INS - T. McDonald, P. Cross
OUTS - D. Turner (injured), T. Rivers (omitted)
MELBOURNE has locked in its side for Sunday’s clash with Carlton, with a trio of milestones headlining the occasion.
Max Gawn and Tom McDonald will both run out for their 250th games in the red and blue, becoming just the 10th and 11th players in club history to reach the mark.
In a competition where longevity is rare, the duo has stood the test of time - navigating injuries, form and the demands of elite football across more than a decade.
Having debuted in 2009 and 2010 respectively, Sunday marks a full-circle moment, with the pair reaching the milestone side by side 16 years on.
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Paddy Cross will make his AFL debut, completing a remarkable journey from VFL consistency to the game’s biggest stage.
The 23-year-old earns his opportunity after three strong seasons with Casey, capped by an impressive 2025 campaign that saw him play 18 games and kick 24 goals.
Overlooked in his draft year, Cross worked his way through Gippsland Power and into the Casey Demons program, overcoming early setbacks to put together his first uninterrupted season last year.
Primarily a forward, he has built a reputation as a high-impact player, using his work rate and scoreboard presence to influence games.
Melbourne will take on Carlton at the MCG, looking to bounce back from their defeat at Optus Stadium last week.
"We're game three into a new game plan and new system so for us, we're just chasing constant improvement," King said to Melbourne Media on Wednesday.
"I don't think it matters whether you're favourites or underdogs, we just need to improve again and show the lessons we've learned from last week. Whether it be Carlton this week, or anyone we face, we need to respond and get those improvements."
Tom McDonald and Paddy Cross enter the line-up for their respective milestones.
Trent Rivers comes out of the side, while Daniel Turner remains sidelined with a hand fracture.
Bailey Laurie, Trent Rivers and Max Heath have been named as emergencies.
Dees fans can secure tickets to the clash, or tune in via the Seven Network, Fox Footy or Kayo Sports.
