Can’t risk late lapse: Goodwin
THE need to go to another level in an AFL preliminary final has added urgency for Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin.
While the Demons will go into Saturday’s clash with West Coast full of confidence, Goodwin saw worrying signs in last Friday night’s semi-final win over Hawthorn.
With nothing to lose, the Hawks kicked three goals at the start of the last quarter and suddenly reduced the margin to 12 points.
Melbourne were able to steady and kill off the unlikely challenge, but Goodwin was happier with their elimination final win the previous week over Geelong. “We felt our Geelong game was really strong,” Goodwin said after training yesterday.
“Last week we felt there were some things in our game we really need to work on and improve on.
“The way they trained today was brilliant, but we certainly weren’t at our best (against Hawthorn). We know we’re going to have to take it up a notch and be at our best.”
Melbourne is unlikely to make any changes, with Goodwin saying it has no fresh injuries.
Veteran Bernie Vince made a successful return in the VFL last weekend after shoulder surgery.
He is among several senior players who will hope the Demons win this Saturday, so the following day they can press their cases for a grand final recall. Melbourne’s affiliate Casey will play Box Hill in the VFL grand final. Goodwin said the Demons have planned to remove players out of the Casey line-up in case they beat the Eagles.
“We’ll get to that, if that situation arises,” he said.
Goodwin confirmed that Vince, who retires at the end of the season, remains in calculations for a return to the AFL.
“He’s certainly pushing his case — I thought his game on the weekend was outstanding,” Goodwin said.
Like the Demons’ massive Round 22 win over West Coast, the preliminary final will be played in the afternoon, and Goodwin is confident his side can handle the heat. “We think we’re in a really good shape physically to handle anything that comes our way.”