MELBOURNE has dropped Tom McDonald from the side to face Richmond at the MCG on Monday night, just two weeks after the key forward booted four goals against West Coast.
McDonald's omission is somewhat of a surprise considering the continued absence of Ben Brown, but Simon Goodwin is clearly backing in a smaller forward setup for the Anzac Day Eve clash.
Demons skipper Max Gawn has completed his faster-than-expected recovery from a knee injury and returns to the side, while key defender Jake Lever and Michael Hibberd will also return.
Adam Tomlinson and Jake Melksham have been omitted along with McDonald, while Charlie Spargo is out through concussion protocols.
With an extensive injury list Richmond will get a little relief with the return of Jayden Short, with Tyler Sonsie and Hugo Ralphsmith making way.
Monday, April 24
Melbourne v Richmond at the MCG, 7.25pm AEST
MELBOURNE
Ins: J.Lever, M.Gawn, M.Hibberd
Outs: A.Tomlinson (omitted), T.McDonald (omitted), J.Melksham (omitted), C.Spargo (concussion)
Last week's sub: James Jordon
RICHMOND
Ins: J.Short
Outs: T.Sonsie (omitted), H.Ralphsmith (omitted)
Last week's sub: Maurice Rioli jnr
