AFL 2022: Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has no hesitation picking first-gamer for semi-final

Melbourne could spring a selection surprise and pick a first-gamer for the semi-final with Brisbane as one star got the injury all clear.

Christian Petracca is good to go. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin is adamant premiership star Christian Petracca won’t need any pain management for his fractured leg in Friday’s semi-final showdown with Brisbane as he raised the potential inclusion of a first-gamer in his forward line.

Petracca will play with a hairline fracture in his leg, and a corked calf, both suffered in last Friday’s qualifying final loss to Sydney.

But Goodwin said last year’s Norm Smith medallist was “100 per cent playing” and his midfield role would not be impacted, nor would he need “Panadol”, as one leading sports medico suggested.

“He trained really well the other day in our main training session. He’s moving incredibly well and we’ve been really surprised with his progression throughout the week,” Goodwin said on Thursday.

“He’s the type of competitor you want. He wants to play in big games and big finals and this is a great chance to put himself on show with a bit of adversity during the week.

“He’ll be playing his normal role within the team. He’ll train fully today, he’ll be up and about, he’ll have energy and he’ll be ready to go.”

Goodwin dismissed a suggestion the Demons could need special permission for pain medication to get Petracca through the game.

“He won’t need anything. As we’ve said all along, the pain management is around his corkie and making sure that’s right,” he said.

“He’s not the only player who has had a corkie. He won’t need any pain management. He certainly won’t need a Panadol.”

Jacob Van Rooyen could be a surprise selection. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Small forward Charlie Spargo is also confident of taking his place despite not training during the week after suffering a blow to his throat against the Swans.

He’ll need to complete training, but Goodwin is also hopeful of him playing.

But changes to the forward line mix could be on the table, with premiership forward Tom McDonald presenting a “selection headache” as he pushes to play his first AFL game in three months, having suffered a foot injury.

The other name on Goodwin’s mind is untried forward Jacob Van Rooyen, with the 19-year-old a potential replacement for Ben Brown, who kicked just a single goal against the Swans.

Goodwin said he would have “no hesitation” bringing in the teenager in for his first game in a final, having picked him as an emergency the past four weeks.

Van Rooyen has been a consistent goalkicker in the VFL and kicked a bag of six in round 8.

“He’s been an emergency the last four weeks ... which means you have confidence in his ability to play,” Goodwin said.

“He’s been in really good form. I’d have no hesitation if the opportunity presented itself.

“He’s a big kid, he moves really well, he’s good in air, good on the ground level and he plays a combative style of footy.

“You are always looking to see where you can get better. Browny kicks goals when he gets opportunities. Selection is tight and we always look for ways to improve our team.”

Originally published as AFL 2022: Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has no hesitation picking first-gamer for semi-final