Melbourne have made three changes for Friday night’s blockbuster semi-final against Carlton, but Brodie Grundy has again been overlooked.
The Demons were forced into two changes with Angus Brayshaw’s much-publicised concussion and Jacob van Rooyen’s suspension ruling them out, while retiring defender Michael Hibberd has been dropped and may have played his final AFL game.
Versatile tall Adam Tomlinson comes into the side, along with James Jordon and Charlie Spargo.
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But Grundy has not been selected amid reports he will request a trade to Sydney in the off-season. The two-time All-Australian has featured just once at senior level since he was dropped after the Round 17 win over St Kilda.
The Blues were also forced into two changes after Harry McKay was concussed in the win over Sydney and Jack Martin was suspended.
Last week’s sub Jesse Motlop comes into the starting 22, while Matt Kennedy is the other inclusion. But fan-favourite Jack Silvagni has been left out despite passing a fitness test on his injured knee.
In the weekend’s other semi-final, Port Adelaide have made a huge selection call with Charlie Dixon replacing Jeremy Finlayson.
Dixon hasn’t played since July 29 due to a foot injury, but comes into the side at the expense of Finlayson, who has kicked just six goals in the past seven games.
Travis Boak, who started last week at the sub, has been elevated into the 22 in place of hamstrung Dylan Williams, who has been named an emergency.
Young gun Ollie Lord keeps in place in the team after four goals in last week’s loss to Brisbane.
The Giants made one change with veteran Stephen Coniglio returning after he was a late withdrawal with an eye injury before the win over St Kilda.
Xavier O’Halloran is the unlucky Giant to make way.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
Melbourne v Carlton at the MCG, 7.50pm AEST
MELBOURNE
In: A.Tomlinson, J.Jordon, C.Spargo
Out: M.Hibberd (omitted), J.van Rooyen (suspension), A.Brayshaw (concussion), B.Laurie (sub)
QF sub: Bailey Laurie
CARLTON
In: M.Kennedy
Out: J.Martin (suspension), H.McKay (concussion)
EF sub: Jesse Motlop
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Port Adelaide v Greater Western Sydney at Adelaide Oval, 7.10pm ACST
PORT ADELAIDE
In: C.Dixon
Out: J.Finlayson (omitted), D.Williams (omitted)
QF sub: Travis Boak
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
In: S.Coniglio
Out: X.O’Halloran (omitted), N.Haynes (sub)
EF sub: Nick Haynes
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