MELBOURNE has finalised its first AFL Women’s team for its clash against the Brisbane Lions at Casey Fields on Sunday at 5:05pm.

The side consists of 22 players, with 16 starting on the ground and six on the interchange bench.

Melbourne’s half-back line is particularly strong. It features marquee players Daisy Pearce (captain) and Mel Hickey (vice-captain), and impressive defender Meg Downie.

Harriet Cordner, who has made a strong transition since coming from soccer, has been named in the centre.

Melbourne’s first pick in last year’s NAB AFL Women’s Draft, Elise O’Dea, has been named at centre half-forward.

Mia-Rae Clifford and Jessica Anderson have been named at the bookends, at full-back and full-forward respectively.

The followers are Lauren Pearce in the ruck, Karen Paxman ruck-rover and Deanna Berry rover.

Emma Humphries, Richelle Cranston, Laura Duryea, Sarah Lampard, Maddie Boyd and Alyssa Mifsud have been named on the interchange.

Sarah Jolly, Brooke Patterson are the emergencies.

Stephanie De Bortoli and Pepa Randall are sidelined with injury and Ainslie Kemp will miss with illness.

Melbourne’s AFLW squad: round one

Backs: Katherine Smith, Mia-Rae Clifford, Cat Phillips

Half-backs: Meg Downie, Daisy Pearce, Melissa Hickey

Centreline: Harriet Cordner

Half forwards: Shelley Scott, Elise O’Dea, Jasmine Grierson

Forwards: Aliesha Newman, Jessica Anderson, Lily Mithen

Followers: Lauren Pearce, Karen Paxman, Deanna Berry

Interchange: Emma Humphries, Richelle Cranston, Laura Duryea, Sarah Lampard, Maddie Boyd, Alyssa Mifsud

Emergencies: Sarah Jolly, Brooke Patterson

Not playing: Stephanie De Bortoli (injury), Ainslie Kemp (illness), Pepa Randall (injured)