Melbourne’s New Look Engine Room
Melbourne wingman Ed Langdon has expressed disappointment that Christian Petracca will miss what was expected to be a highly anticipated clash with his former club when Gold Coast returns to the MCG. The buildup to Sunday’s game between Steven King’s revitalized Demons and the unbeaten Suns has focused on the absence of key players as much as those who are present.
Petracca, who left the Demons after a challenging 18 months during last year’s trade period, was set to be the focal point of the match. However, a hamstring injury sustained in a recent win over Richmond has kept the star midfielder out for several weeks. Despite this setback, Petracca had been performing exceptionally well, being named best afield in his first two games with the Suns before his injury.
“It’s a shame. It would’ve been great to play against Christian,” Langdon told AAP. “But he’s had an unbelievable start to the year, so it might benefit us that he’s actually not playing.”
The departures of Petracca and 2021 premiership teammate Clayton Oliver, along with Jack Viney’s long-term Achilles injury, have created opportunities for a new-look Melbourne engine room. Caleb Windsor and Tom Sparrow have taken on more significant roles, while off-season recruit Jack Steele has brought added experience. Trent Rivers, however, was surprisingly dropped after being considered a potential replacement.
None of these players have capitalized on the opportunity as effectively as Kysaiah Pickett, who has thrived in the midfield with career-best statistics, averaging 22.7 disposals, 4.3 clearances, and 5.3 tackles per game.
The energetic 24-year-old was instrumental in the Demons’ thrilling comeback victory over Carlton in the previous round, giving the team a 2-1 start under new coach Steven King. “He’s certainly taken his game to another level,” Langdon said. “He’s such a terrific player and he’s focusing more and more on his midfield craft, and working out how the best midfielders in the competition go about it. And we know what he can do when he goes forward – that’s kicking goals.”
Melbourne has also recalled Daniel Turner and veteran forward Jake Melksham, though Changkuoth Jiath (calf) and Paddy Cross (thumb) remain sidelined. For the Suns, the absence of Petracca and suspended forward Bailey Humphrey is a significant blow, but coach Damien Hardwick is pleased to welcome back Brownlow Medal winner Matt Rowell from injury to strengthen his midfield.
Key forward Jed Walter and Lachie Gulbin will make their season debuts, while Alex Davies has been omitted from the lineup.
