Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin insists pre-season injury issues aren’t to blame for club’s winless start

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says the club’s injury issue over summer aren’t to blame for the club’s poor start this season.

Melbourne insists pre-season surgeries to players such as Clayton Oliver are not to blame for a winless start. Picture: Getty Images.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says the club’s injury issue over summer aren’t to blame for the club’s poor start this season.

The Demons are looking to kickstart their 2019 campaign against a winless Essendon in an early acid test for both clubs at the MCG on Friday night.

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Goodwin backed Christian Petracca to rebound from a slow start and said veteran midfielder Nathan Jones should not be measured by his possession count.

He was also unfazed by the kiss Clayton Oliver planted on a Geelong opponent’s cheek in their loss to the Cats last weekend.

And he said friend and former Essesndon senior coach James Hird should be welcomed back into a position at a football club, if he wanted.

Melbourne’s interrupted preseason has been a big talking point in recent weeks after 12 post-season surgeries and a string of niggles hampered their preparation.

Melbourne insists pre-season surgeries to players such as Clayton Oliver are not to blame for a winless start. Picture: Getty Images.

But Goodwin said those injury issues were a non-factor tomorrow night against the Bombers

“I want to put that to bed,” Goodwin said.

“As a coach and as a club, there are no more excuses for us as a club.

“Start judging us on our performances, and not on our preseason.

“We are ready to go, we are fit, we have got a good 22 that’s going out there to play.

“Let’s judge us on out performances and stop the excuses.”

Hird began a new commentary role for Triple M at the weekend and has not shut the door on a return to club land.

Melbourne was crunched by Geelong on Saturday night. Picture: Julian Smith.

Goodwin said it was great to see Hird back at the footy.

“I worked with James and I think it’s great that he is back involved in the game, whether it’s commentary or coaching or administration roles,” he said.

“Just to see him back involved in the game is terrific.

“I think he’s a great person to have back involved in AFL footy. I can see him getting into a position where he could choose what he wanted to do.

“He’s a very smart man, he’s got a really broad skill set. Operations, management, coaching, media.

“Whatever it looks like for James, it’s great to see him back involved in the game.”

Goodwin said Steven May had worked hard to get into top shape after arriving at the club in November with “work to do”.