Demons' Goodwin praises Gawn, insists Grundy can return

Max Gawn had a towering game in the Demons' one-point win over Brisbane at the MCG. (Morgan Hancock/AAP PHOTOS)

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin insists Brodie Grundy can force his way back into the Demons' team, even after Max Gawn's star ruck turn in his absence.

Gawn was a commanding presence in Melbourne's extraordinary one-point win - 16.9 (105) to 16.8 (104) - over Brisbane at the MCG on Friday night.

The Demons captain had an equal game-high 29 disposals and 10 clearances in one of the best performances of the six-time All-Australian's already decorated career.

Grundy, a dual All-Australian who moved from Collingwood to Melbourne in the off-season, was axed for the clash with the Lions as the Demons tried to boost their flagging attacking output.

It worked as Melbourne booted their best score in almost three months.

Goodwin praised Gawn's impact but declared the high-profile ruck duo could still work long-term once Grundy added more forward craft to his game.

"We love their ruck combination," Goodwin said.

"But one thing we're not going to do as a footy club is leave any stone unturned in getting better - and we want more impact forward of the ball."

Grundy will feature in a practice match for Melbourne's VFL team on Saturday with Casey having the bye.

"He'll play purely as a forward and we'll continue to assess it like that," Goodwin said.

"We think we can turn that combination into a threat moving forward, and we're going to work to do it and it doesn't have to be at AFL level.

"We're still really confident that'll work, and as we get closer towards the back end of the year, we're going to need both of them up and going."

Goodwin said Grundy reaction to be dropped was "brilliant".

"Outstanding person, outstanding character," he said.

"He understands he's in good form in the ruck, but he also knows that we've got a responsibility as a club to get better.

"Part of getting better is that forward craft and he needs to do it. 

"He's embracing it, he wants to do it and he wants to be part of it."

Even without star midfielder Clayton Oliver, Melbourne's on-ball brigade still managed to sway the game their way with Christian Petracca kicking four goals in an expanded role up forward.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store