MELBOURNEfc has named young midfielder Simon Buckley to make his AFL debut when he runs out against the Blues on Sunday afternoon.
Buckley was presented with his number one guernsey following training at Junction Oval today by David Cordner, who played 53 games for the Melbourne Football Club.
Originally from the Sandringham Dragons, Buckley stands at 190cm and was Melbourne’s fourth round selection (pick 53) in the 2005 National Draft. Playing mainly as a wingman, Buckley has developed his game significantly in 2007 with several impressive performances at VFL level.
In another debut, Mark ‘Bomber’ Riley will take the reigns as an AFL senior coach for the first time in his career. Riley was elevated to caretaker coach following Neale Daniher’s departure from the club. Before arriving at Melbourne, Riley had spent six years as an assistant/development coach at Fremantle before coaching Claremont for three seasons.
In other selection news, Melbourne has recalled key forward Brad Miller to the team following strong performances for Sandringham over the past three weeks. Defender Chris Johnson has also been named on the bench and will play his first game for the demons since Round five.
Melbourne will be without four key personnel after injuries struck the team following Friday night’s loss to Essendon. Captain David Neitz won’t play and will miss 1-2 weeks with a Hamstring injury. Defender Daniel Bell will miss his first game of the year after injuring his hamstring. Midfielder Travis Johnstone has been ruled out with achilles soreness and Brad Green will miss due to medial damage in his knee.
Carlton will be without key forward Brendan Fevola after he was suspended for disciplinary reasons.
The emergencies for the match are Lynden Dunn, Ben Holland and Byron Pickett.
Melbourne Team
Backs: D.Ward, N.Carroll, P.Wheatley
Half backs: C.Johnson, C.Bizzell, N.Brown
Centreline: C.Bruce, J.McDonald, R.Petterd
Half forwards: S.Godfrey, R.Robertson, A.Davey
Forwards: C.Sylvia, B.Miller, M.Bate
Followers: J.White, B.McLean, N.Jones
I/C: P.Johnson, J.Frawley, M.Newton, S.Buckley
Emergencies: L.Dunn, B.Pickett, B.Holland
