AFL Team News | Round 15: Melbourne Demons make 3 changes for North Melbourne clash, superstar Christian Petracca ruled out indefinitely

Melbourne has made three changes to its side ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Kangaroos at the MCG. Star midfielder Christian Petracca has been indefinitely ruled out owing to internal injuries.

The Demons have set up a combination of young and experienced talent for its side ahead of Round 15. The most recent changes making the final team are a trio including Koltyn Tholstrup, Adam Tomlinson, and AFL debutant Kynan Brown.

How long Christian Petracca will be absent is yet undefined after suffering a spleen injury, while Bailey Laurie and Jack Billings have been omitted.

Early on Thursday (June 20), it was announced that Brown would take the field for the first time in the red and blue this weekend, taking after his father Melbourne legend Nathan Brown who played for the club from the late 90’s to the early 2000’s.

Since debuting in the Round 5 game against Brisbane, Tholstrup is set to take on his second senior game in Saturday’s match.

This game would see all three of the 2023 Melbourne Demons draftees play together at the MCG, as Caleb Windsor also gets a spot.

After a stint of consistent remarkable displays across both the VFL and AFL sides of the club including his most recent; 23 disposals and 12 intercepts, Tomlinson has earned his place among the 23.

Laurie, Tom Fullarton, and Taj Woewodin would be on Saturday night’s emergency list.

The Demons will host the Kangaroos at the MCG in honor of their annual Pink Lady match for the Round 15 game.

For their pre-game warm-up, Melbourne will do something extra special in celebration of their 20th year partnering with Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).

Australians who have been impacted by breast cancer will have their names displayed and worn on the front of the club’s AFL warm-up gear, in place of the traditional Zurich logo.

This initiative is an exciting one for Co-Principal Partner Zurich, who has been solidly behind BCNA for Saturday’s Pink Lady Match.

Although the Pink Lady would not be on the 'G this year, fans and supporters can show their allegiance by purchasing a virtual a spot in BCNA’s Virtual Pink Lady. Buying a scarf, poncho, beanie or banner are all appropriate as all proceeds would go to the organisation.

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Melbourne Demons v North Melbourne: Full Melbourne Team ahead of Round 15

IN: Adam Tomlinson, Kynan Brown, Koltyn Tholstrup

OUT: Christian Petracca (Injured), Bailey Laurie (Omitted), Jack Billings (Omitted)

This would leave the Melbourne Demons team positioned so:

FF: Kysaiah Pickett 36, Ed Langdon 15, Bailey Fritsch 31

HF: Kade Chandler 37, Jacob Van Rooyen 2, Harrison Petty 35

C: Alex Neal-Bullen 30, Caleb Windsor 6, Clayton Oliver 13

HB: Christian Salem 3, Judd McVee 4, Adam Tomlinson 20

FB: Blake Howes 22, Trent Rivers 24, Steven May 1

Emergencies

Tom Fullarton 33, Taj Woewodin 40, Bailey Laurie 16

Interchange

Daniel Turner 42, Kynan Brown 41, Jake Bowey 17, Tom McDonald 25, Koltyn Tholstrup 39

Followers

Tom Sparrow 32, Max Gawn 11, Jack Viney 7