Lions flip seven for Demons AFL match

Brisbane have made an astonishing seven changes for their AFL trip to the MCG to face Melbourne.

Justin Leppitsch has reacted savagely to the Lions’ mauling by Collingwood last Saturday night by flipping a third of the team.

Four changes have been forced – Dayne Beams (knee), Darcy Gardiner (finger), Rohan Bewick and Claye Beams (both groin) – but Josh Green, Marco Paparone and Josh Walker have been axed.

Rhys Matheson will debut for the Lions on Sunday afternoon, joining Jackson Paine, Daniel McStay, Nick Robertson, Trent West, Jonathan Freeman and Billy Evans as inclusions to the 22.

Paine will play his first match since transferring to the Lions in 2013 from Collingwood.

The turnover by the Lions makes Melbourne’s three changes seem like minor tinkering.

Alex Neal-Bullen will play his first match for the season at Christian Salem’s expense, while Dean Kent and Oscar McDonald come in for Cam Pedersen (illness) and Neville Jetta (suspension).

Toby Greene returns for GWS Giants against the Western Bulldogs, one of the matches of the round.

The 22-year-old takes Jack Steele’s place for the meeting of third against fourth.

Luke Beveridge has made three changes, losing suspended duo Jack Redpath and Matthew Boyd while axing Bailey Dale.

In comes first-gamer Kieran Collins, Koby Stevens and Lin Jong.

In the final match of the round, St Kilda coach Alan Richardson returns No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin to his 22 to take on Essendon.

McCartin, Sam Fisher and Daniel McKenzie come in for dropped trio Blake Acres, Jack Lonie and Jack Sinclair.

Nathan Grima’s hip prevents the top-up defender taking on the Saints at Etihad Stadium, while Ryan Crowley has been omitted.

James Gwilt and Martin Gleeson come in for the Bombers.

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