IN: Hibberd
OUT: Smith (inj.), Jordon (medi-sub)
MELBOURNE has made one change to its Preliminary Final side, with Michael Hibberd coming in to face the Cats on Friday night at Optus Stadium.
The versatile defender will replace Joel Smith, who has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
James Jordon, who was the unused medical-sub in the side’s Qualifying Final win, has been named as an emergency for the final alongside, Nathan Jones, Jake Melksham and Kade Chandler.
Tomorrow night’s final is a do-or-die clash, with the winner advancing to the 2021 Toyota AFL Grand Final on Saturday 25 September.
There is an added layer of pressure for the Demons heading into this week’s final, with Melbourne having not seen premiership success in 57 years.
Coach Simon Goodwin told media on Thursday that his side was embracing the expectations.
"There's pressure on everyone and every footy club," Goodwin said.
"If you look at the history and circumstance of every team that is still in the running, there is pressure on every side for a variety of different reasons.
“Our pressure comes because we haven't won it for such a long period of time, but that's a real privilege for us.
“We want to embrace our past and make sure we really respect the opportunity that's in front of us and go after it.”
Tomorrow night’s final will be played at Optus Stadium in front of a sold-out crowd of 60,000 fans.
Those attending the game are encouraged to embrace their Demon spirit, with FREE hot chips given to the first 1,000 people to arrive in red and blue.
Melbourne is also offering attendees the opportunity to become a Dee for a day, with 700 scarves available at the stadium.
In addition, the club will also be giving lucky attendees the opportunity to wear a special badge, to represent members who are unable to attend the game.
For those watching from home, you can catch all the action from 7:50pm (AEST) live via the Seven Network.
View Melbourne’s full side for the Preliminary Final below.
