Star Demons named to face Carlton in AFL

Key Melbourne AFL duo Jesse Hogan and Max Gawn have been named to face Carlton on Sunday after being cleared of serious injury.

The pair pulled up sore after the Demons’ impressive round-one win over St Kilda, with Hogan on crutches.

But each has been named in an extended squad, as the club gun for two wins to open the season for the first time since 2005.

Jake Spencer, Ben Kennedy, Jason Harmes and midfield duo Dom Tyson and Dean Kent have all been added to the 25-man squad.

The Demons will make at least two changes, with Bernie Vince (suspended) and Joel Smith (shoulder) out.

Hogan was on light duties during Thursday’s training session, but Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said he would have a hitout before the match.

“He rolled his ankle last week, so it was just a matter of staying off it for a few days,” Goodwin said.

“He won’t do a hell of a lot today but he’ll do a bit on Saturday and he’ll be right to go.”

Ruckman Gawn had had back soreness and hurt his wrist during training on Thursday but Goodwin also gave him the green light.

“Both are obviously pretty important players for us but they’ll both get the all-clear and both be ready to play,” he said.

Goodwin said Vince, the Demons’ 2015 best-and-fairest medal winner, needed to balance his aggression after being suspended for a game for striking.

“Bernie plays on the edge and with an aggressive nature and that’s what we love about Bernie,” Goodwin said.

“The incident on the weekend, he could have avoided.

“It was probably silly how he went about it and he misses a game.

“I think Bernie will find the balance of that aggression and what he needs to do.

“Ultimately, we want Bernie out there as often as we can.

“We want him to play on the edge but play within the rules.”

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