INS – Melksham, Turner
OUTS – Oliver (personal), Fullarton (omitted)
DEMON veteran Jake Melksham and swingman Daniel Turner will return to take on the Eagles to cover the outgoing duo of Tom Fullarton and Clayton Oliver.
Oliver will miss this weekend’s Perth trip as he prioritises his own well-being.
General Manager of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson shared a statement from the club earlier on Thursday evening.
>>> FULL TEAM LISTED BELOW
“Clayton has had a difficult week personally and as such, both he and the club have agreed that it would be best for him not to play against the Eagles on Saturday,” he said.
“We expect Clayton to return to the program next week, but as always his mental and physical health will be the priority.
“As an industry, it’s pleasing to see the progress we’ve made in normalising players putting their hand up when they need support.
“The club’s focus is on surrounding Clayton with the care he needs and we ask that his privacy is respected.”
Melksham returns following a one-week absence after he suffered a deep cut to his leg in the club’s win over Fremantle.
Turner is also returning from injury after he was placed into the concussion protocols in the same clash with the Dockers.
The swingman who has played both in attack and defence this season, will be hoping for some continuity with none of his three 2025 games coming consecutively.
Tom Fullarton makes way for the incoming duo, omitted from the side after his first two games in Demons colours.
Melbourne will be looking to keep the momentum going against the Eagles, having won its previous two matches to move within two games of the top eight.
The ball will bounce at Optus Stadium at 7:35pm Melbourne time.
