Ins: Bennell, Weideman, O.McDonald, Jetta
Outs: Tomlinson, Rivers, Hunt, Smith
Four Dees return
After going in unchanged last week, the Demons will have four big inclusions for Round 6.
Harley Bennell, Sam Weideman, Oscar McDonald and Neville Jetta have all been named in the side set to face Gold Coast on Saturday night.
Bennell and Jetta make their returns after two games on the sidelines, having been omitted in Round 4, while McDonald will play his first match since the season opener.
Weideman also earns his spot, in what will be his first senior game since Round 16 last year, after impressing in scratch matches and on the training track.
The ones that missed
Melbourne’s coaches opted to change things up this week, as they continue to tinker with the team’s best set-up.
Adam Tomlinson will miss his first game of the season, while Jayden Hunt and Joel Smith have also been omitted.
Youngster Trent Rivers, who has shown great signs since debuting in Round 2, has also been replaced in the 22 this week.
Tomlinson and Smith have been joined by Nathan Jones and Luke Jackson on the emergency list.
What it means
As Melbourne finds itself towards the bottom of the ladder, a win is crucial.
The Demons have just the one victory so far this season, and with the match being the first in their interstate hub, they’ll be desperate to get off on the right foot.
Saturday night’s match will also be their first game at GIANTS Stadium since 2014.
Look out for
With the Dees struggling to lock in their best forward line structure, fans will be eager to see what Weideman can bring to the table.
The 23-year-old has been a standout in front of goals in recent weeks, converting in the club’s practice matches and showcasing his aerial strength.
If Weideman can back himself and be a reliable presence up forward, the Dees will be much more damaging up forward.
Oppo watch
Gold Coast has been in impressive form since the season resumed.
Despite going down to Geelong last week, the Suns find themselves in sixth position on the ladder, having recorded victories against West Coast, Adelaide and Fremantle.
They’ll be hungry to get back on the winners’ list in Round 6, although they will be without young gun Matt Rowell, who went down with a shoulder injury last week.
