MELBOURNEfc has made four changes as it prepares for a tough assignment against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium. Veterans Adem Yze and Jeff White both return, as Melbourne aims to win its first game at AAMI since 2001.
Adem Yze will represent the Club for the 270th time this week, after last playing for Melbourne back in the Round 11 loss to Collingwood. His inclusion comes after a number of good weeks playing for Sandringham, where his leadership both on and off the field has been a highlight.
Melbourne has also welcomed back Lynden Dunn after he missed last week with the flu, and Colin Garland, who returns after missing two weeks with an hamstring injury.
Of the ‘outs’, mobile ruckman Paul Johnson will have shoulder surgery next week, and will therefore miss the remaining two games of the season. Addam Maric, Shane Valenti and James Frawley have all been omitted.
The Demons will fly to Adelaide on Friday morning, and will train on AAMI Stadium at 1:45 pm – this session is open to the public.
The emergencies for the match are James Frawley, Addam Maric and Shane Valenti.
Melbourne Team
Backs: M.Whelan, S.Martin, C.Garland
Half backs: J.McDonald, M.Warnock, P.Wheatley
Centreline: S.Buckley, C.Bruce, M.Bate
Half forwards: B.Green, C.Sylvia, A.Wonaeamirri
Forwards: J.White, B.Miller, M.Newton
Followers: M.Jamar, C.Morton, N.Jones
Interchange: D.Bell, A.Yze, C.Bartram, L.Dunn
Emergencies: J.Frawley, S.Valenti, A.Maric
Team Changes
In: Jeff White, Adem Yze, Lynden Dunn, Colin Garland
Out: Paul Johnson (Hip), Addam Maric (Omitted), Shane Valenti (Omitted), James Frawley (Omitted)