AFL teams: Josh Schache backed for important Demons role

Unheralded players are set to take on big new roles in the first look at Sydney and Melbourne for 2024. SEE THE FULL TEAMS

Josh Schache will partner Jacob van Rooyen in Melbourne’s forward line against Sydney with Harrison Petty out due to a toe injury. Picture: Daniel Pockett / Getty Images

Former No. 2 pick Josh Schache has earnt another chance to establish himself at AFL level as Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin backed him to face Sydney in Thursday’s season opener.

Schache, 26, registered only three senior matches after moving to his third club in 2023, but one of those was as an unused substitute in the Demons’ semi-final loss to Carlton.

A toe injury to first-choice key forward Harrison Petty has opened the door for Schache to partner Jacob van Rooyen in attack, as well as support Max Gawn in the ruck in a role he performed in both pre-season matches.

Josh Schache in a ruck drill at Gosch’s Paddock last month as he prepares to support Max Gawn during 2024. Picture: Michael Klein

It comes as Sydney unveiled its young midfield without injured trio Callum Mills, Luke Parker and Taylor Adams, naming Demons recruit James Jordon on the ball against his former club and handing an opportunity to third-year midfielder Matt Roberts after an impressive pre-season campaign.

After speculation the Swans would begin the year with a smaller defence, tall back Lewis Melican received the nod to play alongside Tom McCartin and Dane Rampe, while veteran halfback Jake Lloyd overcame hip soreness to earn selection.

Ruckman Peter Ladhams was left out of the Swans’ 23 after he played in tandem with Brodie Grundy in the last pre-season hitout, with Hayden McLean set for back-up duties.

Grundy will be one of X players to debut for their club, with the Demons confirming earlier in the week Caleb Windsor, Blake Howes and St Kilda recruit Jack Billings would all play.

Gawn compared Windsor to legendary Demons wingman Robbie Flower when he was asked about the club’s debutants on Wednesday.

Melbourne debutant Blake Howes is set to play on Isaac Heeney and Tom Papley in an SCG baptism of fire, according to captain Max Gawn. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

He said Howes, entering his third season, was effectively a straight swap for lockdown defender Michael Hibberd and was in for a baptism of fire against two Swans stars.

“Caleb (Windsor) … this is going to put pressure on him, but he does remind me of a winger of the 80s at the Dees … not that I watched too much of them because I’m still not born, but from what I’ve seen he’s got similar traits,” Gawn said.

“Blake Howes is a great story … he probably wished he debuted in his first year, but he’s had to wait until his third year now.

“The guys who take a while to debut, when they do it creates a massive buzz around the group, and he’s probably the Michael Hibberd clone … Howesy can come in and play that role, and he’s probably going to get guys like Isaac Heeney and Tom Papley straight off the bat, so good luck to him!”

A substitute from both teams will be named an hour before matches in 2024, but the choice is not restricted to the five players on the bench – any member of the selected 23can be made the sub.

Originally published as AFL teams: Josh Schache backed for important Demons role