Melbourne have surged into the AFL finals with a 21-point conquer Sydney however the win could have come at a value, with severe considerations over a knee damage to Jake Melksham.
Coach Simon Goodwin mentioned the Demons “fear the worst” for Melksham after the ahead limped to the bench and was subbed out of the conflict with the Swans within the third time period on the SCG on Sunday.
The Demons went on to fine-tune for the finals with a 11.11 (77) to 7.14 (56) victory that denied the Swans a house last, however consideration will now flip to Melksham and the impression of his absence.
“We fear the worst, but we hope for the best,” Goodwin mentioned.
“Looking at an ACL, which is really sad for Melky. It takes a really big dent in the day.
“I’ve coached Jake for a very long time, 14 years, and he is simply craving the chance to play in a profitable staff in finals footy.
“We hope that’ll be the case, but we’ll just have to wait and see.”
Melksham has performed 107 matches for Melbourne since switching from Essendon for the 2017 season, however missed choice within the finals groups that went on to win the 2021 grand last.
The 31-year-old has been an everyday within the Demons’ line-up since spherical 16 this yr however now seems to be set to be sidelined for the playoffs marketing campaign that may begin with a qualifying last in opposition to Collingwood.
The Demons (16-7) have clinched a top-four spot with out deciding on their ahead set-up, and have already got Harrison Petty dominated out for the season, however can be buoyed by the return of Bayley Fritsch.
Fritsch kicked 5 targets in opposition to the Swans, together with three within the last time period to seal the consequence, in his first recreation again since breaking a foot in spherical 16.
The elegant ahead seemed sharp all through but additionally gave the Demons a scare when spending durations on the interchange receiving remedy on his foot earlier than taking part in out the match.
Christian Petracca (29 disposals, one objective) helped spark the Demons’ second-half revival, whereas Jack Viney (29) and Clayton Oliver (24) continued their robust type.
The Swans (12-10-1) took a four-point lead into the final time period and had loads to play for however missed a chance to safe a sixth-place end and a house elimination last.
Errol Gulden seemed set to propel the Swans to a crucial win because the younger gun gathered 42 disposals and kicked two beautiful targets, however the Demons midfield had too many solutions.
Sydney had their possibilities all through however paid the value for misfiring close to objective as Logan McDonald (1.3), Isaac Heeney and Luke Parker (each 0.2) all missed gettable pictures when the sport was on the road.
“He did a great job, he’s a very good player,” Swans coach John Longmire mentioned on Gulden’s efficiency.
“I thought we did a good job in our midfield against their midfield. They’ve got a very talented midfield and I thought our boys did a really good job there for a fair bit of the game.
“But they bought going the final quarter and a bit, though Errol had his foot to the ground the entire recreation. He was terrific.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
