CRAFTY Demon Bailey Laurie has earned his first call-up of the 2025 season following a strong run of VFL performances.
The fifth-year small forward and midfielder comes into the side in place of Charlie Spargo, who suffered a broken scapula in last week’s win over Sydney.
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It will be Laurie’s 12th senior appearance for Melbourne, with eight of those outings impacted by the substitute’s vest.
Laurie has averaged just under 29 disposals and kicked four goals in his last three matches at VFL level.
Jack Viney was withdrawn from the squad earlier on Friday as he continues to work through the concussion protocols.
“Jack has been slowly improving but unfortunately is not quite ready to return this week,” General Manager of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson said.
“Following our training session this morning, it was decided Jack wasn’t quite ready for the demands of an AFL game.
“The objective measures are tracking well, and he will still travel with the team to Alice Springs where he will complete a game-load training session there.”
Jacob van Rooyen, Jed Adams and Jack Henderson have been named as emergencies.
Territory-based or travelling Demons can catch the players in action on Saturday morning at Traeger Park from 9:30am with a signing session following the Captain’s Run.
The ball will bounce at 3:20pm on Sunday morning at Traeger Park.
