Melbourne have named midfield bull Jack Viney for their huge clash with Adelaide on Thursday night despite the 200-game star missing Wednesday’s training session.
Viney was a notable absentee from the session due to illness, but the club is backing him in for the Gather Round opener at Adelaide Oval.
All-Australian fullback Steven May is also a surprise inclusion after missing last week’s match with broken ribs.
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May replaces Marty Hore after Hore injured his thumb during the club’s Round 3 clash with Port Adelaide.
The inclusion of the superstar defender will be concerning for Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks.
It is a must-win clash for the Crows who are yet to taste victory this year, and only managed a miserable four goals against Fremantle last week.
They have also had to replace luckless half-back Wayne Milera, who is out for the year with a knee injury, and utility Lachlan Murphy who is facing five weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury.
With the pressure right on, the Crows have decided to axe Luke Pedlar, James Borlase and Lachie Sholl, while Jordon Butts, Patrick Parnell, Brayden Cook, Sam Berry, and Luke Nankervis have all been named to play.
The return of defender Butts is good news for Adelaide after he missed the game against Dockers with an ankle complaint.
Parnell, Cook and Nankervis are all yet to be seen at AFL level this year.
Berry is back in the team after he was replaced by Sholl last week.
The Crows are rank outsiders to end their three-game losing streak against a Melbourne outfit that is clicking into gear and sits third on the ladder.
The Demons have decided to take a cautious approach with winger Lachie Hunter who is available after recovering from a calf injury.
Thursday, April 4
Adelaide v Melbourne at Adelaide Oval, 7.10pm ACDT
ADELAIDE
In: J.Butts, P.Parnell, B.Cook, S.Berry, L.Nankervis
Out: J.Borlase (omitted), L.Sholl (omitted), L.Murphy (knee), L.Pedlar (omitted), W.Milera (knee)
R3 sub: Lachlan Murphy
MELBOURNE
In: S.May
Out: M.Hore (thumb)
R3 sub: Taj Woewodin
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