Demons Aim for Redemption, Not Just a Milestone Win
As Melbourne prepares to face Carlton at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground this Sunday, the focus for the Demons is squarely on a much-needed performance boost, rather than simply securing a victory to celebrate captain Max Gawn’s 250th AFL match. Coach Steven King has emphasised that Gawn’s milestone should be a natural outcome of a strong team effort, not the primary driver.
The Demons are looking to rebound from a disappointing loss to Fremantle, a performance that has left them eager to showcase a different side of their game. This weekend also marks a significant milestone for defensive stalwart Tom McDonald, who will share the spotlight with Gawn in his own significant match.
“I don’t think I need to get up and say ‘let’s win for Max’,” King stated. “I’d like to see a response regardless. Max will lead the way with how he goes about it, and the rest of his teammates will follow.” This sentiment underscores King’s desire for the team to find its own momentum and demonstrate resilience, with Gawn’s leadership expected to naturally inspire his teammates.
Carlton coach Michael Voss acknowledged the significance of Gawn’s impending milestone, admitting that the Blues will need to pay special attention to the influential ruckman given his pivotal role for Melbourne.
King, meanwhile, offered heartfelt praise for his star skipper. He highlighted Gawn’s remarkable longevity and consistent high-level performances, especially considering the knee injuries that hampered the early stages of his career. “The way Max has performed for such a long period of time, even just his performances this year have been inspirational,” King remarked. “What makes him remarkable is the adversity he had early in his career; it took a while for him to get going. But for him to be as influential as he has been as a ruck, he’s just found a way.”
Gawn himself, an eight-time All-Australian, expressed his commitment to performing at his best for as long as possible. “Longevity is something we aspire to do. We love being able to perform at an old age,” Gawn shared on Thursday at the MCG. However, he was quick to add that his motivation is tied to his ability to contribute effectively. “But as soon as I feel like I’m not performing… I don’t have any want to be out here and struggling around the ‘G and limping around the ground.” This honest assessment reflects Gawn’s dedication to the team and his high personal standards.
Coach King stressed the importance of avoiding a repeat of the slow start that plagued Melbourne against Fremantle. He identified the contest around stoppages as a critical battleground, where Gawn will face off against Carlton’s Marc Pittonet. “I don’t think it matters whether you’re favourites or underdogs, we just need to improve again, and show the lessons we’ve learned from last week,” King insisted. This focus on improvement and learning from past experiences is central to the Demons’ strategy.
Team Changes and New Faces
Melbourne has made a couple of changes to their lineup. Trent Rivers has been surprisingly dropped, with pre-season recruit Paddy Cross earning a call-up. Tom McDonald comes into the side, replacing Daniel Turner, who is sidelined with a hand injury.
Carlton, on the other hand, sees the return of Frank Evans from injury. Additionally, the Blues will hand a debut to young forward Talor Byrne, adding a fresh dynamic to their forward line. These changes suggest both teams are looking to inject new energy and address specific areas of their game as they head into this highly anticipated clash. The battle at the MCG promises to be a compelling encounter, with Melbourne eager to prove their mettle and Carlton looking to build on their own form.
