AFL Team News | Round 15: North Melbourne names final 23 for Demons showdown at MCG, key duo to make return

The North Melbourne Kangaroos have named their list for Saturday’s game against the Melbourne Demons at MCG. Star midfielder Dylan Stephens and co-captain Jy Simpkin are two of North Melbourne’s 23 inclusions for the clash at MCG.

Ahead of the Kangaroos’ loss to Collingwood in Round 14, Simpkin suffered a minor hamstring strain and was a late withdrawal.

Following a strong VFL performance in a game against Collingwood last weekend, which ended in an easy 18.12 (120) to 12.7 (79), Stephens returns to the side for this weekend’s game as well.

In last Saturday’s game, Stephens collected 32 disposals and seven marks, which gave him a head-start. Only 20 minutes into the first quarter, he had slotted one of his two goals with a rocket from beyond the 50-metre arc. Stephens’ last AFL game was in Round 7. He kicked two goals and had 32 disposals for the reserves in an outing which earned him a coaches’ vote.

Defender Kallan Dawson copped a one-match suspension for striking Jack Crisp of the Magpies and will be unavailable for Saturday’s game, while Jaidyn Stephenson has been omitted.

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North Melbourne Kangaroos v Melbourne Demons Team Lineup Round 15, Saturday June 22nd

AFL Rd 14 - North Melbourne v Collingwood (Credits: Getty)

With Round 15 games starting from June 20, 2024, the North Melbourne Kangaroos would go against the Melbourne Demons on Saturday June 22 at the MCG.

Who will be on-field for the Kangas?

IN: Dylan Stephens, Jy Simpkin

OUT: Jaidyn Stephenson (Omitted), Kallan Dawson (Suspension)

This would leave the North Melbourne players in each position as:

FF: Paul Curtis 25, Nick Larkey 20, Cameron Zurhaar 44

HF: Tom Powell 24, Brynn Teakle 43, Eddie Ford 40

C: Dylan Stephens 15, L. Davies-Uniacke 9, Bailey Scott 8

HB: Jackson Archer 34, Harry Sheezel 3, Luke McDonald 11

FB: Aidan Corr 4, Charlie Comben 30, Toby Pink 32

Followers

Tristan Xerri 38, Jy Simpkin 12, George Wardlaw 6

Interchange

Curtis Taylor 5, Liam Shiels 14, Darcy Tucker 13, Will Phillips 29, Zac Fisher 16

Emergencies

Cooper Harvey 37, Zane Duursma 7, Riley Hardeman 7

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Melbourne Demons

Who will be on-field for the Demons?

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 as follows:

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

Followers

Tom Sparrow 32, Max Gawn 11, Jack Viney 7

Interchange

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

Emergencies

Taj Woewodin 40, Bailey Laurie 16, Tom Fullarton 33