IN: Salem
OUT: Jetta (omitted)
MELBOURNE’S backline will receive a major boost in Round 11, with Christian Salem returning to the side to face the Dogs.
The classy left footer, who was a late withdrawal from last week’s match at Adelaide Oval due to general soreness, is set to replace Neville Jetta in the Dees’ starting 22.
Despite coming off their first loss of the season, the Demons have only made the one change, with Jake Bowey, Ben Brown, Kade Chandler and Tom Sparrow making up the emergency list.
In the wake of the latest COVID-19 regulations impacting Victoria, the top of the table clash will be played behind closed doors at Marvel Stadium, with crowds declined access in the state this weekend.
While all players, coaches and staff were required to have a COVID test on Thursday – after a player was present at a Tier 1 exposure site – the club will receive the green light to play, should all tests return a negative result.
The clash with the Western Bulldogs also marks the first game of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, which will be celebrated over the next two weeks.
Unfortunately, due to a jumper clash with the home side, Melbourne’s request to wear its 2021 Indigenous guernsey on Friday night was denied by the AFL, meaning Amunda Gorey’s design will be pulled on for the first time in Round 12.
Take a look at the Dees’ full squad below:
