WITH 12 weeks between games for the Dees, it’s almost hard to remember how the Round 1 side looked.
So, when the coaches get together for team selection ahead of the clash with Carlton, what names are in the mix for a return?
Here are nine options that didn’t face off against the Eagles.
Nathan Jones
The former skipper was unable to prove his fitness in time for Round 1 after experiencing some soreness in his Achilles during the Marsh Series.
On the back of a solid block of training at half-forward, it would be hard to leave a man of Nathan Jones’ calibre out of the first game back.
Christian Salem
Christian Salem was hit with glandular fever on the eve of the season and was underdone prior to the trip to Perth.
He’s become one of Melbourne’s most reliable options across half-back in recent years and should slot straight into the side.
Joel Smith
Joel Smith has been cruelled by injury in recent times and struggled to overcome a quad niggle in the early part of the year.
Although he’s played just the 11 career games, Dees fans know exactly what he’s capable of, and he could add another element to the last line of defence.
Aaron vandenBerg
Speaking of injuries, few have had a rougher run than Aaron vandenBerg.
After missing the entire 2019 season, he broke his foot in the final Marsh Series clash with Hawthorn and is still on the comeback trail.
The 28-year-old has been increasing his training loads and would provide a major boost for the Demons, should he prove his fitness in time for Saturday’s game.
Sam Weideman
After rolling his ankle in the final practice match against the Hawks, Sam Weideman flew to Perth as an emergency for the Demons’ season opener.
At his best, the 22-year-old can have a major impact inside 50 for his side while also giving Max Gawn a chop out in the ruck.
Harley Bennell
It would be the ultimate fairytale if Harley Bennell could make a Round 2 debut for the Dees.
His back story is known, and after a lengthy rehab process, he is now a genuine chance to play AFL footy for the first time since 2017.
Mitch Hannan
Mitch Hannan showed exactly what he was capable of in his first two seasons with the club but has since been hindered by knee and groin complaints.
The crafty half-forward is back to full strength and will be putting his hand up for selection this week.
Luke Jackson
There’s no doubting the talent of No.3 draft pick Luke Jackson.
At just 18 years of age, the 198cm utility can play all over the field, and he may be able to complement Tom McDonald up forward in the early part of the season.
Trent Rivers
Trent Rivers would be a surprise call up for Round 2, but it’s not beyond the realms of possibility.
He has grown as much as anyone since joining the club via last year’s National Draft, and his class at half-back would be valuable at Marvel Stadium come Saturday afternoon.
