Matthew Whelan
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The Demons have welcomed back gritty defender Matthew Whelan for Saturday afternoon's clash with the Western Bulldogs at the MCG.
Whelan has overcome an early season calf injury and earned his recall following a number of solid performances for Casey in the VFL. He comes into the team along with young backman Kyle Cheney, and rookie Shane Valenti.
Cheney returns to the fold after making his debut for the Demons back in Round One. He has averaged 18 disposals in three games so far this year.
Rookie Shane Valenti will make his 2009 debut after being promoted onto the senior list in place of injured ruckman John Meesen. Valenti has been in outstanding form for the Casey Scorpions, dominating the possession count and regularly appearing in the team's best players.
Defenders Jared Rivers and James Frawley will miss the encounter through injury. Rivers injured his ankle in a courageous marking contest during last week’s eight point loss to West Coast. He is rated as a good chance to return next week. Frawley strained his hip flexor, and looks set to miss the next two games. Developing backman Jamie Bennell is being rested for this weekend’s game.
Ruckman Paul Johnson will play his 50th game for the Melbourne Football Club this week.
The emergencies for the match are Mark Jamar, Neville Jetta and Michael Newton
The last time the two sides met was in Round 15 of last year, at Docklands. The Western Bulldogs - 14.11.95 - defeated Melbourne - 9.10.64, in front of 27, 446. Miller with three and Green with two goals, were the Demons' only multiple goal kickers for the day.
B: C.Bartram, M.Warnock, R.Petterd
HB: C.Bruce, L.Dunn, A.Davey
C: J.Grimes, C.Sylvia, B.McLean
HF: C.Morton, B.Miller, R.Robertson
F: N.Jones, S.Martin, M.Bate
Foll: P.Johnson, B.Moloney, J.McDonald
I/C: M.Whelan, A.Maric, S.Valenti, K.Cheney
Emg: M.Jamar, N.Jetta, M.Newton
In: Matthew Whelan, Kyle Cheney, Shane Valenti
Out: Jared Rivers (Ankle), James Frawley (Thigh), Jamie Bennell
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