MELBOURNE has selected its final team of the pre-season period, naming a 26-player side for Friday’s AAMI Community Series game against Richmond.

The match, which kicks off from 4:10pm (AEDT) at Mars Stadium in Ballarat, will be Melbourne’s last hit-out before its Round 1 game against St Kilda in 17 days’ time.

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The AAMI Community Series matches consist of four 20-minute quarters plus time on (as per the regular premiership season), while there will be no interchange cap.

Extended squads of 30 players will take part; 18 on the field, eight interchange and four emergencies.

Dees skipper Max Gawn will feature in the Friday afternoon game, rejoining the team after a week’s rest following the AFL’s Origin match.

Melbourne fans will also get to watch Harrison Petty for the first time this year, with the defender missing last week’s match simulation due to a concussion.

Young Demon Tom Matthews has been named on the interchange, getting his first opportunity at AFL footy, earning a call up following the VFL match simulation last Friday where he kicked two goals.

Matt Jefferson will miss the game with GM of AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson providing an update on the Demon.

“Matt has unfortunately sustained a bone stress injury in his foot,” Richardson said.

“We have taken a conservative approach and given him time to de-load.

"Once he’s had that period of rest, we will then have a clearer picture of his return to play timeline.”

Jake Melksham, Jed Adams, Max Heath and Ricky Mentha Jnr have been named on the emergency list.

The Friday afternoon game is sold out and Melbourne members without a valid ticket will not be able to scan in at the gate on match day.

Visit Ballarat is providing a range of offers for both attending and non-attending footy fans this weekend which you can explore here.  

Fans not in attendance at Mars Stadium can tune into the game live on Fox Footy or Kayo Sports.