Melbourne ahead Bayley Fritsch says star defender Steven May is all however sure to face Sydney in spherical 3 after a calf harm saved him out of the opening two video games.
May missed the Demons’ season opener towards the Western Bulldogs and was then a late withdrawal after being named to face Brisbane final weekend, with Melbourne wanting to regain the two-time All-Australian.
Fritsch, who returned from harm in Brisbane after his foot was stomped on in pre-season coaching, stated May’s management can be vital to the Demons, who might be lacking captain Max Gawn (knee) for no less than the subsequent month.
“I think we confirmed after the game that (May) would be back, so obviously a back-to-back All-Australian, he helps with a lot of things down there with his leadership and communication,” Fritsch advised RSN Breakfast.
“We can’t wait to have him back.”
Gawn’s harm, which led to his substitution after the primary quarter of Melbourne’s 11-point loss to the Lions, had been a “little bit flattening” for the Demons as they tried to fight a slick house facet, Fritsch stated.
“We’ve worked very hard over the pre-season on being able to reset and having reset tools,” he stated.
“It was disappointing to see him go down, but we had Jake Melksham coming on and we were able to trust that he would play a big role for the next three quarters.
“I think Brodie (Grundy) played really well in the second half … he was starting to hit his straps, and we’re really looking forward to what he can do in the next four to six weeks in Max’s absence.”
Fritsch stated Gawn would nonetheless have an vital management position among the many group whereas sidelined.
“I know he’ll be pestering the physios to get back – if it’s a four to six-week injury, he’ll be looking at two to three,” he stated.
“I’m sure he’ll have some sort of role on game day or at training. He’ll be flying through his rehab.”
Fritsch stated Sunday’s conflict towards Sydney on the MCG can be one other likelihood for the Demons to evaluate their vulnerabilities after they had been thrashed 32-60 at clearances by Brisbane on the Gabba.
“I think you want to play the best teams (early in the season) to see where you’re at as a footy club,” he stated.
“Not only that but when you’re testing yourself against the best, if there’s any cracks that are going to show, they’re going to show.
“Obviously, on the weekend we got beaten in the contest, so what better than to play a team like Sydney who are well drilled and have been one of the premier teams for a number of years now.”
Source: www.news.com.au
