IN: Fritsch, Harmes, Neal-Bullen, Smith
OUT: Hannan (omitted), Hibberd (ankle), Pickett (managed), vandenBerg (omitted)
Four return for Cairns trip
Bayley Fritsch will be a welcome addition to Melbourne’s 22 on Thursday afternoon, after being dropped for last week’s game.
The crafty forward is one of four changes, with James Harmes, Joel Smith and Alex Neal-Bullen also earning recalls for the Round 15 clash at Cazaly’s Stadium.
Neal-Bullen’s return comes after spending four games on the sidelines with suspension, following a dangerous tackle against the Crows.
The ones that missed
Michael Hibberd, who rolled his ankle on Saturday night, hasn’t come up in time for the battle with Sydney.
While he was the only forced change, the Demons have opted to freshen up their line-up, omitting Mitch Hannan and Aaron vandenBerg, and managing Kysaiah Pickett.
What it means
The Dees have their destiny in their own hands, which is exactly the way they want it.
Currently sitting in eighth spot on the ladder, if Melbourne can knock over the Swans, it will go one step closer to cementing a finals berth, with three games to follow.
Look out for
Another week, another milestone for the Demons, with Adam Tomlinson registering his 150th AFL game.
While it will only be the former Giant’s 10th game in the red and blue, he will be keen to have an impact and sure up his position on the wing, after being used in a number of roles to this point of the year.
Oppo watch
The Swans have won just the four games in 2020 and are ranked 17th in the competition for average goals per game.
Although they have been struggling to kick a winning score in recent weeks, they have a strong contested midfield and are capable of an upset, knocking over GWS in Round 12.
Sydney will be looking to turn the match into a low scoring affair and will test the Demons on the defensive end.
Full team
