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AAP
Sport
Justin Chadwick

Demon puncher Melksham earns AFL recall

Jake Melksham has been named for Melbourne's AFL clash with Port Adelaide in Alice Springs. (AAP)

Melbourne have recalled Jake Melksham for the first time since he punched teammate Steven May during a heated altercation in early June.

Melksham broke his hand during his confrontation with May over an apparent grand final sledge while Demons players were out at a restaurant.

May was slapped with a one-week ban for drinking while under the concussion protocols, while Melksham had to undergo surgery on his injured hand.

But Melksham has been named for Sunday's clash with Port Adelaide in Alice Springs, marking the first time he and May will play together since their off-field run-in.

Adam Tomlinson and Trent Rivers have also been recalled, while Riley Bonner is back for the Power after recovering from a facial fracture.

West Coast have made five changes for Sunday's match against Hawthorn at the MCG, with Nic Naitanui (knee), Willie Rioli (personal reasons), and Jack Petruccelle (hamstring) the most notable outs.

Jamie Cripps is back from the AFL's health and safety protocols, while No.1 mid-season draft pick Jai Culley will make his AFL debut.

Ruckman Callum Jamieson, Xavier O'Neill, and Alex Witherden all return for the Eagles.

Hawthorn have recalled Will Day in place of Jacob Koschitzke in their sole change.

Gold Coast welcome back Izak Rankine from injury for Sunday's match against Essendon at Marvel Stadium, while former Tiger Oleg Markov was recalled by the Suns.

The Bombers brought back Mason Redman in place of Massimo D'Ambrosio, who suffered a corked quad in last week's win over Brisbane.

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