INS: Brenna Tarrant, Lauren Magee
OUTS: Niamh McEvoy, Sinead Goldrick
Melbourne has made two changes for Round 6, with Brenna Tarrant and Lauren Magee coming in to face St Kilda on Saturday night.
The pair return after a week on the sidelines, where they made the most of their VFLW hit-out against Carlton.
Tarrant kicked five goals for the game, including four in the second half, while Magee was a solid contributor in the Round 1 win at IKON Park.
Both will be eager to replicate their efforts in an important match for Melbourne.
The ones that miss
After returning to the side last week, Sinead Goldrick will be forced to miss another game for the Dees, this time with hamstring pain.
The Irish talent will be joined by her Gaelic teammate in Niamh McEvoy, who has been omitted, but has been named as an emergency alongside Megan Fitzsimon.
Meg Downie will need another week before she’s in contention to return from a high ankle sprain.
A crucial clash
After consecutive losses, Melbourne is in desperate need of a win in Round 6.
The Dees’ form has dropped in recent weeks, with inaccuracy in front of goals proving costly, as they went down to the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood.
They currently sit outside the Top 6 on percentage – St Kilda are in ninth position – and will be eager to find their groove again at Casey Fields, especially with the opponents to come.
The Saints are also coming off a loss, having been defeated by Adelaide in Round 5 by 53 points.
Back at home
Despite playing two games at Casey Fields, Melbourne fans have only had the one opportunity to catch the girls so far this season – crowds weren’t permitted during the five-day lockdown in Round 3.
For those keen to get to the ground, there are still some tickets available through Ticketmaster, with fans reminded that all attendees must secure a ticket before arriving.
The game will be shown live on 7mate (depending on location) and Fox Footy, as well as being streamed via the womens.afl, the AFLW app and Kayo.
Prior to Melbourne’s match, the Casey Demons will host Essendon in Round 2 of the rebel VFLW season from 1pm. Attendees will need to leave prior to the AFLW match, and re-enter with a valid ticket.
Check out the Demons’ full team below.