FIRST-YEAR Demon Bayley Fritsch is the heartbreak story of this year's finals series after being cut for Saturday's preliminary final.
After playing all bar one game this season, Fritsch has been dropped by the Demons and replaced by defender Joel Smith.
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Fritsch's omission is a shock given the stability of Melbourne's line-up in the opening two weeks of the finals as it progressed to the preliminary final against West Coast.
The 21-year-old has had an excellent debut AFL season, playing 23 games and averaging 16 disposals. He has also kicked 17 goals and added speed to the Dees.
He has been named an emergency, alongside Jay Kennedy Harris, Jayden Hunt and Tim Smith.
MEGA-PREVIEW Eagles v Demons
The Eagles have made one forced change, with Will Schofield coming in for Brad Sheppard, who tore his hamstring in the club's qualifying final win over Collingwood.
It is the only change Adam Simpson and his men have made for the Optus Stadium clash.
Oscar Allen, Jackson Nelson, Brayden Ainsworth and Brendon Ah Chee are the four emergencies for the Eagles.
As expected, Richmond and Collingwood will enter Friday night's massive MCG preliminary final unchanged.
Superstar midfielder Dustin Martin, who according to the club has battled a severe corkie since the Tigers' qualifying final win over Hawthorn, has been named.
MEGA-PREVIEW Tigers v Pies
So too has defender David Astbury, who missed training on Thursday due to illness, has been selected and the club is certain he will be fit to play.
But there is no room for premiership duo Brandon Ellis, who was dropped for the qualifying final, and Dan Butler, who hasn't played since round 16 with an ankle injury.
Ellis is an emergency, along with Ryan Garthwaite, Ivan Soldo and Sam Lloyd.
Young Magpie Brayden Sier has been named after battling a quad injury from last week's win over Greater Western Sydney.
Ben Reid, Callum Brown, Jack Madgen and Jarryd Blair are the four Collingwood emergencies.
Friday, September 21
Richmond v Collingwood at the MCG, 7.50pm AEST
RICHMOND
No change
COLLINGWOOD
No change
Saturday, September 22
West Coast v Melbourne at Optus Stadium, 1.20pm AWST
WEST COAST
In: W.Schofield
Out: B.Sheppard (hamstring)
MELBOURNE
In: J.Smith
Out: B.Fritsch
