Richmond defender Chris Newman has been withdrawn from the side to play Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday because of groin soreness.

The former captain was taken out of the final 22 by the Tigers on Saturday afternoon, replaced by youngster Matt Dea in the team.

It will be Dea’s first appearance for the season – a reward for some impressive performances for Richmond’s VFL affiliate, Coburg.

Key defender David Astbury has been shuffled in to the emergency players, joining Aaron Edwards and Matthew Arnot.

Melbourne will welcome back captain Jack Trengove who missed less time than expected, just the one-week, with a calf strain.

The Demons also regain Mark Jamar and Neville Jetta, as well as on-ball pair Jimmy Toumpas and James Magner.