RUCKMAN Max Gawn has been named for his first match of the 2015 home and away season, having been selected in the No.1 ruck position for Monday’s Queen’s Birthday clash against Collingwood at the MCG.
Gawn, who has been named an emergency four times this season, has produced some strong form for Casey in recent weeks.
Melbourne has also named midfielders Ben Newton and Aidan Riley in the starting 18.
Forward Jack Watts, dasher Jimmy Toumpas, first-year Demon Angus Brayshaw, Michie, defender Jack Grimes, ruckman Jake Spencer and midfielder Matt Jones have been named on the extended interchange.
Watts, Toumpas, Brayshaw, Grimes, Spencer and M.Jones played in Melbourne’s loss against Port Adelaide at TIO Traeger Park last Saturday.
Manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said Gawn had earned his recall.
“We’ve been waiting for Max to put some good form together in the VFL and his past three or four games for the Casey Scorpions have been very good,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“He’s now got his opportunity to play his first game for the year.”