Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has hosed down strategies Max Gawn may return from his knee harm sooner than first anticipated.
Vision of Gawn working over the weekend – revealed by the Demons on-line -sparked perception the influential captain might be forward of schedule in his rehabilitation.
But Goodwin mentioned there was “no hope” Gawn would return from his MCL sprain any time quickly, declaring the 31-year-old veteran nonetheless not less than one month away.
“We’ll be making sure that Max is fully fit by the time he comes back,” Goodwin instructed reporters on Thursday.
“He’s back running, which is fantastic to see, but he’s got to put a bit of work in.
“We’re going to be actually conservative with Max.
“He needs to be 100 per cent right to go and get a few weeks of training under his belt so we don’t get any recurrence with that injury.
“We need him to be absolutely match for the entire yr.”
Gawn’s injury has left ruck duties to off-season recruit Brodie Grundy, who starred in last week’s win over Sydney.
Grundy will be expected to have a huge say against West Coast on Sunday, when he will come up against Bailey Williams.
The inexperienced Eagle is shouldering ruck duties with Nic Naitanui (Achilles) out injured and was monstered by Fremantle pair Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson last week.
West Coast have added Jeremy McGovern, Liam Ryan, Luke Shuey, Jamie Cripps, Alex Witherden and Campbell Chesser to their long injury list as a result of last week’s derby carnage.
But Goodwin won’t let his players underestimate a wounded opponent.
“They have been proper in that sport in opposition to Fremantle till they ran out of legs and so they’re a unique footy membership this yr,” Goodwin mentioned.
“They’re been actually spectacular in the previous few weeks and we’re making ready for them at their greatest.
“They’ve certainly changed some things in their game around contest and how they move the ball, and things that are really progressive in the game.
“We’re taking a look at it as a possibility, regardless of who’s of their group, to essentially take the sport to them.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
