IN: Viney, Melksham, Taylor
OUT: Lever (toe), Jefferson (knee), Salem (omitted)
MELBOURNE has recalled vice-captain Jack Viney for his first AFL game of the season for its do-or-die Wildcard clash with Carlton.
Viney’s selection comes on the back of his return outing for Casey in the final round of the VFL season, kicking the first goal of the match to go with 20 disposals, 10 clearances and seven tackles.
Viney is joined by veteran Jake Melksham and young gun Xavier Taylor, replacing Jake Lever and Matthew Jefferson who were both injured in the club’s final game of the season.
Christian Salem is the final change, having been omitted from the squad.
Melksham announced his retirement this week, saying that the Demons 2026 campaign would be his last and to ‘watch out’ if he got a final crack at AFL level.
Taylor will play just his third AFL match after being selected with pick No. 11 in last season’s National Draft.
The tall defender played against Brisbane and Richmond in Rounds 7 and 8.
Lever and Jefferson were both listed as tests on this week’s injury report, with Lever suffering a ligament injury to his toe early in Round 24.
Jefferson hyperextended his knee but avoided substantial ligament damage.
If Melbourne can defeat the surging Blues, a date with Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval awaits next Saturday.
