MELBOURNE has regained co-captain Jack Viney, forward Jack Watts, ball-winner Dom Tyson and half-back Christian Salem from injury for Saturday’s clash against Port Adelaide at the MCG, and recalled former co-skipper Jack Trengove.

The Demons have lost left-footer Dean Kent with a shoulder injury and veteran Bernie Vince due to suspension.

Versatile tall Cam Pedersen, rebounder Josh Wagner and rookie Joel Smith have been omitted.

Youngster Billy Stretch, Pedersen and J.Smith are the emergencies.

Coach Simon Goodwin said the team had been boosted by some important inclusions.

“We get a few troops back this week, which is great … all coming back into the team off injuries,” he told Melbourne TV.

“It’s great to get those guys back in the team and Jack Trengove will play his first game for the year.

“He’s been in terrific form in the VFL and it’s great that he’s [taken] his opportunities and worked extremely hard to get that opportunity and we can’t wait to see him [play] on Saturday afternoon.”

Goodwin said his team was looking to bounce back strongly after going down to the Adelaide Crows by 46 points at TIO Stadium last Saturday night.

“It was a disappointing game up in Darwin. We played a very good footy team, but at the same time, I thought our contest method around the ball was really poor on the night,” he said.

“It’s a brand of footy that we know has served us well over a period of time and it was probably the worst part of our game on the weekend. That’s something we’ve addressed during the week and we need to get a response in that phase of the game.

“[We need to] start winning some clearances and winning some contested ball, and really getting back to that manic pressure that you see with the red and blue jumpers when there’s lots around the areas. That’s what we’re really focused on this week.”

Goodwin said it was not only a big test this weekend against the Power, but an important day for the club, after it launched its Reconciliation Action Plan during the week.

“The club’s done an amazing job with the Reconciliation Action Plan and to really celebrate that in our Indigenous jumper [for the first time on the MCG] is something that we’re really proud of,” he said.

“I know the club has put a lot of work into it and the players are really of what’s taken place and it’s a big part of our footy club moving forward, so it should be a great day for the footy club.

Melbourne team: round 18

B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta

HB: Jordan Lewis, Sam Frost, Jayden Hunt

C: Alex Neal-Bullen, Dom Tyson, Clayton Oliver

HF: Christian Petracca, Jesse Hogan, James Harmes

F: Jeff Garlett, Jack Watts, Tom McDonald

Foll: Max Gawn, Jack Viney, Jake Melksham

I/C: Christian Salem, Jack Trengove, Mitch Hannan, Jay Kennedy-Harris

Emg: Billy Stretch, Cam Pedersen, Joel Smith

In: Salem, Watts, Viney, Trengove, Tyson

Out: Dean Kent (shoulder), Bernie Vince (suspension), Pedersen, Wagner, J.Smith