MELBOURNE has made no changes to its final team for this Sunday’s match against Brisbane Lions.
While Aidan Riley, Mark Jamar and Jack Grimes had been added to an initial extended squad, the trio was named as emergencies on Thursday.
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 Dom Tyson, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Alex Neal-Bullen, James Harmes
EMG: Aidan Riley, Jack Grimes, Mark Jamar
