Melbourne forward mix likely to remain fluid until late in season

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says he is not in any hurry to nail down who his side’s best key forward options are.

Veteran forward Tom McDonald has spent two more weeks in the VFL as he tries to break back into the Demons side. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says there was “massive relief” after the re-signing of livewire star Kysaiah Pickett this week, with his red-hot side set to be bolstered by the return of two premiership stars.

The Demons finally have a clean bill of health among its key position players, and Goodwin said he would not be rushing to settle on a preferred forward combination.

The Demons will welcome back Harrison Petty from concussion for their clash against Gold Coast and introduced intercept defender Joel Smith back through the VFL last Sunday in a full replenishment of their tall stocks following a spate of injuries that affected nearly all of their main options at either end in the opening rounds.

Goodwin said the full spread of options at his disposal did not mean he needed to settle on the Demons’ attacking mix just yet, with scoreboard impact not a concern for his side after they piled on 22 goals against the Kangaroos.

Josh Schache impressed coach Simon Goodwin despite being held to nine possessions and a goal in his club debut against North Melbourne. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

Melbourne used Josh Schache and Jacob van Rooyen in attack alongside one of Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn in the 90-point win, but Goodwin said a selection conundrum had emerged this week and would not guarantee Schache an AFL berth despite being cleared of any significant damage to his wrist.

Goodwin said Petty and small forward Charlie Spargo would both return this week after exiting the concussion protocols, while experienced duo Ben Brown and Tom McDonald would both again be considered for a senior call-up.

Goodwin says there is no pressure on the Demons to find their best forward mix while they continue to score relatively freely. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

“Scoring hasn’t been an issue for us in terms of hitting the scoreboard, so from a forward line perspective we’re happy with our method and our ability to operate inside 50,” he said.

“From a personnel perspective, we’re certainly not settled. We’re open minded about how we get better, whether that’s with our rucks.

“It’ll settle down as the year goes on I’m sure, but in the meantime opportunities will continue to present until we find what we think is going to really take us forward to be the best team possible.”

Goodwin conceded the relief internally at the re-signing of Pickett, who he said was “untapped” in terms of where his game could go with more midfield time looming.

“It‘s (his game is at) a pretty high level. He’s kicked 40 goals the last two seasons,” he said.

“But what you’ve seen this year is our ability to put him through the midfield and impact the game around stoppage and clearance is something that we want to continue to evolve with Koz.

“He‘s still got a lot of untapped ability in terms of where we want to take him. He knows that and we’re excited by what he can deliver.”

Originally published as Melbourne forward mix likely to remain fluid until late in season