AFL: Brodie Grundy and Melbourne fringe players out of VFL finals

Several players on the fringe of senior selection for Melbourne, including big man Brodie Grundy, won’t be able to force their way in via the VFL this weekend.

Brodie Grundy’s chances of returning to the Melbourne’s line-up for the qualifying final have taken a hit after he was rested from the Demon’s VFL team.

The Dees big man along with Tom McDonald, Charlie Spargo, James Jordan, Taj Woewodin and Josh Schache were rested by Melbourne for Casey’s elimination final against Footscray on Saturday afternoon.

Bailey Laurie and Dan Turner are ineligble for the elimination final because they both played in Melbourne’s last AFL game against Sydney.

The Dogs have been boosted by the returns of AFL trio Caleb Poulter, Robbie McComb and Rhylee West.

Meanwhile, Collingwood will be without fringe pair Josh Carmichael (concussion) and Reef McInnes (shoulder) for its elimination final against Williamstown at DSV Stadium.

But there is good news for Charlie Dean who will play his first game in over a year for the Pies against the club he was drafted from.

In other games, Werribee will lead the stand-alone charge when it takes on Box Hill in the qualifying final from 2.05pm at Avalon Airport Oval with club great Matt Hanson to celebrate his 100th VFL game.

Meanwhile, the other qualifying final will be an all Queensland affair between the Gold Coast Suns and Brisbane at 6.05pm.

Lions midfielder Jarryd Lyons will have the opportunity to press his case in the club’s senior team.

Originally published as AFL: Brodie Grundy and Melbourne fringe players out of VFL finals