MELBOURNE has named versatile tall Jack Watts and classy playmaker Christian Salem for its final home and away clash against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday.
The pair have come back into the side for rebounder Josh Wagner and youngster Billy Stretch, who have been left out of the side.
“[We’ve made] two changes – coming into the team is Jack Watts and Christian Salem,” coach Simon Goodwin told Melbourne TV.
“Both have gone back to VFL footy and got themselves into really good form, so we’re looking forward to getting those guys back into the team.
“Out of the team this week is Josh Wagner and Billy Stretch, who have been omitted.”
Wagner, versatile tall Declan Keilty, who was promoted from the rookie to senior list on Thursday, and recent debutant Corey Maynard are the emergencies.
Goodwin said Melbourne had “a good win” against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG last round and some encouraging signs had emerged.
“There was a fair bit to play for and it was another opportunity for the club to continue to work towards what they’re really striving for,” he said.
“Brisbane played a pretty good brand of footy and we had to play a really good game to get the result.
“I was pleased with some of the performances, both individually, but also collectively as a team that when the time came, they really stood up.”
Looking ahead to this weekend’s clash, Goodwin said it was all in Melbourne’s hands.
“We’ve got our destiny in our own hands and we’re really focused on putting on a really strong performance,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the MCC nice and full of Melbourne supporters and really embarking on the final match of the season.
“We’re looking forward to a really positive result.”
The match starts at 1.45pm.
Melbourne team: round 23
B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta
HB: Nathan Jones, Tom McDonald, Jayden Hunt
C: Jordan Lewis, Christian Petracca, Christian Salem
HF: Clayton Oliver, Jesse Hogan, Jake Melksham
F: Jeff Garlett, Cam Pedersen, James Harmes
Foll: Max Gawn, Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince
I/C: Jack Watts, Angus Brayshaw, Mitch Hannan, Alex Neal-Bullen
Emg: Josh Wagner, Declan Keilty, Corey Maynard
In: Salem, Watts
Out: Billy Stretch, Josh Wagner
