Melbourne’s forward line has been given a timely boost with the inclusion of Russell Robertson and Jack Watts for Monday afternoon’s blockbuster against Collingwood at the MCG.
Robertson comes into the side following an impressive three goal performance playing for the Casey Scorpions over the weekend. Robertson worked his way back into the team after being omitted following his Round 9 performance.
Watts will make his much anticipated debut in front of an expected crowd of 60,000 on the big stage at the MCG. Watts has ticked every box in the lead up to his debut after the Club carefully mapped out the first half of his season. Watts is the third youngest listed player in the competition, behind Hawthorn's Liam Shiels, who made his AFL debut last round against Adelaide and Swan Campbell Heath, who is sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Lynden Dunn, Kyle Cheney and Michael Newton have all been named on the extended interchange, and are well in contention for a call up when the final team is selected at 5:00 pm on Saturday afternoon.
In other selection news, forward Brad Miller has been omitted, and will be able to find his form playing in the VFL on Saturday. Defender Stefan Martin has also been omitted and will line up in the VFL.
Last time the two sides met was at the MCG in Round 2 of this year. Collingwood 17.15.117 defeated Melbourne 10.4.64, in front of a crowd of 43,176. Green with three goals was the only multiple goal scorer for Melbourne. The Magpies trailed at quarter time, and were just a goal ahead at half time, before overrunning Melbourne in the second half.
Rd 11 Squad
Backs: M.Whelan, M.Warnock, D.Bell
Half backs: J.Frawley, J.Rivers, A.Davey
Centreline: J.Grimes, C. Morton, B.McLean
Half forwards: C.Sylvia, R.Robertson, J.Watts
Forwards: B.Green, M.Bate, C.Bruce
Followers: M.Jamar, B.Moloney, J.McDonald
I/C From: P.Johnson, A.Maric, N.Jones, J.Bennell, K.Cheney, L.Dunn, M.Newton
TEAM CHANGES
In: Robertson, Watts, Dunn, Cheney, Newton
Out: Miller, Martin