MELBOURNE has made no changes for Sunday’s clash against the Adelaide Crows at TIO Traeger Park.
Hard-nut James Harmes, crumber Charlie Spargo, forward Mitch Hannan and first-year Demon Bayley Fritsch were confirmed on the interchange on Friday evening.
While midfielder Dom Tyson, versatile tall Cam Pedersen, speedster Jayden Hunt and livewire Jeff Garlett have been named emergencies.
Key forward Tom McDonald has been named in the starting 18, despite leaving the track on Thursday.
He came from Gosch’s Paddock as a precaution, due to his foot injury, which kept him out of the side for the opening five rounds.
McDonald said on Thursday afternoon that he was confident of playing and he was named in the final 22.
Coach Simon Goodwin said the form of the side meant that no changes were made this week.
“It’s pretty simple for us – we’re unchanged, which is the first time this year that we’re unchanged,” he said.
“That reflects the habits and behaviours of the players and the ability to play their roles for the team.”
Goodwin said his team was excited about playing in Alice Springs.
“It’s a really unique place to go and play footy and it’s our home game, so we’re looking forward to it – against a really strong footy club in Adelaide,” he said.
“No matter who plays for Adelaide – we know what they bring. They’re a very good contested ball team and they move the ball incredibly well, so we’re going to have to be on our game this week and defend incredibly well.
“We’re looking forward to playing a great brand of footy.”
Melbourne will be aiming to notch up its fifth win in a row and seventh victory of the season over Adelaide.
The Demons will also be aiming for their second consecutive win in Alice Springs, after defeating Gold Coast Suns in round 10 last year.
Round 10: Melbourne v Adelaide Crows
Sunday, May 27, 3.20pm AEST
TIO Traeger Park (home)
Melbourne
B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta
HB: Bernie Vince, Jake Lever, Jordan Lewis
C: Nathan Jones, Jack Viney, Angus Brayshaw
HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Jesse Hogan, Jake Melksham
F: Tom McDonald, Tim Smith, Christian Petracca
Foll: Max Gawn, Christian Salem, Clayton Oliver
I/C: James Harmes, Charlie Spargo, Mitch Hannan, Bayley Fritsch
Emg: Dom Tyson, Cameron Pedersen, Jayden Hunt, Jeff Garlett
In: –
Out: –
Adelaide Crows
B: Jake Kelly, Daniel Talia, Luke Brown
HB: Rory Laird, Tom Doedee, Paul Seedsman
C: Rory Atkins, Hugh Greenwood, David Mackay
HF: Richard Douglas, Tom Lynch, Cameron Ellis-Yolmen
F: Darcy Fogarty, Josh Jenkins, Eddie Betts
Foll: Sam Jacobs, Bryce Gibbs, Matt Crouch
I/C: Jordan Gallucci, Kyle Hartigan, Sam Gibson, Wayne Milera
Emg: Andy Otten, Myles Poholke, Reilly O'Brien, Lachlan Murphy
In: Luke Brown, Matt Crouch, Wayne Milera
Out: Andy Otten, Myles Poholke, Lachlan Murphy
