MELBOURNE’S disappointing loss to the Brisbane Lions last round has been felt at selection this week, with the Demons making five changes for this Saturday’s clash against Hawthorn at the MCG.
The Demons have included leader Daniel Cross, ruckman Max Gawn, midfielder Viv Michie, ball-winner Matt Jones and second-year player Dom Barry.
But the Dees have lost tough-nut Luke Tapscott with a knee injury, and have left out four players: defender Dean Terlich, run-with player Jordie McKenzie, speedster Sam Blease and forward Cam Pedersen.
McKenzie, dasher Daniel Nicholson and key tall Jack Fitzpatrick have been named emergencies.
Coach Paul Roos said changes had to be made based on last round’s disappointing 23-point loss at Etihad Stadium.
“There are a few changes and we’ve just got to reinvigorate the team and also set some standards as a footy club,” he said on Roos’ Views.
“We got the players involved in reviewing the game early in the week, so a lot of it was taken council from some of the dialogue that took place and some of the disappointment of players – what with themselves as well.
“The players were pretty honest and the guys that went out were really disappointed with their performances. As a result, they find themselves not playing.”
“The guys that have come in – Dom Barry, Viv Michie, Matty Jones, Max Gawn and Crossy. Apart from Crossy, who hasn’t played [due to injury], the other four have been in really good form.”
Roos said some of the changes made were to have a look at certain Demons, but he also stressed that he wanted in-form players in the team.
“We still want guys coming in with good form,” he said.
“We’ll certainly have to have a look at guys and maybe play guys in slightly different positions.
“So in [the last] four weeks, we want to play the best possible footy we can play, but we still want to win games of football, but we’ve got to find out a few things also.”
Cross will play his first match since round 14, when he suffered a leg fracture against North Melbourne.
Gawn has been an emergency the past three matches, but has also dominated at VFL level to force his way back into the side.
Michie has also built up some strong form for Casey and is back to play his third match for the Demons – his fourth AFL game overall – after gaining a taste with Fremantle last year. It will also be his first appearance since round two, after a broken jaw sidelined him early in the season.
Matt Jones is back in the side after being out for the past two matches. He had previously played 38 games in succession after making his AFL debut in round one, 2013.
And after making his AFL debut in round 15 and playing again in round 16, Barry has been recalled for his third appearance for the red and blue.
The Demons face a massive challenge against the top of the table Hawks.
Melbourne has not defeated Hawthorn since round eight, 2006.
Melbourne team: round 20
B: Colin Garland, Lynden Dunn, Jeremy Howe
HB: Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Matt Jones
C: Rohan Bail, Bernie Vince, Daniel Cross
HF: Jay Kennedy-Harris, James Frawley, Jack Watts
F: Mark Jamar, Chris Dawes, Dean Kent
FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson
I/C: Jack Viney, Viv Michie, Aidan Riley, Dom Barry
EMG: Jordie McKenzie, Daniel Nicholson, Jack Fitzpatrick
IN: Daniel Cross, Max Gawn, Viv Michie, Matt Jones, Dom Barry
OUT: Luke Tapscott (knee), Dean Terlich, Jordie McKenzie, Sam Blease, Cam Pedersen
