IN: Chandler, Weideman
OUT: Jackson (finger), Melksham (omitted)
DEMONS fans will get their first glimpse of Sam Weideman and Kade Chandler in action for 2021 on Sunday, with the duo earning their spots for the clash with Carlton.
Melbourne was forced to make one change for Sunday’s game after Luke Jackson was ruled out with a broken finger, but it also decided to omit Jake Melksham.
This brings about an opportunity for Weideman who missed the start of the season with a stress fracture in his femur.
With Ben Brown, Bayley Fritsch and Tom McDonald performing strongly up forward, Weideman, who finished 10th in the club’s Best and Fairest last year, has been forced to wait for his call-up.
And after booting 14 goals in the opening three rounds of the VFL, the 195cm forward has certainly earned his place in the side.
Chandler’s selection in Round 9 comes after being named as the medical sub three times in the opening eight matches of the season.
The small pressure forward has taken the field just once in his AFL career, back in Round 22, 2019.
But after an impressive pre-season, both on the training track and in the practice matches, Chandler appears ready to take his chance.
On the back of the two changes, Melksham, Oskar Baker, Jake Bowey and Tom Sparrow make up the emergency list for the game at the MCG.
Take a look at Melbourne’s final 22 below.
