Ruckman Brodie Grundy is adamant Port Adelaide’s profitable body-checking of skipper Max Gawn is a one-off and Melbourne will not enable a participant to be bodily focused the identical manner once more.
The Power made some extent of checking Gawn’s runs to cease him getting again in time to make intercept marks and tried to work the star ruckman over bodily in Friday’s four-point win.
Gawn had 30 hitouts however collected simply 12 disposals and did not take a mark.
Grundy would not purchase in to feedback from North Melbourne nice David King that the Demons had “disrespected” Gawn in failing to remonstrate with Power gamers.
He believed Gawn “rises to the occasion” when bodily focused.
“Well you get that when you’re Max Gawn, because you’re a superstar,” Grundy advised reporters on Monday.
“I think he sees that as a badge of honour in many ways, they’re trying to go after our captain and he’s a quality player.
“So in a single half you tip your cap however in one other half it may be a little bit bit irritating.
“We spoke about that at half-time, how can we support Max? I suppose when it happens this week or next week, not just to Max, we want to be a side that really is galvanised and we just see it as an opportunity going forward.
“I do not assume that this can be a long-standing trait of the Melbourne Football Club. I believe that is simply an occasion that occurred on the weekend and we’ll be taught from it.”
Melbourne next face in-form Fremantle, whose ruck pairing of Sean Darcy and former Demon Luke Jackson have been crucial to their season-reviving run of three consecutive wins.
Grundy, Jackson’s replacement, batted away the suggestion the Demons would physically target the 21-year-old, but acknowledged the ruck contest would be crucial at the MCG on Saturday.
“They’re an amazing duo and hopefully me and Max can assist fight that,” he said.
Grundy has relished spending more time forward, kicking seven goals, as part of his partnership with Gawn and noted it was easier on his body.
“When I’ve my alternatives ahead I actually really feel assured in my purpose kicking and my preparation,” he stated.
“We’re each mature-aged our bodies so we have to get that steadiness proper.
“It’s not a finished project but after 10 rounds … as a player, I think it’s (the partnership) been pretty good.”
The Demons are sweating on the seriousness of a hamstring harm to gun midfielder Clayton Oliver.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
