Melbourne midfield star Clayton Oliver may very well be dominated in or out of Thursday’s blockbuster conflict with Geelong as quickly as Tuesday however is not any certainty to return from harm.
Demons coach Simon Goodwin revealed the no-risk strategy as he confirmed his crew would journey to Geelong on Wednesday and practice on the Cats residence floor the day earlier than the match for the primary time, treating it “just like any other away game” within the hope of enhancing their preparation.
Oliver spent 5 days in hospital with an contaminated blister after recovering from a hamstring harm however whereas Goodwin was “hopeful” for a return in opposition to the Cats, he wasn’t ready to lock it on Monday morning.
Melbourne was set to coach on Monday after gamers had a four-day break throughout their bye weekend and Goodwin was not able to declare both Oliver or Harrison Petty, who’s coming off a foot harm, would positively play the Cats.
“We’ll know a bit more today where’s at, both physically and whether he’s ready to perform at the level,” Goodwin stated on Monday morning.
“He’s progressing well, we’re hopeful. Both he and Harrison Petty are in the same position.
“We’re hopeful but not certain. We need to make sure they train and pull up well. We’re not declaring them at this point.”
Goodwin stated the five-day stint in hospital for Oliver, who was put by a rigorous coaching session on the MCG after his crew’s King’s Birthday win over Collingwood, had impacted the on-baller.
“Spending five days in hospital isn’t ideal,” he stated.
“It is about performance, making sure they are ready to perform and we won’t take any risks with any players.”
Melbourne goes the additional mile to organize for the Cats, altering the size of their oval at Casey Fields to match GMHBA Stadium in Geelong.
Following that the squad will journey to Geelong on Wednesday and keep in a single day to place themselves in the perfect place for fulfillment.
The Demons have misplaced 4 of the previous 5 clashes with the Cats in Geelong.
“”We’ve performed down there so much within the final 4 of 5 years, we’ve had some success, however we’ve additionally had some poor performances,” Goodwin stated..
“We want to train down there, get used to the environment. We’re going to leave no stone unturned.”
Melbourne are presently third on the AFL ladder whereas Geelong are in tenth with only one win of their previous 5 video games.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
