HIGH-flying forward Jeremy Howe could play purely as a defender this round as part of several positional changes flagged by Paul Roos.

Speaking on Roos’ Views on Dee TV, the Melbourne coach said he would mix up the side for this Sunday’s clash against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium.

“We thought Howey did OK down back – and I know he’s spent a lot of time up forward – but he might be at the other end of the ground next week,” he said.

Roos said he was looking to shuffle the side, rather than make wholesale changes to the line-up. 

“It’ll certainly be positional. I just don’t think you can send the same team out again that says ‘here we go again’,” he said.

“That’s my job as a coach – to give the players a new challenge and work together collectively to put a different team on the field and make them feel good about themselves after a bad loss.

“That’s what we’ll try and do as a match committee – pick a slightly different team and throw the team around a bit and hopefully the players get a sense of ‘this is a bit exciting’.”

Roos said the players were receptive about mixing up several positions. 

“They’re excited about it, which is what you hope, but we’re yet to pick the team and yet to pick positions,” he said.

“We’ve flagged some changes within the team and I’ve spoken to a couple of the players, who might play different roles and that’s where it’s at, at the moment.”

Defender Colin Garland, ruckman Mark Jamar and midfielder Jordie McKenzie are set to return from injury this week, although McKenzie is a slim chance to return to the AFL.  

“Jordie’s played a bit more footy than the others, but has still been out for a couple of weeks, so in an ideal world, they probably all play with Casey,” he said.

“They’ve got to get through the week’s training first and then play, and then assess them over the next couple of weeks.

“I wouldn’t suggest any of those guys would play seniors this week.”