THE Christian Petracca-less Melbourne host an improving North Melbourne on Saturday night at the MCG.
Melbourne (7-6) is now part of the chasing pack sitting outside the top eight after four defeats from its past five matches before a bye.
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The Demons have been able to brush aside the Roos in recent times with five consecutive victories by an average 51 points, but with injuries sidelining key players and their season teetering on the brink, this now looms as more than just a danger game.
North Melbourne (1-12) might have suffered a heartbreaking defeat by the narrowest of margins to Collingwood but it won plenty of admirers for a sizzling opening half as it piled on the goals against the reigning premier.
The Kangaroos will still need to bounce back from giving up a 54-point lead to the Pies, but with their emerging midfield starting to fire they suddenly look primed to test the undermanned Demons.
Melbourne has named Adam Tomlinson among three changes, while omitting Jack Billings.
The Roos welcome back Jy Simpkin and Dylan Stephens, with Kallan Dawson suspended and Jaidyn Stephenson dropped.
Melbourne v North Melbourne at the MCG, 7.30pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Kynan Brown
North Melbourne: Dylan Stephens
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Greater Western Sydney v Sydney at Engie Stadium, 4.35pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
SUBSTITUTES
Greater Western Sydney: James Peatling
Sydney: Caiden Cleary
GIANTS v SWANS Full match coverage and stats
Port Adelaide v Brisbane at Adelaide Oval, 1.15pm ACST
LATE CHANGES
Port Adelaide: Willie Rioli, replaced in the selected side by Quinton Narkle
Brisbane: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Port Adelaide: Quinton Narkle
Brisbane: Shadeau Brain
POWER v LIONS Full match coverage and stats
