IN: Hannan, Pickett, vandenBerg
OUT: Jackson, Jones, Neal-Bullen
Three Dees return
After serving his one-week suspension, Kysaiah Pickett comes straight back into the Melbourne line up to play his second game of senior footy.
And while the young small forward is sure to excite Dees fans, Mitch Hannan and Aaron vandenBerg will steal the spotlight this weekend.
Hannan played just six games last year as he battled a knee injury, and he returns after missing the early part of 2020 with a groin issue.
vandenBerg’s comeback has been 21 months in the making, with his last official appearance being in Melbourne’s 2018 Preliminary Final loss to West Coast.
The 28-year-old has faced on-going troubles with his foot in recent years, and after breaking it in the pre-season, he is now ready to play his 36th AFL game this weekend.
The ones that missed
The Demons had 40 players available for selection in Round 3, with the coaches forced to make some tough calls ahead of the clash with the Bombers.
With competition heating up for spots in the side, former skipper Nathan Jones is one of three players who has unfortunately missed out.
But the three-time Best and Fairest winner is still an integral part of the side, according to GM of Football, Josh Mahoney.
“Nathan has been dealing with some little niggles over the past three or four weeks that have prevented him from being able to physically attack training, so we want him to take this opportunity to get his body back to 100 percent,” Mahoney told Melbourne Media.
“We still see Jonesy as being a crucial part of our team this season and we look forward to seeing him back at his best.”
Luke Jackson, who made his debut last week, has also been replaced in the final 22, as has Alex Neal-Bullen.
What it means
It’s no secret that every game in 2020 is crucial.
The shortened 17-game season adds value to every win, and with the Dees’ percentage currently sitting at just 80.2 (the lowest of any side to win a game), it will be important for them to start scoring more freely this weekend.
Up against the Dons, who have been touted to finish around the top eight mark, this match could prove to be of extra significance for Melbourne come the end of the season.
Look out for
Jake Melksham found the ball on just 10 occasions against the Blues and failed to hit the scoreboard.
The former Bomber, who is up against his old side, is a crucial member of Melbourne’s forward line and will be looking to bounce back strongly this weekend.
If Melksham can get his hands on the footy inside 50, that will go a long way to the Demons winning the game at the MCG.
Oppo watch
Essendon enters Round 3 undefeated after six-point wins against the Dockers and Swans in its opening two games of the season.
While the Bombers will be full of confidence, they will be coming off a challenging seven-day break following their same-day travel for last Sunday’s contest in Sydney.
Their team will also look a little different, with skipper Dyson Heppell unfortunately fracturing his ankle at training on Friday, but they will benefit from the return of running defender Conor McKenna.
