IN: Hannan, T. McDonald, Pickett, Rivers, Spargo
OUT: Bennell (omitted), Gawn (managed), Lockhart (managed), Neal-Bullen (suspended), Viney (injured)
Skipper and his deputy to miss
It’s a double blow for the Demons as skipper Max Gawn and his vice-captain Jack Viney have been ruled out of Sunday’s clash with North Melbourne.
Gawn has been battling some soreness in recent weeks, while Viney suffered delayed concussion following the Dees’ win over Adelaide.
Jay Lockhart (managed) has also failed to pull up on the back of a four-day break, while Alex Neal-Bullen (suspended) and Harley Bennell (omitted) will also miss the Round 11 match.
Five receive lifeline
With multiple injuries forcing Melbourne’s hand at selection, a number of players have received a second chance in the side.
Charlie Spargo returns for his first game since Round 1, while Kysaiah Pickett is fit to play after missing with ankle soreness on Wednesday.
After being left out of the side against Adelaide, Tom McDonald and Mitch Hannan slot back into the forward line, and at the other end of the field Trent Rivers will play a fourth game in his debut season.
What it means
The Dees have won four of their last five games at Adelaide Oval, and if they can take another four points back to Queensland, their season will be well and truly alive.
Currently six points out of the top eight, a loss would see the Demons slip behind the pack, and the ‘game up the sleeve’ won’t be as relevant due to multiple other sides having a bye over the last two weeks.
Look out for
Luke Jackson was named the NAB Rising Star Nominee for Round 10 and his responsibility grows in Round 11.
The 18-year-old will be taking the No.1 ruck duties in Gawn’s absence, with Sam Weideman likely to give him a chop out.
While Jackson has been playing predominantly inside 50 in his first five career games, he was drafted as a ruckman and should thrive with the extra midfield minutes.
Oppo watch
North Melbourne sits in 15th position on the ladder, but its record against the Dees is quite remarkable.
The Kangas have won 18 of the last 19 encounters between the two sides and will be looking to bounce back after a 33-point loss to Geelong on Wednesday night.
