ROOKIE Tom McNamara will play his first match in two seasons, after being named in Melbourne’s final 22 for Sunday’s clash against Gold Coast at the MCG.

McNamara has replaced defender Joel Macdonald, who has been omitted.

Along with McNamara, the Demons also named Cale Morton, Jordie McKenzie and Jeremy Howe on its bench.

Macdonald is now an emergency, along with Jack Fitzpatrick and Daniel Nicholson.

On Thursday night, Melbourne named tall defender Tom McDonald for his first AFL match.

McDonald, selected at No.53 in last year’s NAB AFL Draft from North Ballarat, has been on an emergency four times in his first year.

But after some impressive form with Casey, he now gets his opportunity.  

For McNamara, who became a rookie this season, after initially being drafted at No.66 in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft, he will make his first appearance for Melbourne since round 21, 2009.

He played three matches for the Demons in ’09.

The Demons have lost forward Ricky Petterd with a quadriceps injury and as expected vice-captain Aaron Davey and Colin Sylvia, who kicked five goals and had 29 disposals last round, have been forced omissions through suspension.

Davey is out for one week, while Sylvia will miss the rest of the season, having been rubbed out for two matches.

Defender Luke Tapscott, who missed last round with a hip injury, has been rushed back into the 18.

Midfielder/forward Neville Jetta has also been named in the starting line-up.

He will play his first match since round 12, after being sidelined with hand and shoulder injuries. Jetta has since worked his way back via the VFL.

Dasher Daniel Nicholson has also been included in the initial squad.

Utility Jamie Bennell will play his 50th AFL match against the Suns.

Melbourne
B: Colin Garland, James Frawley, Clint Bartram
HB: Luke Tapscott, Jared Rivers, Tom McDonald
C: Sam Blease, Brent Moloney, Jack Trengove
HF: Tom Scully, Stef Martin, Brad Green
F: Liam Jurrah, Jack Watts, Jamie Bennell
FOLL: Mark Jamar, Neville Jetta, Nathan Jones
I/C: Cale Morton, Jordie McKenzie, Tom McNamara, Jeremy Howe
EMG: Joel Macdonald, Jack Fitzpatrick, Daniel Nicholson
IN: Tom McNamara, Luke Tapscott, Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald
OUT: Aaron Davey (suspension), Colin Sylvia (suspension), Ricky Petterd (quadriceps), Joel Macdonald
NEW: Tom McDonald

Gold Coast Suns 
B: Seb Tape, Rory Thompson, Karmichael Hunt
HB: Nathan Bock, Jared Brennan, Jarrod Harbrow
C: Matt Shaw, David Swallow, Dion Prestia
HF: Luke Russell, Trent McKenzie, Danny Stanley
F: Tom Hickey, Nathan Ablett, Brandon Matera
FOLL: Zac Smith, Gary Ablett, Michael Rischitelli
I/C: Harley Bennell, Maverick Weller, Josh Caddy, Sam Iles
EMG: Jacob Gilbee, Jack Hutchins, Josh Toy
IN: Sam Iles, Zac Smith, Brandon Matera, Josh Caddy
EMG: Jack Hutchins, Sam Iles, Josh Caddy, Jacob Gilbee
OUT: Josh Fraser (ill), Joseph Daye, Steven May, Joel Tippett
NEW: Josh Caddy