Bate and Sylvia were both impressive at their main training session today and showed no signs of their hamstring complaints that forced both to miss last week’s agonising one point loss to the Kangaroos. Wheatley will also be a welcome addition to the team and will make his first appearance for the club since round three.
Brock McLean will celebrate his 50th game for the club on Saturday. McLean collected 22 possessions in a half of football last week and will look to build on that performance in what will only be his third match for the year.
Brad Miller has been forced to miss due to a wrist injury. Lynden Dunn and Ben Holland have both been omitted.
The emergencies for the game are Chris Johnson, Ben Holland and Lynden Dunn.
Melbourne Team
Backs: D.Ward, N.Carroll, R.Petterd
Half backs: J.Frawley, C.Bizzell, D.Bell
Centreline: T.Johnstone, J.McDonald, A.Davey
Half forwards: B.Green, R.Robertson, C.Bruce
Forwards: C.Sylvia, D.Neitz, M.Bate
Followers: J.White, S.Godfrey, N.Jones
I/C: P.Johnson, B.McLean, P.Wheatley, N.Brown
Emergencies: C.Johnson, B.Holland, L.Dunn
