MELBOURNE’S backline will be bolstered on Monday, with Steven May and Jake Lever set to make their long-awaited returns against Collingwood at the MCG.

The defender duo are among six inclusions for the Queen’s Birthday clash, with Marty Hore, Christian Salem, Braydon Preuss and Alex Neal-Bullen also selected in the Demons’ extended squad.

Jay Kennedy Harris and Oscar McDonald are the only two exclusions, both being omitted.

Having been sidelined with a groin injury since Round 2, May’s selection comes after an impressive performance for the Casey Demons last weekend, where he collected 23 disposals and nine marks.

The 27-year-old will play just his second game in the red and blue, set to provide some much-needed structure to the Demons’ defence.

And Lever, who hasn’t played a senior game since injuring his ACL in Round 11 last season, will only add to this.

The key defender will be ready to bring his best, after completing an extensive recovery and overcoming a recent ankle niggle.

Preuss and Neal-Bullen (concussion) are also fit and in the selection mix, with the final team to be determined following Friday’s main training session.

The Demons will announce the 22-man team on Saturday afternoon.