MELBOURNEfc has made four changes to its team including ‘skipper’ David Neitz, Travis Johnstone, Nathan Brown and debutant Michael Newton for Friday night’s emotional farewell match for Neale Daniher.

Daniher will coach his last ever game for Melbourne after announcing his retirement on Wednesday afternoon. Daniher has spent ten years at the helm of the Melbourne Football Club and has taken the team to six finals series and one Grand Final. In a touch of irony, Daniher will coach his last game against Essendon, a team where it all began for Daniher as a player.

Captain David Neitz has worked hard to overcome a broken finger that forced him to miss last weeks loss to Richmond and will lead the team out for his 296th AFL match. Midfielder Travis Johnstone also makes his return from injury after missing two weeks with an achilles injury and selfless defender Nathan Brown has fought his way back into the side for Friday night.

Young forward Michael Newton will make his long-awaited AFL debut. Originally from Whorouly in Northern Victoria, Newton stands at 193cm and has made the most of his opportunities at VFL level in 2007, playing some exciting football in the Sandringham forward line.

Midfielder Simon Godfrey will celebrate his 100th AFL game. Godfrey first debuted for the club in 2000 and is unsurpassed for his fierce determination, great work ethic, and perseverance. 

Defender Ben Holland will be forced out with a broken nose whilst Adem Yze will miss due to a hernia. Byron Pickett and James Frawley have both been omitted.

The emergencies for the match are Brad Miller, Simon Buckley and Chris Johnson.

Melbourne Team
Backs: D.Ward, N.Carroll, P.Wheatley
Half backs: S.Godfrey, C.Bizzell, D.Bell
Centreline: C.Bruce, J.McDonald, T.Johnstone
Half forwards: B.Green, R.Robertson, A.Davey
Forwards: C.Sylvia, D.Neitz, M.Bate
Followers: J.White, B.McLean, N.Jones
I/C: P.Johnson, R.Petterd, M.Newton, N.Brown  
Emergencies: B.Miller, C.Johnson, S.Buckley

In: D.Neitz, T.Johnstone, N.Brown, M.Newton
Out: Yze [hernia], Holland [broken nose], Pickett [omit], Frawley [omit]

Essendon Team

Backs: Nash,  Michael , McVeigh
Half back: Welsh, Fletcher, McPhee
Centreline: Bolton, Watson, Camporeale
Half forward: Hird, Lucas, Slattery
Forwards: J.Johnson, Lloyd, Davey
Rucks: Ryder, Peverill, Winderlich
I/C: M.Johnson, Laycock, Stanton, Lovett
Emerencies: K.Bradley, R.Dyson, A.Monfries