THE RETURN of Melbourne co-captain Jack Viney headlines the Demons' changes for Saturday's all-important clash against Port Adelaide.
The Power - which named just one change with Matthew Broadbent replacing Jasper Pittard - will be challenged by five changes to its Round 18 opponent.
Viney will be joined by Jack Watts, key on-baller Dom Tyson, half-back Christiam Salem and former co-captain Jack Trengove.
The replace the injured Dean Kent, suspended Bernie Vince, and omitted Cam Pedersen, Josh Wagner and Joel Smith.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin identified Saturday's clash against Port as a critical match for both teams, with each level on premiership points.
“It’s great to get those guys back in the team and Jack Trengove will play his first game for the year," Goodwin told DeeTV.
“He’s been in terrific form in the VFL and it’s great that he’s [taken] his opportunities and worked extremely hard to get that opportunity and we can’t wait to see him [play] on Saturday afternoon.”
“[We need to] start winning some clearances and winning some contested ball, and really getting back to that manic pressure that you see with the red and blue jumpers when there’s lots around the areas. That’s what we’re really focused on this week.”
Melbourne Round 18 team v Port Adelaide
Saturday 21 July, MCG, 2.10pm
FB: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta
HB: Jordan Lewis, Sam Frost, Jayden Hunt
C: Alex Neal-Bullen, Dom Tyson, Clayton Oliver
HF: Christian Petracca, Jesse Hogan, James Harmes
FF: Jeff Garlett, Jack Watts, Tom McDonald
Foll: Max Gawn, Jack Viney, Jake Melksham
I/C: Christian Salem, Jack Trengove, Mitch Hannan, Jay Kennedy-Harris
Emg: Billy Stretch, Cam Pedersen, Joel Smith
In: Salem, Watts, Viney, Trengove, Tyson
Out: Dean Kent (shoulder), Bernie Vince (suspension), Pedersen, Wagner, J.Smith (omit)
Port Adelaide plays Melbourne at 2.10pm (AEST) at the MCG on Saturday 22 July.
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