Melbourne’s plans back on track with returning trio
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says the return of an experienced trio will allow the Demons to get back to the plan they conjured up during the pre-season.
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Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says the addition of Steven May and Jake Lever allows the Demons to return to the defensive blueprint they drew up over the pre-season.
The Demons, 0-2 heading into their clash with Gold Coast at the MCG on Saturday, will have May, Lever and Harrison Petty in the back half for the first time this year.
May has recovered from a fractured larynx, the same injury skipper Max Gawn sustained in the pre-season, while Lever battled an ankle injury.
The Demons will also have forward Jake Melksham available for selection after his hamstring setback.
Goodwin says having the defensive trio playing “a lot of footy together” is an important part of the club’s 2025 strategy.
“We’ll have experience available to us to come back into the team, clearly Steven is an important player for us in the back half of the ground,” he said.
“The way he plays, his leadership and what he brings to the team is significant and his ability to win contest, he’s trending in the right direction.
“One thing we were pretty clear on in planning heading into the season was getting our defence, our back six or seven, stable and playing a lot of footy together.
“This will be the first time this year we have Steve, Jake and Harrison Petty back together. We’re excited by the proposition, we think they operate really well together and we get our first look at it this week.”
The Demons unveiled Harvey Langford as part of their five debutants in round one but he was left out of the side the following week.
While Goodwin didn’t rule out Langford for this weekend’s match, he said the club would not “force it” with the prized pick.
“We certainly know the quality of player he’s going to be and how he can help our team in a whole range of different areas,” he said.
“But we understand he’s still young, he’s still learning everything about AFL footy and we’re not in a rush to force it.
“Yeah, he’s a highly-talented pick and a high pick in the draft and he will help our club and our team. But we have to make sure we get him prepared in the right way.
“We just can’t continue to put high, unrealistic expectations on young players.
“He’ll come in and perform at his own level, at his own rate, but there’s no doubt he’ll have a huge impact for us.
“If you ask me if he’s going to play this week, I will let you know post selection.”
Originally published as Melbourne’s plans back on track with returning trio
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