Into the side comes Shane Valenti, who makes his AFL debut after being elevated onto the Club’s primary list on Thursday. At 21 years of age, Valenti was recruited from the Sandringham Zebras, being taken in the 2007 Rookie Draft. He is a small, well built midfielder, who reads the play well and wins the contested ball. Valenti will become Melbourne’s fourth debutant for the year, joining Isaac Weetra, Cale Morton and Austin Wonaeamirri.
Simon Buckley has also been rewarded with his return to senior football. Buckley has been a standout performer over a number of weeks for Sandringham, and has regularly picked up 30 or more possessions running off the half back line.
Jeff White is set to play his 100th consecutive game for the Club, as the Demons aim for back-to-back wins against an in-form Adelaide side on the Crows' home turf.
The two inclusions are at the expense of Paul Wheatley, who withdrew during the week with a calf niggle, and Nathan Carroll, who has been omitted for the clash.
The emergencies for the match are Nathan Carroll, Jace Bode and Paul Johnson.
Melbourne Team
Backs: Frawley, C.Garland, D.Bell
Half Backs: C.Bartram, J.Rivers, C.Bruce
Centreline: B.Green, B.McLean, M.Bate
Half Forwards: C. Morton, R.Robertson, B.Moloney
Forwards: A.Davey, B.Miller, A.Wonaeamirri
Followers: J.White, J.McDonald, N.Jones
Interchange: S.Buckley, M.Jamar, S.Valenti, M.Warnock
Emergencies: J.Bode, N.Carroll, P.Johnson
