AFL 2025: Melbourne ‘clearly’ need plans to limit Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner

Sydney stars Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney won’t run around unmarked – not against Simon Goodwin’s Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.

The challenger is undetermined but the challenge is as clear as day.

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says the Demons must “clearly” invest significant time into Sydney stars Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney this Sunday.

The dynamic and destructive duo ran amok last week, pulling the Swans over a fast-starting Carlton at the SCG.

While Goodwin remains unsure whether he will turn to a rejuvenated Clayton Oliver for the task at hand, he knows the Demons must nullify the skilful pair of Swans.

“We’re going to work that out later today, but clearly they’re got some guys who are having a huge impact on the game,” he said.

“They’ve also got some other damaging players in different positions, so we need to be really clear on our strategy.

“Clearly, we’re going to have to have plans for (Isaac) Heeney and (Chad) Warner, they’re two guys who are having a significant impact on the game.

“We’ve loved what (Oliver) has been able to do, he’s invested in what the team is about, that’s first and foremost, and he’s growing his game off the back of that.

“We’re going to sit down and work what’s best in that space, but we’re loving what Clayton is doing.”

Melbourne isn’t mixing with its winning forward structure. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Fresh off a strong win over Brisbane, the Demons haven’t rushed to re-employ spearhead Jacob van Rooyen.

Van Rooyen had a shaky start to his third season and has struggled to work his way back into the senior side.

Goodwin says van Rooyen remains in Melbourne’s long-term vision and is urging a sense of patience towards his progression.

“He’s a key forward that’s developing his game,” he said.

“There’s not too many dominant key forwards his age that are having as much impact as he’s been able to have in his first 45 games of footy.

“He’s going through a little patch at the moment where he’s growing his game to a different level.

“We’ve got really huge belief he’s going to be able to do that and take our footy club forward – he’s going to be a Melbourne player for a long, long time.

“Everyone will look at the short term and where it is right now. He’s a part of our long-term future and he’s going to be a big part of it moving forward.”

Originally published as AFL 2025: Melbourne ‘clearly’ need plans to limit Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner