IN: Hibberd, Hannan, vandenBerg, Pickett, Lockhart
OUT: Bennell (omitted)
MELBOURNE will be making at least two changes to the line-up that defeated Carlton, with Mitch Hannan and Aaron vandenBerg confirmed starters for Round 4.
The Demons have also added Michael Hibberd, Jay Lockhart and Kysaiah Pickett to their extended bench, naming a 26-man squad for Sunday’s clash with the Cats at the MCG.
This side is set to have some differences to the one that was selected for last weekend’s postponed match, with Harley Bennell omitted after one game in the red and blue.
While the 27-year-old showed promising signs in his return from injury, Simon Goodwin explained to the media on Thursday that patience will be required with the classy midfielder.
“Obviously selection’s tight, so we’re still working Harley back to his full fitness and his full match condition,” Goodwin said.
“There’s clearly a lot of expectation on Harley to be in the team every week – that certainly won’t be the case.
“He’s a player that we want to see as a long-term player and … we want to make sure he can sustain the full rigours of an AFL season.
“He’s still working his way back to his full fitness and full form that he knows he’s capable of and we know he’s capable of, and he’s progressing well.
“But clearly we’ve got to continue to limit the expectations of selection every week.”
Take a look at Melbourne’s full squad below, with the final 22 to be announced at 5pm on Friday.