MELBOURNEfc has added four new names to the squad to face the Crows at AAMI Stadium.
The Demons will head across the border with the aim to take the game on, continuing to utilise the momentum and confidence they gained from the record come-from-behind win over Fremantle.
A new inclusion in the squad of 25 is Shane Valenti, who was elevated onto the Club’s primary list on Thursday. At 21 years of age, Valenti was recruited from the Sandringham Zebras, being taken in the 2007 Rookie Draft. He is a small, rugged midfielder who reads the play well and wins the contested ball. If he is selected in the final team, Valenti will become Melbourne’s fourth debutant for the year, joining Isaac Weetra, Cale Morton and Austin Wonaeamirri.
Other names in the squad include Simon Buckley, who was impressive with 33 possessions for Sandringham on the weekend, along with Jace Bode, who has enjoyed a good month of football. While Paul Johnson, who returned to Sandringham ranks last week after missing four weeks with a hand injury has also been included.
Melbourne’s only ‘out’ is Paul Wheatley, who has withdrawn with a calf complaint.
Jeff White is set to play his 100th consecutive game for the Club as the Demons aim for back-to-back wins against an in-form Adelaide side on the their home turf.
Melbourne’s final team of 22 will be released at 5:00 pm on Friday afternoon. Keep an eye on melbournefc.com.au for all details.
Melbourne Squad
Backs: Frawley, C.Garland, D.Bell
Half backs: C.Bartram, J.Rivers, C.Bruce
Centreline: B.Green, B.McLean, M.Bate
Half forwards: C. Morton, R.Robertson, B.Moloney
Forwards: A.Davey, B.Miller, A.Wonaeamirri
Followers: J.White, J.McDonald, N.Jones
Interchange from: J.Bode, S.Buckley, N.Carroll, M.Jamar, P.Johnson, S.Valenti, M.Warnock
