INS – T. McDonald, P. Cross, A. Johnson
MELBOURNE has named an extended squad ahead of its Round 18 clash with Richmond at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.
The Dees have confirmed three additions to their 26-player side, with Tom McDonald, Patrick Cross and Aidan Johnson all entering the selection frame.
Melbourne’s final side will be confirmed tomorrow at 5pm (AEST).
McDonald is in the mix to return for what would be his sixth AFL appearance of the season, while Johnson has also put his hand up for selection after impressing in Casey’s clash with Port Melbourne.
Cross has also been named in the extended squad after spending last weekend at VFL level, putting himself back in the selection frame.
Captain Max Gawn is set to play his 264th game this weekend, drawing level with the late Jim Stynes in fifth position on the club's all-time games list.
The decorated careers of Stynes and Gawn have followed similar paths, with both ruckmen beginning their journeys with the Demons in the number 37 jumper before moving into the famed number 11.
With a captained premiership, a Brownlow Medal, 10 All Australian selections and seven Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophies between them, the pair's on-field influence has extended far beyond the football field.
Nearly 15 years after his passing, Stynes' impact continues to be felt through the work of the Jim Stynes Foundation.
In honour of Jim’s belief in using football as a force for good, the Jim Stynes Foundation will host the Play It Forward Luncheon on Friday 28 August - a celebration of football’s impact beyond the field. To secure tickets to the event, contact ellie.devenish@jimstynesfoundation.com.au.
The Dees will take on the Tigers at the MCG, with first bounce set for 3:15pm (AEST) on Sunday.
The Round 18 clash will also mark Kids Takeover Round, with plenty of activities for young Demons fans between Gates 2 and 3 from 1pm through to half-time.
The precinct will feature a LEGO® Kids Zone, Zurich Mini Golf, player Q+A, face painting, giveaways, the Dee Train and more, with kids going free for Sunday’s clash.
