Gun midfielder Clayton Oliver is ready to return from a hamstring damage in a lift to Melbourne’s on-ball division for the King’s Birthday blockbuster with Collingwood.
Oliver sat out for the second straight match on Friday evening because the Demons put their season again on the best path with a scrappy 17-point win over Carlton.
The consequence snapped a two-match dropping skid, with the Dees’ midfield dominant regardless of Brownlow Medal fancy Oliver’s absence.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin confirmed Oliver and skilled defender Michael Hibberd, who was rested, will return for the June 12 conflict with Collingwood.
“(Oliver) is giving himself more than a chance,” Goodwin mentioned.
“He was giving himself a chance for this week, so he’s circled it.
“He’s acquired 10 extra days to get himself proper. He’ll be taking part in.”
Christian Petracca was outstanding without midfield partner Oliver against Carlton, racking up 32 disposals, 18 contested possessions, eight clearances and a goal.
Jack Viney (20 disposals, seven clearances, six tackles) was also tough in the clinches as the Demons dominated clearances (38-29) and contested possession (148-122).
“(Petracca) is having an excellent season, there is no query about that,” Goodwin mentioned.
“He’s in actually good type however I used to be simply rapt with the entire midfield group. We acquired our stoppage recreation going they usually shared the load.
“Without Clayton there – he’s a pretty big stoppage player for us and clearance player – to get that type of dominance against their midfield with the boys we had was fantastic.”
Goodwin felt Melbourne took a step ahead towards Carlton, following losses to Port Adelaide and Fremantle.
But they face an enormous problem towards Collingwood, who sit on high of the ladder and are anticipated to comfortably account for lowly West Coast on Saturday.
“It’s going to be a great occasion,” Goodwin mentioned of the King’s Birthday conflict.
“Clearly they’re the hot topic, the team to beat, they’re exciting.
“We go into an enormous recreation, hopefully we get 90,000 individuals and we’ll be up for it.”
Jake Bowey will miss the Collingwood encounter after he was concussed by an unintentional knee to the pinnacle from teammate Jake Lever in a marking contest on Friday evening.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
