Melbourne will add four premiership stars to play Sydney after 17-game winning streak ends

The end of a 17-match winning streak for Melbourne came without several premiership stars who are set to return.

James Harmes and Christian Salem will return for Melbourne this weekend. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Melbourne will rush premiership defender Christian Salem straight back into the senior team for Saturday’s clash with Sydney rather than bring him back through the VFL.

Salem, who hasn’t played since round 1 after having knee surgery, will be one of four inclusions for the clash, with premiership teammates Tom McDonald, James Harmes and Ed Langdon all set to face the Swans.

Melbourne lost its first game since round 19 last season when they were swamped in a second-half surge by the Fremantle Dockers at the MCG last Saturday.

Coach Simon Goodwin confirmed on Monday morning the premiership quartet would return as Melbourne looks to get back on the winner’s list.

Melbourne officials contemplated giving Salem at least one game in the VFL, as fellow premiership defender Michael Hibberd did as he returns from a calf injury.

But the level of work done with the club’s fitness staff, combined with the quality of training and match practice the reigning premiers do, was enough for Goodwin to bring 26-year-old Salem straight in.

Goodwin said McDonald’s inclusion was timely with Steven May set to miss after being subbed out of the loss to the Dockers with concussion.

“Losing Steven May early in the game, normally we’d have Tom McDonald, who we lost on Friday, go back for us,” he said on Monday morning.

“Tommy McDonald, Christian Salem, James Harmes and Ed Langdon will all come back.”

Ed Langdon will be back for Melbourne this weekend. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Goodwin defended the decision to play Norm Smith medallist Christian Petracca, whose return of 10 disposals was the lowest in his career, despite the midfield star battling illness.

“There were discussions with Christian with the doctor and with myself. You always rely on the athlete to make the ultimate decision,” Goodwin told SEN.

“Christian was prepared to put his hand up.

“You like to use this opportunities to learn. You get a little bit more information … and can make better decisions going forward.”

Goodwin was very matter-of-fact about his team’s 17-match winning streak coming to an end.

“It’s just the reality of footy, you are going to lose,” he said.

“Our execution wasn’t quite to the level.

“To Fremantle’s credit, their system is very strong and to break down the system you’ve got to win a lot of contests, whether it be air or ground, and we weren’t able to do that on the weekend.”

Originally published as Melbourne will add four premiership stars to play Sydney after 17-game winning streak ends