Roy WardUpdated August 29, 2026 — 6:59pm,first published 6:39pm6.59pmKing backs Viney in returnBy Roy WardMelbourne coach Steven King has revealed that returning midfielder Jack Viney will be used selectively tonight as he plays his first game of the season.Viney was recalled after impressive form in the VFL and despite King wishing he could have played more games in the second tier competition, he has backed the veteran ball-winner to handle a lesser role on the expanded five-man bench.Jack Viney of the Demons runs out to warm up.Getty ImagesViney recovered from serious back and achilles injuries to prove his fitness to King and his staff.“It was only 4-6 weeks ago when we were told that Jack might get going again, before that, it was on the backburner as thought he wouldn’t be ready this year,” King told Kayo Sports.6.52pm‘The whole MCG was spinning’: The story behind Demon’s scary on-field episodeBy Marc McGowanHarry Petty remembers the MCG spinning around him, even before the ball came back to him.Unsure whether he could stop the game, Melbourne’s 197-centimetre swingman – stationed in his defensive goal square – decided to try to hit a target, but succeeded only in coughing the ball up to the Brisbane Lions’ Will Ashcroft.Harry Petty suffered severe dizziness and was diagnosed with a vestibular migraine after an incident in April this year.AFL PhotosCommentators referred to Petty’s kick as a “blooper”, only to quickly realise something wasn’t right.The dazed Demon slowly dropped to his haunches as concerned teammates and support staff ran to his side.6.38pmBlues ruckman ready to pit himself against Gawn the greatBy Sam McClureEarly last year, Max Gawn looked across the AFL’s emerging generation and made an extraordinary prediction.Tom De Koning, Gawn suggested, had the potential to become the best player of his generation.Marc Pittonet is out to stop Max Gawn on Saturday night.The AgeIt was some endorsement from a man who knows a little about ruckmen. But when Gawn walks into the MCG on Saturday night with Melbourne’s season on the line, De Koning will not be there.Instead, standing opposite Gawn will be the man who spent much of last season unable to get into Carlton’s team because of De Koning.6.28pmInteractive: Your club’s road to the finalsBy 6.28pmGood eveningBy G’day everyone and welcome to our AFL live blog tonight as Melbourne and Carlton face off at the MCG in a wildcard game.The winner will progress to an elimination final next weekend and the loser will bow out for 2026.First bounce is 7.35pm AEST. Enjoy the evening to come.1 of 1