Jake Bowey

Melbourne confirm selection change for Blues bout

“We’ve got some selection decisions to make around that.”

Published by
Mitch Keating

Melbourne will make at least one change for Thursday night's semi-final rematch with Carlton as the Demons look to get the most out of their short turnaround between games.

The Redlegs have a five-day break between their thrilling win over Geelong and their next matchup with the Blues in Round 9, with coach Simon Goodwin set to assess potential selection changes at Wednesday's captain's run.

Defender Jake Bowey will play against the Blues after overcoming shoulder surgery required following an injury in Melbourne's Opening Round loss to Sydney.

BHowey's return will mean at least one change for the Demons, who went into their game against the Cats unchanged and came out of it without any known injury concerns.

"Today's an important training session for us in our preparation, so we'll get a bit more of a guide today," Goodwin said on Wednesday morning.

"Jake Bowey, who's been out for a while, he's done an incredible job in his rehab. He'll play, so we've got some selection decisions to make around that.

Melbourne's Jake Bowey - Round 2 AFL Rising Star Nominee. Photos: AFL PHOTOS

"He's a high-quality player. The way he did his injury in Round 0 was pretty courageous. We're really confident with his training in the last few weeks that he's ready to go."

The Demons had backman Marty Hore, wingman Lachie Hunter and forward Ben Brown on standby last week, while uncapped pair Matthew Jefferson and Andy Moniz-Wakefield were among Casey's best performers in last week's VFL loss to Williamstown.

Melbourne looked to immediately switch into gear mentally following the eight-point win over Geelong, who were handed their first defeat of the season, with the Demons now needing to be cherry-ripe in time to face a contending Carlton outfit.

"Clearly it's different. A lot of it's been around just getting our players physically right," Goodwin said of the short break between games.

"Mentally, the players have been tuned in. We know we've got a big opponent to play against, we know the preparation required and we're pretty clear about what it's going to take to be successful. We're playing a high-quality opposition.

"When you're in these short turnarounds, you're after a mission about going after the game that you want consistently.

"This competition doesn't allow you to get comfortable, every week is a new challenge and the competition demands that you get better. That chance comes again tomorrow night against Carlton, who we know when we play them they're tight games."

Melbourne will confirm its 23-man squad on Wednesday evening, and will face Carlton at the MCG the following night at 7:30pm (AEST).

Published by
Mitch Keating