Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has dismissed issues over captain Max Gawn’s health as he ponders the right way to get the Demons’ misfiring ahead line functioning of their do-or-die AFL semi-final in opposition to Carlton.
There had been reviews on Tuesday morning that Gawn was nursing a damaged toe within the wake of the qualifying closing loss to Collingwood, whereas midfielder Clayton Oliver had knee soreness.
Gawn is clearly the Demons’ most necessary participant and in opposition to the Magpies had 27 disposals, 10 clearances and 10 inside 50s.
If the star ruckman is hampered in opposition to Carlton on Friday, it could be a large blow to Melbourne’s hopes of avoiding a second consecutive straight-sets finals exit.
Goodwin refused to substantiate whether or not Gawn had a toe harm however stated he and Oliver had been all clear to face the Blues on the MCG on Friday.
“I can confirm he’s going to train fully today,” Goodwin stated on Tuesday.
“Both he and Clayton will train fully today and be available.
“I believe each participant is carrying sure issues at sure instances of the 12 months however this is not one thing that is going to sluggish both of those two down.
“They had a light day the other day, but they’ll train fully today in preparation for the game.”
The Demons have accepted Jacob van Rooyen’s one-game suspension for placing, opening up a spot of their dysfunctional ahead line, which is already with out injured duo Harrison Petty and Jake Melksham.
That may contain a recall for ruckman Brodie Grundy in opposition to Blues duo Tom De Koning and Marc Pittonet.
“Well, look, nothing’s off the table,” Goodwin stated.
Premiership tall Ben Brown, who has been out and in of favour, has recovered from a knee harm whereas former Bulldog Josh Schache can be in rivalry.
“Ben’s back – obviously had that knee for a couple of weeks. So he’ll train fully today,” Goodwin stated.
“There’s nothing off the table at the moment from a selection perspective in our forward half.”
Goodwin was sad with poor ball motion, supply inside 50 and purpose kicking conversion in opposition to Collingwood however was assured these ongoing points could possibly be amended.
Between final 12 months’s exit and successful the 2021 premiership in Western Australia, Melbourne have not gained a closing of their house metropolis since 2018.
“We’re a club that will lean into the pressure,” Goodwin stated.
“Pressure, stress, anxiety about performance, and playing well on the big stage is in all elite sport right now.
“Right now there’s six groups left which can be all going to face stress.
“There’s sudden-death stakes and we want to lean into that and be prepared for owning our time, owning our moment and staying in the now and our group spend a lot of time doing that.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
