Melbourne Demons Make Key Selection Changes for Wildcard Final

Jack Viney is set to make his season debut for the Melbourne Demons in the upcoming Wildcard Final against Carlton at the MCG on Saturday night.

The veteran midfielder, who previously captained the team, has faced significant injury challenges throughout 2026, including issues with his Achilles and back. His last appearance at the AFL level was in Round 24 of 2025, and he recently played one VFL match, where he recorded 20 disposals and seven tackles.

Melbourne's coach Steven King has made several changes to the lineup, with Viney returning alongside Jake Melksham, who is coming out of retirement. Young defender Xavier Taylor will also be back in the senior team for the first time since Round 7. The Demons will be without injured players Jake Lever and Matthew Jefferson, while Christian Salem has been dropped. Carlton has made one adjustment, bringing back veteran defender Nick Haynes, while Will Hayward will miss the match due to an ankle injury.