Media Watch
Viney’s promotion to Melbourne’s co-captaincy was coach’s call
The Age, March 22
Caroline Wilson
Jack Viney's controversial promotion to Melbourne's co-captaincy was taken out of the players' hands by Simon Goodwin and his assistants.
The new Melbourne coach revealed the leadership group was not consulted until after he made the decision to elevate Viney alongside captain of three years, Nathan Jones.
"We always knew it wasn't going to be the most popular decision," said Goodwin, "[but] it was just a standout we couldn't ignore.
"We always knew it wasn't going to be the most popular decision," said Goodwin, "[but] it was just a standout we couldn't ignore.”
Melbourne is considering Gawn and Spencer against St Kilda
Herald Sun, March 21
Chris Cavanagh
MELBOURNE is still weighing up whether to take two genuine ruckman into its clash with St Kilda on Saturday after uncovering a damaging duo in Max Gawn and Jake Spencer during the pre-season competition.
Spencer, 27, spent last year with VFL affiliate Casey, not given a look in at the top level as Gawn played every game and won All-Australian honours.
“Jake’s had a terrific pre-season,” Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said.
“He’s given us a lot to think about. He’s rucked really well and he showed that he can kick some goals when he went forward. But we’ve got to get the mix right. So it’s one of those things that we’ll certainly weigh up heavily through match committee this week.”
St Kilda hoodoo not relevant: Goodwin
melbournefc.com.au, March 21
Matt Burgan
COACH Simon Goodwin says Melbourne’s poor recent record against St Kilda is “irrelevant” heading into its season opener at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Speaking at AAMI Park on Tuesday, Goodwin said the fact Melbourne had not defeated St Kilda since the second elimination final in 2006 counted for little entering 2017.
“I think it’s irrelevant really. This is a new group that wants to create its own journey,” he said.
“If people think that we’re thinking about the track record and history against St Kilda, then they’re wrong.
Fresh Faces
After a summer of optimism, Melbourne will unveil marquee recruits Jordan Lewis and Jake Melksham at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Word out of AAMI Park is four-time premiership Hawk Lewis has had a profound impact on the Demons, who are looking to return to the finals for the first time since 2006. After sitting out the 2016 season due to suspension, Melksham is set to return to the fray across half-back for Melbourne, but another former Bomber Michael Hibberd won’t play this weekend due to injury. Son of a gun Joel Smith is one of the biggest surprise selections of Round 1 after the former basketballer bolted up the ranks over the pre-season and appears to have replaced defender Colin Garland after he did his knee last weekend. While the other debutant is mature-aged recruit Mitch Hannan who played alongside Ben Long and Koby Stevens in Footscray’s VFL premiership and compiled a dazzling highlights reel last season before receiving an opportunity by Melbourne.
Medical Watch
Michael Hibberd (Achilles) 2-3 weeks
Aaron vandenBerg (heel) 5 weeks
Colin Garland (knee) season
Sam Frost (toe) test
Jay Kennedy-Harris (arm) 2-3 weeks
Star
Melbourne star Max Gawn emerged as the most dominant ruckman in the competition last year, dethroning North Melbourne’s Todd Goldstein as the All-Australian big man. Having played only 39 games prior to this time last year, Gawn exploded on the scene in 2016, averaging 42.2 hitouts per game from 22 appearances. The 25-year-old was recently rated as the No. 1 ruckman in the game according to the players, who ranked him as the 17th best player in the competition. In a stunning breakout season, Gawn polled 16 Brownlow Medal votes and finished third in the Demons best and fairest.
Round 1 Team
B: Neville Jetta, Oscar McDonald, Christian Salem
HB: Jayden Hunt, Tom McDonald, Jake Melksham
C: Billy Stretch, Nathan Jones, Bernie Vince
HF: Christian Petracca, Jack Watts, Sam Weideman
F: Angus Brayshaw, Jesse Hogan, Jeff Garlett
R: Max Gawn, Jordan Lewis, Jack Viney
Interchange: Mitch Hannan, Alex Neal-Bullen, Clayton Oliver, Joel Smith
Emergencies: Tom Bugg, James Harmes, Jake Spencer
NEW: Jordan Lewis, Jake Melksham, Joel Smith, Mitch Hannan
