PROMOTED rookie James Magner has been named in Melbourne's final 22 for Sunday's clash against Richmond at the MCG.
The Demons confirmed their side on Friday afternoon, naming Magner, rebounder James Strauss, veteran Aaron Davey and dasher Rohan Bail on their interchange.
But ruckman Jake Spencer and two-gamer Dean Kent have been omitted. They are now emergencies, along with yet-to-debut defender Troy Davis.
Magner, who has starred for Casey in the VFL this year, was promoted to the primary list on Thursday, after co-captain Jack Grimes was placed on the long-term injury list last week.
On Thursday night, Melbourne lost tough-nut Jack Viney (toe) and forward Shannon Byrnes (wrist) through injury. As expected, when the initial team was announced, Melbourne was also without playmaker Colin Sylvia (suspension) for the next three matches. But it received some better news when co-captain Jack Trengove, ruckman Mark Jamar, utility Neville Jetta and first-year Dee Jimmy Toumpas were named in its starting 18.
Viney was one of Melbourne’s best against the Gold Coast Suns last round. He has played six matches so far in his debut season, having been rested for round five. Byrnes will miss his first match for the season, after joining the Demons from Geelong at the end of last season.
Trengove, who had an interrupted pre-season after a foot stress fracture, missed last Sunday’s loss at the MCG with a calf injury. Jamar is back in the side after being sidelined for the past two matches with a groin injury.
Jetta has made two appearances this year, but missed rounds five and six through suspension. Toumpas, who was Melbourne’s first pick in last year’s NAB AFL Draft (No.4 overall), played the opening three matches of the season.
Round eight Melbourne team
B: Neville Jetta, James Frawley, Dean Terlich
HB: Daniel Nicholson, James Sellar, Colin Garland
C: Jack Trengove, Jordie McKenzie, Michael Evans
HF: Luke Tapscott, Lynden Dunn, Jeremy Howe
F: Max Gawn, Chris Dawes, Jimmy Toumpas
FOLL: Mark Jamar, Matt Jones, Nathan Jones
I/C: James Strauss, James Magner, Aaron Davey, Rohan Bail
EMG: Dean Kent, Troy Davis, Jake Spencer
IN: Mark Jamar, James Magner, Jack Trengove, Neville Jetta, Jimmy Toumpas
OUT: Shannon Byrnes (wrist), Colin Sylvia (suspension), Jack Viney (toe), Jake Spencer, Dean Kent
Magner named in final 22
Melbourne has named James Magner for his first match of the season