MELBOURNE has made six changes, including four forced changes, for its only Friday night clash of the season against Essendon at Docklands.
Skipper James McDonald (knee), ruckman Mark Jamar (quadriceps) and defender Matthew Warnock and midfielder Nathan Jones, who are both ill, are out forced omissions. Addam Maric and Daniel Bell have been left out of the side.
Although Warnock and Jones trained with the main group on Friday, they weren't 100 per cent fit, having missed Tuesday's session at Casey Fields.
The inclusion of Jurrah, who has booted 11 goals in his past three matches for the Scorpions, Bennell and Jetta, means Melbourne will field five of its six indigenous players – believed to be a club record.
Austin Wonaeamirri, who is sidelined with a knee injury, is the only indigenous player missing.
Along with Jurrah, Bennell and Jetta shone for Casey last Saturday, when Melbourne had a rest in the first week of the split round.
Martin has also impressed in his past two matches for Casey, after playing nine straight for the Demons from rounds two to 10. Miller (10 matches this season) and Bartram (eight) also return after stints in the VFL.
It will be the third match McDonald has missed this season. He also sat out rounds three and four with a hamstring injury.
Jamar's unfortunate run continues, having been sidelined in the pre-season and for the first seven rounds with a foot stress fracture. He has played just the past two matches in the AFL this season.
For Warnock and Jones, it will be their first match on the sidelines this season.
Maric has played six matches this season – the past half-a-dozen – and Bell has played just the last two games, after missing the opening four rounds with a thumb injury.
Melbourne Demons
Backs: M.Whelan, S.Martin, C.Bartram
Half backs: A.Davey, J.Rivers, J.Frawley
Centreline: N.Jetta, B.McLean, J.Bennell
Half forwards: R.Robertson, B.Miller, M. Bate
Forwards: B.Green, C.Sylvia, L.Jurrah
Followers: P.Johnson, J.Grimes, C.Bruce
I/C: B.Moloney, C.Morton, J.Watts, K.Cheney
Emg: L.Dunn, A.Maric, R.Petterd
Team Changes
In: Bartram, Bennell, Jetta, Jurrah, Martin, Miller
Out: Bell, Jamar (Quad), Jones (Virus), Maric, McDonald (Knee), Warnock (Virus)
New: Liam Jurrah (Yuendumu Magpies, NT)
