Still suffering from the semi-final loss that ended their AFL premiership defense, Melbourne have targeted their second-round clash with the Brisbane Lions as a key test.
The Lions picked Melbourne for a memorable finals win last September, beating the Demons in straight sets.
Melbourne could welcome Premiership quartet Bayley Fritsch (foot), Christian Salem (thyroid), Jack Viney (knee) and Steven May (calf) for Friday’s meeting as they enjoy a huge first-round win over the Western Bulldogs gain
In contrast, the Lions were beaten by Port last Saturday but Melbourne manager Simon Goodwin is under no illusions about what awaits his side at the Gabba.
“They will be disappointed with how they played. We know too well what a good team they are,” said Goodwin.
“They beat us pretty comprehensively in a final at our home stadium (MCG) and they have a lot of top talent, they added good players.
“They did something to us in this final that we will be ready for – we worked really hard over the summer to improve our own game.
“It’s going to be a great game. There’s a certain rivalry building between the two clubs when it comes to how we approach our football.
“Both clubs know each other’s games very well, so we get the chance to take a look at some of the things we’ve implemented after this series of finals to make us a better football team.”
The Demons were on a four-game winning streak against Brisbane before the semi-final loss.
Goodwin is unsure if Salem will make the senior squad but is confident of regaining most of his four absent players.
“It’s great for us, it’s going to give us a pretty big selection headache,” he said.
But they will be without Kysaiah Pickett, who has been suspended for two games for rough conduct.
“There is no one who can replace Kosi Pickett,” Goodwin said.
“It’s going to be one thing we pick up on as a team, the pressure he’s putting, there’s no player that can really do that (competitively).”
The story goes on
While Goodwin gushed about Brisbane and returning players on Tuesday, he was quick to end press conference requests about Glen Bartlett.
The former chairman had a bitter dispute with the Demons and claimed he was forced out early in the 2021 season after raising concerns about Goodwin’s behavior outside the club.
“I talked about it two years ago. I said it was irrelevant to me then and it’s irrelevant to me now,” Goodwin said.
“I have more important things to take care of in terms of Brisbane stoppages, Lachie Neale, their strong forward line than talking about Glen Bartlett.
“I’m not going to give him any oxygen at all, no time to think, no energy.”
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