Ins: Hannan, Hibberd, Lockhart, Pickett, vandenBerg
Outs: Bennell, Jackson, Jetta, Jones, Neal-Bullen
Five Dees return
After being selected for last weekend’s postponed match, Mitch Hannan, Aaron vandenBerg and Kysaish Pickett are all set to make their returns this Sunday against Geelong.
Hannan and vandenBerg will line up for the Dees following lengthy stints on the sidelines, while Pickett comes straight back into the side after serving a one-week suspension.
The trio will also be joined by Michael Hibberd and Jay Lockhart, who have both worked their way into the team, in what will be their second matches of the year.
The ones that missed
With an almost-clean bill of health, Melbourne’s coaches were again forced to make some tough calls ahead of the clash with the Cats.
After missing out on a spot in Round 3’s named team, former captain Nathan Jones and debutant Luke Jackson have unfortunately been omitted again.
Neville Jetta and Alex Neal-Bullen have also been replaced in the final 22, as has Harley Bennell.
What it means
With COVID-19 bringing Round 3’s clash with Essendon to a halt, there’s plenty of excitement around this match-up.
The Dees will be eager to make the most of their opportunity and get their second win on the board, with last weekend a reminder of the ongoing challenges in the 17-game season.
Up against the Cats, who sit in 11th position on the ladder, this game could prove crucial down the track.
Look out for
It’s hard for Demon fans not to get excited about Hannan and vandenBerg.
The pair have missed their fair share of footy, with Hannan playing just six games last year and battling a groin injury for the early part of 2020.
vandenBerg’s AFL return has been a little longer in the making, having not officially played since Melbourne’s Preliminary Final in 2018 due to various foot concerns.
And with competition for spots at a high, both will be looking to have a big impact for the red and blue.
Oppo watch
Geelong enter Round 4 with one win, following a narrow two-point loss to Carlton last week.
Having hosted their past two matches at GMHBA Stadium, it will also be the Cats’ first visit to the MCG in 2020, alongside the Dees’ first home game.
