Demons face another big MCG test against Blues
Max Gawn celebrates with Demons fans after playing a leading role in the defeat of the Geelong Cats.
Buoyed by their best win this AFL season, the challenges keep coming for Melbourne when they return to the MCG next Thursday.
The Demons must overcome a short five-day turnaround for their clash with Carlton, who will be desperate for an upset win after losing three of their last four games.
Melbourne stormed home on Saturday night at the MCG to beat Geelong by eight points, ending the Cats’ perfect start to the season and improving to 6-2.
Coach Simon Goodwin noted they have faced a five-day break already this season.
“We’ll make sure we’re fit, we’re healthy, we’re ready,” he said.
“It’s going to be another massive game at the MCG against Carlton.”
One of the keys will be how well Melbourne’s defence copes with Blues tall forwards Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, in the wake of keeping Cats stars Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron goalless.
“I’m really pleased defensively with how we played. They’re a high-quality side in terms of how they moved the ball, but defensively we were really sound,” Goodwin said of the Geelong win.
“We certainly value defence and contest to a high level and we’re chipping away at the way we move the ball in our offence – and it seems to be getting better.
“But when you play Melbourne, that’s generally what you get – we like to be involved in arm wrestles and make it really hard for the opposition.”
Goodwin was confident post-match that captain Max Gawn (head knock) and midfielder Jack Viney (shoulder) were not badly hurt.
Gawn sent a scare through the Demons when he was left dazed after being hit on the head in a ruck duel during the third term.
He stayed in the game and kicked a booming goal at the start of the final term.
“Clearly he’s a warrior, Max, he’s copped a lot of treatment,” Goodwin said.
“You worry when your captain’s down, so it’s just great to see him get back up.
“He had an enormous influence in the game in terms of what we wanted to achieve, not only around the ball but in general play.”
While Bayley Fritsch is the leading candidate for goal of the year for his freakish effort late in the game, youngster Caleb Windsor also kicked a crucial goal in the final term.
Windsor continues to impress in his debut season and is pressing for a Rising Star nomination.
“Just to be able to manage him, make sure he’s improving, make sure he still has his energy as the year goes on, it’s going to be really important,” Goodwin said.
“He provides a lot for us – run, creativity, speed and we’re loving what he’s bringing to our footy club.”