MELBOURNEfc will be bolstered by the return of skipper, David Neitz, for Sunday afternoon’s crunch game against Port Adelaide.
Neitz has recovered well from medial ligament damage, and will provide the Demons with some much sought after forward line structure. Neitz will be joined in the squad by Nathan Jones, who has also recovered well from an ankle injury that has kept him out of the side for the past two weeks, tall defender Ben Holland, Matthew Warnock and Simon Buckley.
In further good news, Matthew Bate has been cleared to play after passing a fitness test on his injured ankle. However, the Demons will still have to wait one more week for the return of Brad Green (hamstring), Brock McLean (foot), Matthew Whelan (hamstring) and Paul Wheatley (shoulder).
Classy midfielder Travis Johnstone will celebrate his 150th AFL game. Johnstone was Melbourne’s first selection in the 1997 National Draft, being taken at pick No. 1, and will no doubt be primed for a big performance come Sunday.
First year player Ricky Petterd has retained his spot in the side after an impressive debut against Sydney, where he picked up 22 possessions and kicked one goal.
Melbourne has a resounding unbeaten record against Port Adelaide at the MCG, winning all six matches played at the ground.
Ruckman Mark Jamar and Colin Garland have both been omitted.
MELBOURNEfc Squad
Backs: C.Bruce, N.Carroll, A.Yze
Half backs: N.Brown, J.Rivers, D.Bell
Centreline: C.Sylvia, J.McDonald, A.Davey
Half forwards: R.Petterd, B.Miller, B.Pickett
Forwards: L.Dunn, D.Neitz, B.Moloney
Followers: J.White, S.Godfrey, T.Johnstone
I/C From: P.Johnson, N.Jones, M.Bate, C.Johnson, S.Buckley, B.Holland, M.Warnock
Port Adelaide Squad
Backs: T.Chaplin, D.Wakelin, M.Pettigrew
Half backs: J.Surjan, C.Cornes, M.Thomas
Centreline: N.Lonie, K.Cornes, D.Cassisi
Half forwards: P.Burgoyne, W.Tredrea, J.Mahoney
Forwards: G.Bentley, D.White, B.Ebert
Followers: B.Lade, S.Burgoyne, D.Rodan
I/C From: F.Deluca, N.Krakouer, D.Motlop, D.Pearce, T.Thurstans, B.Symes, J.Westhoff
