‘Incredible players make their way back’: Gawn backs Grundy for AFL return
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Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn has backed teammate Brodie Grundy to force his way back into the Demons’ line-up despite the outstanding performance of the Demons’ forward line on Sunday.
Gawn has been in brilliant form playing solo in the ruck since the Demons dropped Grundy before round 18. The skipper has produced best-on-ground performances in each of the past three rounds.
For the moment, Melbourne has decided it does not have enough room in its team for both Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn. But skipper Gawn believes that will change before the Demons complete their season.Credit: AFL Photos
On Sunday against Richmond, Gawn had 28 disposals, 40 hit-outs, 11 clearances and 10 score involvements.
Grundy has played two VFL games since being dropped, spending time inside forward 50 metres and in the ruck, and is struggling to find a way back into the team as Harrison Petty, Jacob van Rooyen and Jake Melksham combined to kick 14 goals against the Tigers.
However, Gawn said it would be foolish for anyone to write a player of Grundy’s ability off with four rounds and finals remaining in the season.
“He is an incredible player and incredible players make their way back into the team,” Gawn said.
Grundy spent time on the ball in Casey’s one-point loss to Williamstown on Sunday and did not kick a goal.
“I’m still all in. I’ll play my role currently because that’s what I’ve been told to do,” Gawn said.
“He [Grundy] has got a few things to work on. I’ve got a few things to work on as well.
“Who knows how it’s gonna play out in the next couple weeks. Obviously today, [the forward mix] worked but next week it might not.”
Max Gawn has been outstanding in the past three games but he has not given up on Brodie Grundy returningCredit: AFL Photos
Gawn has played 90 per cent of game time in the ruck in the past three rounds after spending most of the first half of the season sharing the ruck responsibilities pretty evenly with Grundy, as both also spent time forward. On Sunday, van Rooyen played in the ruck when Gawn needed a rest.
Demons coach Simon Goodwin said the club needed to look after Gawn as his workload was high, and the club was conscious of keeping him fresh ahead of finals.
“He’s carrying a huge load for us,” Goodwin said. “He’s a bit old, Maxy. We’ll keep looking after him.”
However, Gawn admitted he relished the heavy workload in games and was motivated by the one-on-one ruck battle.
Goodwin said he was not closing the door on any option, praising Grundy for his improvement in match-play last week and his attitude since being demoted.
“Brodie has embraced the opportunity to make this combination great. It has been good, but we want to make it great, and he will continue to do that,” Goodwin said.
Grundy, a dual All-Australian, is contracted with Melbourne until 2027, but his future will be a subject of debate at the end of the season if he is not able to force his way back into the team.
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