AFL 2021: Max Gawn’s forward role headlines key take-outs from the Richmond-Melbourne practice match
Max Gawn was outstanding in a new role in Melbourne’s win over Richmond as a number of potential Round 1 debutants emerged. All the practice match intel.
AFL News
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Towering ruckman Max Gawn is set to be a significant part of Melbourne’s plans to cope without Sam Weideman and star recruit Ben Brown to start this season.
Gawn dominated in the ruck and in stints up forward in the Demons’ 14.9 (93) to 12.10 (82) win over Richmond, in a mostly high-quality practice match hitout at Casey Fields in Melbourne’s south-east.
Weideman (leg stress fracture) still faces the best part of three months out, while former Kangaroo Brown (knee) is hoping to miss only the first few rounds of the year.
In their absence, Melbourne turned to a combination of Tom McDonald, Bayley Fritsch, Luke Jackson and Gawn as marking targets – and benefited from more attacking ball movement further afield.
Gawn rounded out his strong ruck display with a couple of marks and goals, while Fritsch was typically lively with three majors and McDonald also looks primed for an improved campaign.
Watch every match of the 2021 AAMI Community Series LIVE on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your free trial now & start streaming instantly >
Kade Chandler (three) and Christian Petracca (two) were the Demons’ other multiple goalscorers, while Jake Aarts (three), Jack Riewoldt and Josh Caddy (two each) impacted the scoreboard for the Tigers.
Versatile young ruckman Jackson’s inclusion in the side will enable Gawn to sneak forward more often, defender Jake Lever told reporters afterwards.
“Maxy looked very comfortable down there and I know that playing on him in pre-season, when a big, 210cm bloke comes down, it’s pretty scary for the opposition,” Lever said.
“It’s something we’re looking at, and today it worked. I think what Maxy wants to do is probably (play at both ends), if you know Max.
“The way the game’s being played at the minute; obviously being able to get the ball inside 50 and lock it in, or mark it, is really important in the game.
“But, equally, you saw Maxy get back a few times to mark the ball – I think he marked three or four in the defensive 50 – so I don’t think that’s going to ever come out of his game.”
McDonald kicked just one goal, in the last quarter from a perfect Christian Petracca pass, but also hit the post on another set shot in the second term and looked more agile than last year.
MORE PRACTICE MATCHES: PIES DRAFTEE FIRMS FOR ROUND 1
Gawn was also on the wrong end of several big hits throughout the game, including a knee in the back from Mabior Chol and a bruising bump from Toby Nankervis, but bounced up each time.
The Tigers will be thrilled with the way Riewoldt moved from the outset.
The triple Coleman medallist proved a handful for Melbourne defender Adam Tomlinson, particularly in the third quarter, and could have finished with more goals.
Aarts lost his spot after Richmond’s qualifying final loss to Brisbane last year, but should be back in calculations on Friday’s effort.
The Tigers skipped out to a three-goal buffer in an impressive second quarter, where they made the Demons pay for some scrappy ball use.
Melbourne hit back hard late in the first half, and stormed in front with five straight majors either side of half-time that saw it never trail again despite scores tightening towards the end.
Clayton Oliver and Dustin Martin matched up at centre bounces in an entertaining duel.
Marc McGowan’s Melbourne v Richmond take-outs
Moving the magnets
Demons dasher Jayden Hunt was recast as a forward the past couple of seasons after falling out of favour. However, Hunt looks like he might be making a triumphant return to half-back on Friday’s evidence. That’s where he made his early career impact, and the sight of the 25-year-old bolting off the back of the square at centre bounces was a familiar one. Teammate Jake Lever says this time Hunt’s defensive prowess will match what he brings offensively. James Harmes was back playing through the midfield and up forward after an underwhelming switch to defence last season.
Who might push for a round one debut?
The two names that jump off the page are Tiger Hugo Ralphsmith and Demon James Jordon. Ralphsmith rotated between the backline and a wing and drew praise from assistant coach Adam Kingsley. With Bachar Houli (calf) in doubt for round one, Ralphsmith looms as his potential replacement. Jordon, a hard-running midfielder, is another who’s untried but beating down the door. Teammates keep hyping him and he was given chances to show what he could do at centre bounces. Jordon also slotted a clever goal from general play in the opening quarter, so he might be in competition with his housemate, Tom Sparrow.
Competition for spots
The injury cloud over Houli is not only presenting an opportunity for Ralphsmith, but also Marlion Pickett, who played in the reserves game on Friday in a new defensive role. Dan Rioli’s ankle absence – he should be back for next week’s AAMI Community Series match – also opened the door for Jake Aarts to put his hand up with three goals. Josh Caddy is another who will try to force his way back into the best 22. Kade Chandler (three goals), Alex Neal-Bullen and Charlie Spargo are also jostling for small forward spots at Melbourne, with a return date for Kozzy Pickett (personal) unclear.
Not chasing the win
With less than a goal the difference in the fourth quarter, Richmond’s intentions on the day were clear. Mabior Chol, Thomson Dow, Will Martyn and Jack Ross were the Tigers’ centre-bounce combination against Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca and Nathan Jones. Jones won the subsequent clearance and set up Bayley Fritsch’s third major. Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, Shai Bolton, David Astbury and Ralphsmith were among the Richmond footballers who had already reached their minutes limit by that stage.
End 👉 end.
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) February 26, 2021
Kade's got three. #FiredUp | https://t.co/9asbcmxBZNpic.twitter.com/TUXs0duytg
Who was missing?
There was plenty of talent on the sidelines for both sides. Houli (calf), Ivan Soldo (knee), Noah Cumberland (knee), Dion Prestia (hamstring), Riley Collier-Dawkins (cheekbone), Dan Rioli (ankle) and Kane Lambert (rested) were all out. Only Soldo and Cumberland are long-term injuries. On the Demons’ side, Ben Brown (knee), Sam Weideman (leg stress fracture), Jake Melksham (hamstring), Jack Viney (foot), Angus Brayshaw (foot), Pickett (personal), Michael Hibberd (ankle) and Marty Hore (knee) missed the match. Brayshaw has resumed full training and is close to playing.
More Coverage
Originally published as AFL 2021: Max Gawn’s forward role headlines key take-outs from the Richmond-Melbourne practice match
Ablett family reveal details of son’s condition
Jordan and Gary Ablett had been reluctant to discuss many details about their little boy’s heartbreaking condition until now.
Four Cats sign on as flag trio remain without deals
Four Cats have signed short-term contracts with the club, including a free agent. It means three ageing stars are the only uncontracted Geelong players at the club.