McKenzie, Moloney among three changes
Melbourne has rushed back midfielder Jordie McKenzie and recalled reigning best and fairest winner Brent Moloney and tall James Sellar for Saturday’s clash agai
But the Demons have omitted forward Ricky Petterd and mature age rookies James Magner and Tom Couch.
Ball winner Jordan Gysberts, utility Matthew Bate and Magner are the emergencies.
Football manager Josh Mahoney said the inclusion of McKenzie, Moloney and Sellar would bolster the side.
“Jordie has overcome a groin injury, which saw him miss last week’s game in Darwin,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“After playing one game at Casey, Brent will add more experience to our midfield.
“James returns after missing two weeks with a thigh injury.”
McKenzie missed his first match of the season last round with a groin injury, while Sellar, who was sidelined for rounds 15 and 16, was an emergency for Melbourne’s loss against Port Adelaide at TIO Stadium.
After being left out for the past two games, Moloney returns after playing his most recent match against Richmond in round 15.
Petterd has played four matches this season, including the past two, while Couch made his debut against Fremantle in round 16, and has featured in the previous two games.
After having a taste in the AFL, Mahoney said Couch would further his craft with the VFL.
“It was great experience for Tom to play the last two games at AFL level and we look forward to his continued development at Casey,” he said.
This will be Magner’s second match missed for the season, after playing in Melbourne’s opening 14 matches.
The match will be 2010 best and fairest and former skipper Brad Green’s 250th match, joining David Neitz (306 matches), Robert Flower (272), Adem Yze (271), Jim Stynes (264), Steven Febey (258), Brian Dixon (252) and James McDonald (251) as the only other Demons to reach this milestone.
The Demons will be aiming to end a nine match losing streak against North Melbourne, and looking for their first win at Etihad Stadium since round 19, 2007.
Round 18 team
B: Daniel Nicholson, James Sellar, Tom McDonald
HB: Joel Macdonald, James Frawley, Colin Garland
C: Rohan Bail, Jack Grimes, Jack Trengove
HF: Colin Sylvia, Stef Martin, Lynden Dunn
F: Neville Jetta, Jared Rivers, Brad Green
FOLL: Jake Spencer, Jordie McKenzie, Nathan Jones
I/C: Sam Blease, James Strauss, Brent Moloney, Jeremy Howe
EMG: Jordan Gysberts, Matthew Bate, James Magner
IN: Brent Moloney, James Sellar, Jordie McKenzie
OUT: Ricky Petterd, James Magner, Tom Couch