Max Gawn unlikely to leave Melbourne, Jeremy Howe’s future unknown

OUT-OF-CONTRACT Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn is relaxed about his future, with the blossoming big man in the form of his life.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Max Gawn of the Demons handballs whilst being tackled by Dane Swan of the Magpies during the round 10 AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 8, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

OUT-OF-CONTRACT Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn is relaxed about his future, with the blossoming big man in the form of his life.

Gawn has rocketed from injury-prone fringe player to one of the best ruckmen in the competition after two months of scintillating performances.

His asking price appears to be growing by the week, but there appears little doubt he will stay with the Demons, who are locked in talks with his management.

“I’m out of contract at the end of this year. I just haven’t really worried about it really,” Gawn told the Herald Sun.

“The last three contracts I’ve signed, they always happen around this stage of the season. I’ll just leave it to my manager.

“I’m just happy playing footy and it’s been a long time. Well, it’s the first time I’ve played so many games in a row. Usually I’ve been dropped after four or five (matches) because that first ruck is first gone (at selection).”

Gawn, 23, endured two knee reconstructions and soft-tissue problems in five injury-plagued seasons. But his breakout form has been so good Champion Data has him ranked No. 2 among all ruckmen this year.

Gawn is also the best contested mark ruckman in the game, hauling in 2.8 per game, while he ranks third in hit-outs to advantage (12.5 per game).

But he is extremely unlikely to turn his back on the Demons, who took him in the 2009 draft and have maintained the faith ever since.

Max Gawn has become one of the game’s best ruckmen. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

The situation is less clear with Gawn’s teammate Jeremy Howe, who is being chased by rival clubs.

Howe, 25, won’t be rushed on a decision and remains determined to wait until the end of the season before he decides where he’ll play next year.

There is significant interest in the athletic swingman, who has excelled in recent weeks as an attacking defender.

“I’ve got no idea what he’s going to do. We hope he can stay at Melbourne, that’s absolutely the case,” Howe’s manager Ben Niall said.

“We want them to put their best foot forward, I’ll look at what his alternatives are and then I’ll sit down with him and he can make a decision.

“We’re doing what you would expect us to do and that’s maximise his position. It’s a massive decision, so wouldn’t it be smart to get all the information and all of his options? Then he can make a decision with it all in front of him.”

Melbourne coach Paul Roos this week said Howe was a key part of the club’s plans.

“I don’t get heavily involved with that unless I have to, but we’d like him to finish off the year well and stay at Melbourne,” Roos said.

Originally published as Max Gawn unlikely to leave Melbourne, Jeremy Howe’s future unknown