Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says he’ll go away no stone unturned to find the forward-line mixture that may propel his group to a different AFL flag.
Goodwin produced one other choice shock when he dropped misfiring ahead Ben Brown for Sunday’s conflict with Richmond on the MCG.
It got here simply two weeks after Goodwin axed star ruckman Brodie Grundy.
Despite Brown’s axing opening up a spot up ahead, Grundy will stay within the VFL for at the very least one other week, with versatile swingman Harrison Petty as a substitute recalled.
Between rounds 10-17, fourth-placed Melbourne didn’t crack the 80-point barrier, resulting in 4 losses from seven video games.
Melbourne’s scoring energy has been significantly better over the previous fortnight, tallying 104 factors in a one-point win over Brisbane earlier than following it up with 97 factors in final week’s four-point overcome Adelaide.
But Goodwin is aware of there’s loads extra scoring potential for his group, and discovering the correct mix up ahead stays a giant downside.
With Tom McDonald injured and Brown out of shape, Christian Petracca has been swung ahead in current instances, with the gun midfielder nailing four-goal hauls in wins over Brisbane and St Kilda.
Jake Melksham has kicked two objectives in every of his previous three video games, whereas Kade Chandler booted three objectives in opposition to the Crows final week.
Petty’s return this week after recovering from rib soreness provides Goodwin an alternative choice if he chooses to play the 23-year-old in assault..
“Competition for spots is high, especially now in that part of the ground,” Goodwin mentioned.
“Obviously putting Jake Melksham and Christian Petracca (in there) – both are travelling well.
“That will increase choice strain for a complete vary of various forwards.
“We’re obviously encouraged by what the forward line has been able to do in recent weeks, but we still think we’ve got work to do and can still make it better.
“So we will go away no stone unturned in making it higher, and a part of that course of is a little bit little bit of personnel, but it surely’s how we transfer the ball as nicely and there is a lot that goes into it.”
Richmond have won six of their past eight games to rocket into finals contention.
The hot run has also boosted the hopes of caretaker coach Andrew McQualter being handed the reins full-time.
Richmond have named a six-person panel to find the next coach, and a win over Melbourne would significantly boost McQualter’s chances.
McQualter had a laugh this week when complimented on his cool and calm demeanour in the coaching box.
“On the surface generally I look calmer than I could be,” he mentioned.
“There’s a good bit happening contained in the noggin at instances.
“Being surrounded by really experienced people has helped that a lot.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
