While Max Gawn, the captain of Melbourne, is anticipated to play in Sunday’s match against Fremantle, the Demons may consider resting the 32-year-old in “the back end of the year” as they continue to assess his fitness.
Prior to the club’s victory over St Kilda on Sunday, Gawn underwent testing by their elite squad and demonstrated his fitness in spite of a bothersome calf strain.
Once the game started, the six-time All-Australian didn’t seem to be affected in the slightest. Against Rowan Marshall of the Saints, Gawn put on one of his best performances, accumulating 27 disposals, 34 hitouts, 18 contested possessions, 10 clearances, and a goal in the easy victory.
After a strong performance in Round 11, the veteran Demon is scheduled to fly to Alice Springs for this weekend’s match against the Dockers. Gawn has been practicing hard at Casey Fields during the club’s primary session.
Gawn has long since addressed the calf issue, and Melbourne still keeps a weekly eye on its premiership captain.
Although Gawn doesn’t need a vacation anytime soon, coach Simon Goodwin told the media on Thursday that the ruckman for the Demons might be able to take a break later in the season.
“He did a great job pulling up. He’s been coping with a corky, and things appear to be improving daily,” Goodwin remarked.
“After the game, we kept a careful eye on him. He will be ready to play and train fully today. His performance last week was amazing, and he is a fantastic leader for our football team.
“With Max, we would never take a chance. He and several rucks carry corks most weeks. It’s a more aggressive location.
“We keep a close eye on Max and are aware of his importance to our group. He is currently fully healthy, prepared to play, and displaying incredible football. It’s more of a topic we’ll examine later in the year.
“Tom Fullarton will be available this week after missing last week due to a minor hamstring strain. In that area, we have a few possibilities to present to the team.
This weekend at Traeger Park, Gawn will square up against fellow Dockers big man Sean Darcy and former phenom Luke Jackson in what promises to be an exciting middle-of-the-field clash.
After an incredible first half to his 2024 campaign, Gawn is on the verge of earning his seventh All-Australian blazer. Together, they are perhaps the most deadly ruck combination in the game.
Goodwin is looking forward to this clash because he knows his captain will step up and lead the Demons to maintaining their top-four finish.
“He is quite enthusiastic. Max puts a lot of effort into studying his opponents and is aware of the calibre of players he will face,” Goodwin continued.
“Darcy and Jackson are two different kinds of ruckmen. Sean is an excellent tap ruckman, and he knows Luke really well.
“He’ll rise to the occasion. He’ll put a lot of effort into becoming proficient in that area and will take any opportunity to gain an advantage.
“Max usually rises to the occasion when given additional responsibilities. That is something we will be anticipating.
Prior to the game, the Demons will keep an eye on swingman Harrison Petty as he recovers from an ankle injury. Daniel Turner (calf) and Tom Fullarton (hamstring) are both available despite recent setbacks.
In Alice Springs on Sunday at 1:00 pm (AEST), Melbourne takes on Fremantle.
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