Melbourne coach Mark Neeld has backed Liam Jurrah to cope successfully with his return to the AFL as he deals with his ongoing court case.

The winless Demons named Jurrah for Saturday’s clash against Sydney at the SCG, hours after the forward had faced an Alice Springs court via video link.

Jurrah was hit with another four charges on Thursday relating to an alleged brawl in Alice Springs earlier this year, meaning he must answer six charges in total.

He could face jail if found guilty.

But Neeld is confident that Jurrah can cope with that stress and perform on the field.

It will be Jurrah’s first senior game this season after two matches in the VFL.

He had a delayed start to the season because of a wrist injury.

“Knowing him for six or seven months and having some discussions with him, he’s a very resilient man,” Neeld said.

“Some of the things Liam has had to go through, some have been well documented, others haven’t.

“There’s no need to worry about his resilience and his mental strength.

“When you get to know him and listen to what is the Liam Jurrah story, it’s one that’s going to build a resilient person.”

Neeld said Jurrah’s selection was purely a match committee decision and there was no consultation with the club’s administration.

“We’ll back Liam and respect the legal process,” Neeld said.

“No matter what angle we take and no matter what I say, no matter what Liam says, there will be people who say ‘yep, we support you’ and there will be other people who have a different view.

“That’s the way it works.”

Neeld added Jurrah had impressed with his training and match form.

“Liam has done everything possible to be selected in terms of his fitness work, his training and his form.

“Yes, Liam had part of his case yesterday, which is big news for you guys (media), but we’ve been dealing with that on an ongoing basis for quite a while.

“We’ve been having two, three, four times a week updates.”

Neeld said Jurrah was “pretty excited” when told he was back in the senior side.

The talented forward is among three big inclusions for the Demons, with former captain Brad Green and much-scrutinised tall utility Jack Watts also returning.

Sam Blease is the fourth inclusion for his second senior game this season.