MELBOURNE has included six players in its squad for Friday night’s NAB Challenge clash against Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium.
The Demons have bolstered their line-up with leaders Brad Green, Aaron Davey and Jack Grimes. Key players Liam Jurrah, Colin Garland and Clint Bartram also return.
Rookie Kelvin Lawrence could also play his first match for the red and blue after being named in the 29-man squad.
First-year Demons Lucas Cook, Tom McDonald, Daniel Nicholson and Michael Evans have been left out from last Saturday’s loss to Brisbane Lions at Visy Park.
As expected, the Demons will still be without the likes of James Frawley, Cale Morton and Jordie McKenzie, who are sidelined through injury.
Melbourne has named its three Tasmanian players in its squad: Green, Garland and Jeremy Howe.
This weekend is the last round of NAB Cup/Challenge matches for all teams, with the premiership season set to start on Thursday March 24, when Carlton and Richmond clash at the MCG.
The Demons open their campaign against Sydney Swans on Sunday March 27 at the MCG.
Melbourne squad to play Hawthorn
1. Matthew Warnock
2. Nathan Jones
3. Clint Bartram
4. Jack Watts
5. Jordan Gysberts
6. Matthew Bate
7. Jamie Bennell
12. Colin Sylvia
14. Lynden Dunn
15. Ricky Petterd
16. Jack Grimes
18. Brad Green
19. Addam Maric
20. Colin Garland
22. Brent Moloney
24. Liam Jurrah
27. Jared Rivers
28. Joel Macdonald
31. Tom Scully
34. Stefan Martin
35. Luke Tapscott
36. Aaron Davey
38. Jeremy Howe
39. Neville Jetta
40. Mark Jamar
42. Jake Spencer
44. Rohan Bail
45. Kelvin Lawrence
47. James Strauss
