Dees axe McDonald for Saints

MELBOURNE has lost patience with struggling key defender Oscar McDonald, dropping him for tomorrow’s clash with St Kilda.

The Demons will welcome back defensive stalwarts Jordan Lewis and Neville Jetta, omitting McDonald and Billy Stretch.

Jetta missed last week’s win over Sydney with knee soreness while Lewis has battled a hamstring injury and hasn’t played a game this season. Tomorrow’s clash at the MCG looms as a chance for the Dees to build some momentum after registering their first win of the season.

The Saints, who have exceeded expectations this season to hold a 3-1 record, have named Jack Steven and skipper Jarryn Geary.

Hunter Clark and Daniel McKenzie (concussion) are the two omissions. Steven had time off in the pre-season because of mental health struggles and was sidelined for the past fortnight, with the Saints saying he was sore.

Essendon is set to be without hard-tackling midfielder Devon Smith, who has been managed for the Good Friday clash with North Melbourne. The Bombers, who recalled Matt Guelfi, will have had consecutive six-day breaks by the time they face Collingwood on Anzac Day.

North swung two changes, swapping suspended backman Luke McDonald and youngster Tarryn Thomas (rested) for Sam Wright and Bailey Scott.

Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe is another big name confirmed to return for tomorrow’s clash with Greater Western Sydney in Canberra.

The Giants added debutant Jackson Hately in place of Callan Ward, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury last week.

The Swans named debutant James Rowbottom and Ryan Clarke in place of Nick Larkey and Justin McInerney.

Adelaide added Bryce Gibbs and Hugh Greenwood to their extended squad to face Gold Coast.