MELBOURNE has confirmed Jay Kennedy-Harris, Ben Kennedy, Dean Kent and Jake Spencer were banned from selection for Friday night's loss to Sydney after breaching the club's alcohol policy.
The quartet broke team rules following VFL affiliate Casey's 26-point win over Box Hill last Saturday.
Demons midfielder Christian Petracca addressed the matter on Sunday morning.
"The VFL (team) had a seven-day break so they were allowed to have a few beers but they probably got to realise that halfway through the game (against West Coast), Jeffy Garlett came down injured and so did (Christian) Salem, so there were (opportunities) for selection," Petracca told Channel Seven.
"We've moved on pretty quickly and hopefully they can play some good VFL footy and come back in the team."
Kennedy-Harris, Kennedy and Kent were named among Casey's best players last weekend and would have entered the selection frame to take on Sydney at the MCG.
Instead, Melbourne opted for upgraded rookie Mitch White and second-year backman Josh Wagner against the Swans to replace hamstrung pair Garlett and Salem.
Speedy defender Jayden Hunt was even trialled unsuccessfully in the forward line to fill the void left by Garlett.
The four players responded positively in Casey's 65-point loss to Port Melbourne on Saturday, with Kennedy-Harris, Kennedy and Kent again named among the Demons' best in the one-sided affair.
Kennedy had 29 disposals, Jay Kennedy-Harris added 27 touches and one goal, and Dean Kent finished with 23 disposals and a goal.
AFL.com.au understands the players will be eligible for selection against Carlton next Sunday.
