MELBOURNEfc has made three changes to its line-up to face Hawthorn at the MCG on Easter Monday.
After struggling with injuries through-out the pre-season, Paul Wheatley has worked hard to get back to full fitness and will return to the team to play his 100th game of AFL football. Nathan ‘Doggie’ Brown has also been named along with reliable defender Jared Rivers, who has overcome a hamstring complaint.
Adem Yze has not been selected for the Demons and will miss his first game of AFL football since Round 8 1997. Yze will now aim to find his form playing in the VFL for Sandringham.
Yze consecutive games record will come to an end after playing a staggering 225 games in-a-row. His record is second all-time, behind Melbourne great Jim Stynes, who played 244 games in-a-row.
Matthew Whelan has recovered well from a heavy collision against St Kilda and will take his place in the back line. However, Melbourne will be without Brock McLean after fracturing a bone in his foot, while Byron Pickett and Colin Sylvia will spend another week in the VFL.
In another milestone Brad Green will take the field for this 150th AFL game for the Demons.
Melbourne Team
Backs: C.Bartram, N.Carroll, M.Whelan
Half backs: D.Ward, J.Rivers, D.Bell
Centreline: B.Moloney, J.McDonald, B.Green
Half forwards: C.Bruce, B.Miller, R.Robertson
Forwards: M.Jamar, D.Neitz, A.Davey
Followers: J.White, N.Jones, T.Johnstone
I/C From: M.Bate, C.Johnson, N.Brown, P.Wheatley
Emergencies:C.Bizzell, S.Godfrey, A.Yze
In: Brown, Wheatley, Rivers
Out: Yze, McLean, Holland
