MELBOURNE has included versatile tall Cam Pedersen and high-flyer Joel Smith for Monday’s Queen’s Birthday clash against Collingwood at the MCG.
The pair has been named on the interchange, along with forward Mitch Hannan and utility Alex Neal-Bullen.
Speedster Billy Stretch, rebounder Jayden Hunt, defender Harry Petty and goalkicker Jeff Garlett have been named emergencies.
As already known, Melbourne has lost defender Jake Lever for the rest of the season, after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium last round.
Tall forward Tim Smith, who hurt his neck and ankle against the Bulldogs, was left out of the side on Thursday night.
Pedersen, who has been in red hot form at Casey, will play his third match for the season, after playing in the opening two rounds.
Smith will play his first match for the season, after making his AFL debut and playing three games last year.
Hunt and Garlett have played five games each this year, while Petty has yet to make his debut after he was drafted by Melbourne at No.37.
Stretch has made one appearance this year and has been on the cusp of selection in recent weeks after some strong form at Casey.
Jake Melksham has been named in the starting 18, after injuring his ankle against the Bulldogs last round.
Round 12: Melbourne v Collingwood
Monday, June 11, 3.20pm AEST
MCG (home)
Melbourne
B: Christian Salem, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta
HB: Angus Brayshaw, Michael Hibberd, Jordan Lewis
C: Bernie Vince, Jack Viney, Nathan Jones
HF: Bayley Fritsch, Tom McDonald, Clayton Oliver
F: Charlie Spargo, Jesse Hogan, Jake Melksham
Foll: Max Gawn, James Harmes, Christian Petracca
I/C: Mitch Hannan, Cameron Pedersen, Alex Neal-Bullen, Joel Smith
Emg: Billy Stretch, Jayden Hunt, Harrison Petty, Jeff Garlett
In: Pedersen, J.Smith
Out: Lever (knee), T.Smith
