IN THE first of two Saturday night games, finals aspirants Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney meet at the MCG.

Young defender-turned-forward Daniel Turner will start as the Demons' sub, while Joe Fonto will be the Giants' starting sub.

DEMONS v GIANTS Follow it LIVE

The Demons (10-8) slipped to 10th spot on the ladder after being overwhelmed by Fremantle last week for the second time this season. They were unable to match their nemesis at stoppages and lost the clearances 47-16.

Despite sitting outside the top eight, Melbourne still has its destiny in its own hands with five matches against fellow finals contenders to come in the final rounds.

Greater Western Sydney (11-7) has surged back into top-four contention with three consecutive victories, including a comfortable win at home over Gold Coast last week.

The Giants have their running game up and going again, and could now rubber stamp their premiership credentials with a second triumph in three weeks at the MCG ahead of a tough run home.

The Demons are bolstered by the return of Max Gawn as Bailey Laurie and Taj Woewodin have been recalled. Christian Salem and Koltyn Tholstrup are injured and Tom Sparrow has been dropped.

The Giants have a huge in as Sam Taylor returns to replace Isaac Cumming.

Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney at the MCG, 7.30pm AEST

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SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Daniel Turner
Greater Western Sydney: Joe Fonti

01:54

Match Previews R20: Melbourne v GWS

Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Kane Cornes preview the game between the Demons and Giants at the MCG

Published on Jul 23, 2024

Another blockbuster Western Derby awaits when Fremantle and West Coast face off in the second of Saturday night's games.

The Dockers will be out to avoid a second slip up against the Eagles, who trumped their rivals when they met earlier this year.

DOCKERS v EAGLES Follow it LIVE

Fremantle (11-6-1) made a mid-season statement when thumping Melbourne in round 12, but arguably proved its top-four credentials even more with a dominant display against the same side last week.

The Dockers are playing to their strengths, with their one-two punch in the ruck and onball brigade in red-hot form ahead of the Western Derby.

West Coast (3-15) was arguably at the peak of its powers when stunning Fremantle in round six, but has faced a reality check with 10 defeats in 11 matches since.

The Eagles might be more focused on reviewing and developing their list, but putting a hefty dent in their arch-rival's top-four hopes would be more than just icing on the cake of a tough season.

The Dockers have made two forced changes as Josh Draper and Tom Emmett come in for Alex Pearce and Michael Walters.

The Eagles have loaded up, welcoming back Jeremy McGovern, Jake Waterman, Jack Darling and Elliot Yeo in place of Alex Witherden, Jamaine Jones, Jack Petruccelle and Campbell Chesser.

Fremantle v West Coast at Optus Stadium, 6.10pm AWST

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SUBSTITUTES
Fremantle: James Aish
West Coast: Jai Culley