AFL

Demons call upon Hibberd for Magpies clash

By AAP Newswire

Jun 11, 2022

Michael Hibberd will play his first AFL game for the 2022 season. — Melbourne defender Michael Hibberd (left) is a confirmed starter against Collingwood in the AFL. -AAP Image

Under-fire Melbourne will welcome premiership defender Michael Hibberd's first AFL appearance of the season in their Queen's Birthday blockbuster against Collingwood.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The Demons are attempting to put their torrid week, headlined by Steven May's restaurant fight with teammate Jake Melksham, behind them while also arresting a two-game losing run.

A pre-season calf injury ruined the start of Hibberd's season but he has made his way back at a crucial time, with the Magpies regaining gun forward Jamie Elliott from illness for Monday's clash at the MCG.

Hibberd, selected alongside debuting key defender Daniel Turner at the expense of Adam Tomlinson and Jayden Hunt, also provides crucial defensive experience.

All-Australian fullback May is suspended for drinking alcohol while in concussion protocols after heÂ and Melksham fought inside and outside a Prahran restaurant after they had been drinking at a dinner with teammates.

Utility Melksham is also unavailable after requiring two rounds of surgery to clean out an infection in his hand as a result of the fight.

Forward Mitch Brown has held his spot over Sam Weideman.

Elliott replaces Magpies youngster Reef McInnes (shoulder).

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press