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The Melbourne wingman,a key member of their line-up during their charge to last season’s drought-breaking premiership,was anticipating a head-to-head match-up against Collingwood veteran Steele Sidebottom.
Melbourne played Collingwood in round 13,when the Pies claimed a 26-point victory amid a patch of footy where the Demons lost three in a row. At that point,the Pies were fast building momentum.
In selection news,key Melbourne forward Ben Brown will make his return in the blockbuster clash after a stint on the sidelines due to ongoing knee issues. Sam Weideman was dropped from the Dees side that beat Fremantle to make way for Brown. Kade Chandler,the medi-sub against the Dockers,was named as an emergency.
Demons coach Simon Goodwin said on Thursday that Brown was “feeling 100 per cent”.
“It was a great opportunity to give him some rest,give him some treatment on that knee and then reload it a bit in the right way,in a safe way,” Goodwin said.
The Melbourne coach noted Brown would be a valuable player for the side and help them get into some good form heading into the final rounds of the season.
“If you look at what he’s been able to do throughout his career,he’s an important player for us,and you saw what he was able to do at the back end of last year.
“I thought his form was really trending before he went out of the team with his knee. So,he gives us a real focal point,he’s a really smart player,he’s a goalkicker and he maximises his opportunities.”
Goodwin also confirmed Christian Salem and Luke Jackson would play after receiving some knocks last week and James Harmes got through all his concussion protocols. Harmes was named an emergency for the match.
“We’re pretty much full strength in terms of the way that we want to play and get our cohesion together,so,yeah everyone’s right to go.”
The Pies have lost Taylor Adams to injury but regain Brody Mihocek,while they have dropped Trent Bianco.
Goodwin said the club had learnt a lot since last facing the Pies and was looking forward to the opportunity to put those findings and new form on display.
“This is a great challenge for us,they’re in enormous form,won 10 in a row and we’re looking forward to that challenge.”