Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin insists Brodie Grundy can pressure his means again into the Demons’ workforce, even after Max Gawn’s star ruck flip in his absence.
Gawn was a commanding presence in Melbourne’s extraordinary one-point win – 16.9 (105) to 16.8 (104) – over Brisbane on the MCG on Friday night time.
The Demons captain had an equal game-high 29 disposals and 10 clearances in among the finest performances of the six-time All-Australian’s already embellished profession.
Grundy, a twin All-Australian who moved from Collingwood to Melbourne within the low season, was axed for the conflict with the Lions because the Demons tried to spice up their flagging attacking output.
It labored as Melbourne booted their greatest rating in virtually three months.
Goodwin praised Gawn’s affect however declared the high-profile ruck duo might nonetheless work long-term as soon as Grundy added extra ahead craft to his sport.
“We love their ruck combination,” Goodwin mentioned.
“But one thing we’re not going to do as a footy club is leave any stone unturned in getting better – and we want more impact forward of the ball.”
Grundy will function in a apply match for Melbourne’s VFL workforce on Saturday with Casey having the bye.
“He’ll play purely as a forward and we’ll continue to assess it like that,” Goodwin mentioned.
“We think we can turn that combination into a threat moving forward, and we’re going to work to do it and it doesn’t have to be at AFL level.
“We’re nonetheless actually assured that’ll work, and as we get nearer in the direction of the again finish of the yr, we’ll want each of them up and going.”
Goodwin said Grundy reaction to be dropped was “sensible”.
“Outstanding individual, excellent character,” he mentioned.
“He understands he is in good type within the ruck, however he additionally is aware of that we have a accountability as a membership to get higher.
“Part of getting better is that forward craft and he needs to do it.
“He’s embracing it, he needs to do it and he needs to be a part of it.”
Even with out star midfielder Clayton Oliver, Melbourne’s on-ball brigade nonetheless managed to sway the sport their means with Christian Petracca kicking 4 objectives in an expanded function up ahead.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
