Friday’s only AFL NAB Challenge match is between Melbourne Demons and Geelong Cats. The opening bounce is set to commence at 5.40pm AEDT with the game to be played at TIO Traeger Park. The away team Geelong Cats are the favourites for the match. View our preview and teams for the game between Melbourne Demons and Geelong Cats.
When: Friday February 28, 5.40pm AEDT
Stadium: TIO Traeger Park
Weather: 34° Sunny
Featured Bookmakers:
Melbourne Demons $3.25 vs Geelong Cats $1.33 at Sportsbet Australia get a $250 FREE BET on this match
Melbourne Demons $3.25 vs Geelong Cats $1.34 at Luxbet Australia get a $500 FREE BET on this match
Odds Comparison:
All odds are subject to change. Odds listed are correct at the time of the latest update.
Tips: Geelong Cats to win at the line.
Preview:
HAMISH McIntosh is set to finally make his debut for Geelong after being named in the Cats’ 29-man squad to play Melbourne in Friday’s NAB Challenge match in Alice Springs.
The 29-year-old ruckman’s last AFL appearance was in a North Melbourne jumper against the Western Bulldogs in round seven, 2012.
Skipper Joel Selwood, who missed his club’s narrow win over Collingwood two weeks ago after having foot surgery in January, also returns to Geelong’s line-up for the clash with the Demons.
The Cats’ other inclusions are youngsters, with draftees Jake Kolodjashnij, Jarrad Jansen and Nick Bourke in the mix to play.
They have rested experienced duo Andrew Mackie and Mathew Stokes, while youngsters Jesse Stringer (hamstring) and Shane Kersten (knee) remain on the sidelines due to niggling injuries.
Melbourne, who defeated Richmond in its first pre-season match, has named a strong team, with young forward Jesse Hogan and midfielder Jack Watts among its inclusions.
Small forward Jay Kennedy-Harris, who kicked three goals against the Tigers, has been rested.
Versatile tall Cameron Pedersen was originally named in the squad but he withdrew on Wednesday afternoon, replaced by rookie ruckman Max King.
Defender James Strauss and midfielder Michael Evans have also been left out of the Demons’ squad.
Both clubs will reduce their squads to 26 players 90 minutes prior to the opening bounce on Friday evening.
Teams:
MELBOURNE DEMONS 
1. Jesse Hogan, 2. Nathan Jones, 4. Jack Watts, 5. Jimmy Toumpas, 8. James Frawley, 9. Jack Trengove, 10. Shannon Byrnes, 12. Dom Tyson, 13. Jordie McKenzie, 14. Lynden Dunn, 15. Mitch Clisby, 17. Sam Blease, 18. Daniel Cross, 22. Viv Michie, 23. Bernie Vince, 25. Tom McDonald, 26. Daniel Nicholson, 29. Jayden Hunt, 31. Jack Grimes, 33. Dom Barry, 38. Jeremy Howe, 39. Neville Jetta, 41. Alexis Georgiou, 42. Jake Spencer, 44. Rohan Bail. 45. Matt Jones, 46. Dean Terlich, 47. Max King, 48. Jack Fitzpatrick
GEELONG CATS 
1. Mitch Brown, 2. Billie Smedts, 3. Jimmy Bartel, 5. Travis Varcoe, 6. Lincoln McCarthy, 7. Harry Taylor, 8. Jake Kolodjashnij , 9. James Kelly, 13. Tom Lonergan, 14. Joel Selwood, 15. Jordan Schroder, 16. Dawson Simpson, 17. Hamish McIntosh, 19. Taylor Hunt, 20. Steven Johnson, 21. Jordan Murdoch, 22. Mitch Duncan, 23. Josh Caddy, 25. Jared Rivers, 26. Tom Hawkins, 29. Cameron Guthrie, 33 George Horlin-Smith, 34. Josh Walker, 35. Jansen Jarrod, 38. Jackson Sheringham, 40. Jackson Thurlow, 42. Nick Bourke, 45. Joel Hamling, 46. Mark Blicavs
News:
Midfielder Luke Tapscott is set to miss Melbourne’s AFL pre-season game on February 28 after injuring his right knee in Thursday’s intra-club hitout.
“First reports are that he’s tweaked his medial ligament,” Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.
“At this stage, it’ll be a couple of weeks so it’s not a major one for him.”
Jack Watts and ex-Giant Dom Tyson were prominent in midfield in Thursday’s match at Gosch’s Paddock.
Key forward Chris Dawes returned to on-field action after overcoming off-season knee surgery, the league’s website said.
Under new coach Paul Roos, the Demons upset Richmond in last week’s pre-season clash at Etihad Stadium.
Melbourne will host Geelong in Alice Springs on February 28.
