EX-SNAKE MAKES AFL DEBUT

MELBOURNE coach Simon Goodwin is relishing a Demons midfield reunion as the club’s campaign to play AFL finals enters the final furlong.

Nathan Jones and Bernie Vince are confirmed starters for tomorrow’s Round 20 match against GWS Giants in Canberra.

In a surprise move, they’ll be joined by debutant exbasketballer Corey Maynard.

Maynard, 25, played for the Cairns Taipans and Townsville Crocodiles in the NBL before deciding to follow younger brother Brayden – a Collingwood defender – into the AFL.

“He’s got some great attributes, a mature body and doing some really exciting things at VFL level,” Goodwin said of Maynard. “He’s a really contesting player around stoppages and the midfield.

“It’s exciting for the footy club at this stage of the year to have a debutant who’s worked his way into the team.”

He said the club still hoped to see Jesse Hogan play again in 2017 despite the forward breaking his collarbone in Hobart.

“He’s back in the gym doing some lower leg weights and getting himself moving again,” Goodwin said.

The Demons hope to break an 11-year finals drought but could find themselves outside the eight without a win over the third-placed Giants.

Goodwin didn’t make clear whether Sam Weidemann or Cam Pedersen would replace Hogan but with just four home-and-away fixtures remaining, he’s delighted to have his midfield warriors back.

“Nathan and Bernie are a couple of experienced players ready to go,” he said. “We’re looking forward to our midfield getting back together.”

Jones returns from six weeks out with a quad complaint while Vince has completed a two-week striking suspension.