNE has made two changes ahead of Friday night’s clash against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
Midfielder Dom Tyson and tall forward Tim Smith will return for the red and blue, while Cam Pedersen and youngster Charlie Spargo have been omitted.
“On a Friday night at Adelaide Oval, it’s probably going to be a bit dewy, so we’ve gone with some big bodies,” coach Simon Goodwin told Melbourne Media.
Spargo has been named as an emergency, along with Billy Stretch, Sam Weideman and Harrison Petty.
Goodwin said it was an important game for his side, following an underwhelming performance in its Queen’s Birthday loss to Collingwood.
“We didn’t play anywhere near the level that we are capable of, and that was disappointing,” he said.
“At the same time, the group has been tracking in a really positive direction for a period of time, and after losing Queen’s Birthday, it’s important we reset.
“We’ve had the chance to freshen up, and get back into our training and our work, and come ready this week for a response.”
Coming off the bye, Melbourne will play its first of two games at Adelaide Oval this home-and-away season – the Demons will return to play Adelaide in Round 19.
And with only percentage separating the two sides, Goodwin said it’s set to be an exciting battle.
“Port Adelaide’s last month has been really impressive,” he said.
“They are second in contested ball and they play a really contested brand of footy.
“It’s a big game for us and we’re looking forward to it, against a really strong contender.”
Round 14: Port Adelaide v Melbourne
Friday June 22, 7.20pm ACST (7.50pm AEST)
Adelaide Oval (away)
Melbourne
B: Bernie Vince, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta
HB: Joel Smith, Michael Hibberd, Jordan Lewis
C: Christian Petracca, Jack Viney, Tom McDonald
HF: James Harmes, Jesse Hogan, Clayton Oliver
F: Alex Neal-Bullen, Tim Smith, Bayley Fritsch
Foll: Max Gawn, Jake Melksham, Nathan Jones
I/C: Christian Salem, Angus Brayshaw, Dom Tyson, Mitch Hannan
Emg: Charlie Spargo, Billy Stretch, Sam Weideman, Harrison Petty
In: Tyson, T.Smith
Out: Pedersen, Spargo (omitted)
