Ruckman Max Gawn backed to replace Nathan Jones in Melbourne’s leadership ranks

Max Gawn is firming to be co-captain of Melbourne with Jack Viney next season after receiving a glowing endorsement from one of his teammates.

AFL Round 19. 27/07/2019. St Kilda v Melbourne at Marvel Stadium. Melbourne's Max Gawn holds out Blake Acres of the Saints. Pic: Michael Klein

Melbourne’s superstar ruckman Max Gawn will have the blanket support of his teammates on his rise to become co-captain next season.

The brilliant big man is on course to partner Jack Viney as joint captains next year as Melbourne attempts to return to the eight after a horror 2019.

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Gawn, 27, is widely expected to replace veteran midfielder Nathan Jones, who decided to step away from the leadership group after six years at the top.

Gawn is one of the most respected and popular figures at Melbourne after overcoming two knee reconstructions to become one of the two most dominant ruckmen in the game.

He was crowned the AFL Coaches’ Association champion player in 2018 and has taken out back-to-back best and fairest awards at Melbourne (tied with onballer Clayton Oliver this year).

But it is the strength of his relationships with his teammates and senior figures at the club which will also weigh heavily in his favour when the captaincy call is made early next year.

The bearded ruckman is renowned for his larrikin personality but his work ethic and training habits are also among the best at the club.

He reported early for training with the first to fourth-year Melbourne players a fortnight ago to help kickstart the club’s summer campaign under new fitness boss Darren Burgess.

Teammate James Harmes said Gawn was the perfect replacement for Jones, who has helped steer Melbourne out of one of the darkest chapters in the club’s history in 2012-13.

“I think big Maxy will probably slide in there (as co-captain) and you will probably see Jack and Max leading the boys out next year,” Harmes said.

“I’m pretty good mates with Max and I think he has got really good leadership qualities. I probably couldn’t pick anyone better to take over (from) ‘Jonesy’.

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Harmes said Gawn’s ties with his teammates were a strength of his leadership style.

“That’s where (he is) a little bit different as a leader in that aspect, he is probably not (demonstrative or in-your-face) but he will be your best mate,” Harmes said on Triple M.

“He is literally best mates with everyone (on the playing list) and he has always got time for everyone.”

Gawn turned down his free agency right to re-sign at Melbourne until the end of the 2021 season, making him one of the club’s highest-paid players.

Viney will also retain the strong support of his peers as he eyes his first full pre-season on the back of some nightmare foot problems.

Viney, 24, managed 21 games for only the second time in his career last season but will attempt to re-establish his credentials as an elite onballer next season.

The co-captaincy switch will continue the raft of changes at Melbourne which were designed to shake-up the coaching and fitness departments on the back of a five-win season.

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Alan Richardson has helped replace Brendan McCartney and Craig Jennings as senior assistant coach, while data scientist Robert Younger has also joined the club from Port Adelaide.

The club is optimistic about its ability to climb up the ladder next year after picking up Ed Langdon and Adam Tomlinson in the exchange period and potentially, Harley Bennell.

Bennell will begin training at the club after the national draft when the Dees will strongly consider taking gun ruck forward Luke Jackson with its No. 3 pick.

Jackson has been likened to Collingwood superstar Brodie Grundy for his exceptional mobility.

Recruiters are excited about his capacity to play as a key forward and even as a tall midfielder.

The Demons will also have pick No. 8 but could entertain possible pick swap opportunities with Geelong, Gold Coast and Fremantle in the mix to strike a deal.

Originally published as Ruckman Max Gawn backed to replace Nathan Jones in Melbourne’s leadership ranks