MELBOURNE has added three players to its squad for Sunday’s clash against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG.
The Demons have included ruckman Mark Jamar, former co-captain Jack Grimes and midfielder Aidan Riley into their mix.
The trio has been named on an extended interchange, along with midfielder Dom Tyson, forward Jay Kennedy-Harris, first-year Demon Alex Neal-Bullen and rookie James Harmes, who all played in Melbourne’s nine-point loss to Essendon at the MCG last round.
No changes have yet to be made.
Manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said Jamar, Grimes and Riley had earned their way into the initial team.
“Last week’s game was the first time we’d had a high number of inside 50s and contested possessions for the year, but unfortunately we couldn’t get the result we wanted with our inaccurate kicking,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“We got through the game without any injuries and the three players added to the side performed well for Casey last weekend in tough conditions.
“Our final selection will be made following our main training session tomorrow (Friday).”
Jamar has been in fine form for Casey in recent weeks and was one of its best in its win over Port Melbourne in wet conditions at Cranbourne East last weekend.
He has played five matches this season – the opening five rounds – but was replaced in the ruck by Jake Spencer and then Max Gawn, after the latter two forced their way into the side through strong performances in the VFL.
Grimes has played five matches this season – in between rounds five to 11 – but suffered a broken thumb against St Kilda just over a month ago and was sidelined for two matches.
He returned for Casey last round and made an immediate impression, laying 12 tackles against the Borough.
Riley has featured in four matches this season, with his most recent appearance coming in Melbourne’s stunning win over Geelong in round 12.
He shone in the tough conditions last Sunday in the VFL and was one of the best for the Scorpions.
Melbourne is aiming for its first win over the Brisbane Lions since round three, 2011. The Demons have lost their past five encounters against the Lions.
Melbourne team: round 16
B: Colin Garland, Lynden Dunn, Neville Jetta
HB: Jeremy Howe, Tom McDonald, Billy Stretch
C: Daniel Cross, Bernie Vince, Heritier Lumumba
HF: Aaron vandenBerg, Chris Dawes, Jeff Garlett
F: Angus Brayshaw, Jesse Hogan, Jack Watts
Foll: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney
I/C (from): Dom Tyson, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Aidan Riley, Alex Neal-Bullen, Jack Grimes, Mark Jamar, James Harmes
In: Mark Jamar, Jack Grimes, Aidan Riley
Out: –
