All-Australian defender Steven May’s return from harm is significant for Melbourne, coach Simon Goodwin says, as a battle with Sydney champion Lance Franklin looms.
But the Demons are all too conscious that May conserving Franklin quiet will not be the magic contact that ensures success on the MCG on Sunday.
In final 12 months’s qualifying last on the identical venue, the hulking back-man held his celebrated opponent goalless from simply seven disposals.
Yet Sydney gained by 22 factors, making it 4 victories of their final 5 encounters with the Demons.
Goodwin conceded the Swans “have had the wood on us” and highlighted the necessity to enhance in different areas – however is conserving his playing cards near his chest.
“We’re getting a clearer and clearer picture about what we need to be good at against the Swans,” Goodwin mentioned.
“We’ve played them a few times in recent years where they have had some success against us.
“We’re underneath no illusions that we have to make some adjustments to essentially take the sport to them on each side of the ball.”
As always, the midfield is a key focus area.
Melbourne’s vaunted on-ball division was obliterated by Brisbane last week and Sydney have emphatically swept aside inferior opposition – Gold Coast and Hawthorn – during an unbeaten start to the season.
Brodie Grundy will step into the No.1 ruck role in the absence of injured skipper Max Gawn, giving the Demons a fresh look and an air of unpredictability around the ball.
“Sydney’s midfield could be very skilled, they’re prime quality, and so they’re placing increasingly expertise by way of there with (Errol) Gulden and (Chad) Warner,” Goodwin mentioned.
“But they’ve additionally received the skilled heads of Isaac Heeney, Callum Mills, Luke Parker, James Rowbottom and these guys which have been round for some time now and are actually exhausting to play in opposition to.
“We know what we’re up against when we play Sydney.
“Their strain will probably be excessive, their potential to win scrimmage and stoppage will probably be excessive and clearly they’re doing loads proper in transition.”
Key forward Jacob van Rooyen will make his debut for Melbourne, who have recalled James Jordon and Michael Hibberd alongside May.
“(May) is a crucial participant and we all know the place he performs his greatest footy,” Goodwin mentioned.
“I’m positive he’ll be on Buddy (Franklin) at occasions. They’ve had a fairly good duel in recent times.”
Franklin returns from a one-match suspension and is the Swans’ only change, forcing Hayden McLean out of the side.
“We love taking part in with Buddy. He’s such an enormous presence on and off the sector, and I believe we’re a greater aspect when he is taking part in,” Swans teammate Gulden mentioned.
“You be taught a lot from and every time Bud’s taking part in alongside you, you undoubtedly stroll a bit bit taller. We’re so pleased that he is again.”
Sunday’s visit is Sydney’s first trip to the MCG since last year’s 81-point grand final thrashing from Geelong.
“That was clearly extraordinarily disappointing and if we may return and alter it we’d, however we have a bloody huge sport in opposition to Melbourne,” Gulden mentioned.
“They do not care in regards to the grand last final 12 months and so they do not care how we performed final time we have been on the MCG.
“They’re worried about beating us Sunday afternoon, so that’s what we’re focused on.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
