Team selection: R8 vs Melbourne at SCG, Sunday 3 May

[UUaswan]

If Max Gawn needs a chop out Full time ruckman surely everyone else in the world does too

[BRS328]

With Tom McCartin's knee injury & Heeney's availability there are 2 changes required. possibly 3 if Grundy needs chopout v Gawn & Heath.

McCartin will be sorely missed over the next few weeks as we'll certailnly most feel it on his current form. I would prefer Melican over Hamling, as it would enable Edwards to play a more reboundimg role with Melican as the lockdown tall.


Heeney to come in for Cootee (who at least got a taste of senior footy which he'd have learnt a bit from). I can't see either Lloyd or Cunningham making way instead at this stage, due to their roles/form, but expect increasing pressures on them as the season progresses as our VFL prospects increase their cases.

If.selectors think Grundy will require more ruck chopout this week (which i think is likely), then i'd think on balance & form it will be Maclean over Ladhams in place of McDonald. I think Ladhams will be selected when Grundy is required to be rested/managed and play as No. 1 ruck.

For mine:
IN: Heeney, Melican, Maclean
OUT: Cootee, McCartin. McDonald

In my opinion you cannot play both Curnow and McLean on the same forward line. The forward setup is working because of the spread that opens up space.
My changes would be Hamling and Heeney for Coote and McCartin