Four added to extended bench

Melbourne has named Lily Mithen, Brenna Tarrant, Krstel Petrevski and Sarah Perkins in its extended squad for Sunday’s match against West Coast.

Mithen, who has been sidelined due to injury, will be hopeful of making her season debut, while Tarrant, Petrevski and Perkins will all be vying for the chance to play their first game for the Demons.

Having been invited to train with Melbourne earlier this year, Perkins may find herself in the red and blue on Sunday, due to player availability.

The Demons were short in naming a 23-player squad this week, with Lauren Pearce (knee soreness) and Meg Downie (illness) both deemed unfit. As a result, Perkins was elevated from a train-on player to a squad inclusion, as per the AFL’s guidelines.

Draftees Tarrant and Petrevski will be just as eager for their shot at the senior side, having been emergencies the past two weeks.

Oppo watch

Melbourne will face its second expansion team for 2020 on Sunday.

The Eagles, one of the four sides to enter the competition this year, are coming off their first AFLW victory, defeating the Western Bulldogs in Round 4.

West Coast captain Emma Swanson continues to impress and will be a key focus for the Dees in the middle.

What it means

The Conference B clash is another must-win for the Demons. While they currently sit in second position on the ladder, a loss could prove detrimental come the later part of the season.

Meanwhile, West Coast will be eager to get another victory on the board and climb off the bottom of the ladder.

Look out for

Melbourne’s final team will be announced on Friday at 4pm, with at least two inclusions for Sunday.

Match info

The Demons will return to Casey Fields for their second home game of the season.

With plenty of family-friendly activities on offer, all fans are encouraged to get along early to show their support.

There will also be a post-match signing session with the players following the final siren.

For more information, take a look at the full GAME DAY GUIDE