Gawn backs Preuss combo

MELBOURNE superstar Max Gawn has met with Townsville product Braydon Preuss as the Demons close in on a trade for the disgruntled Kangaroos ruckman.

Gawn carried the Demons’ ruck duties this year but the All- Australian said it was time to find some support given the club’s dearth of big blokes.

Gawn ( 208cm) and Oscer McDonald ( 196cm) are the only Demons taller than 195cm after Mitch King and rookie Lachlan Filipovic were delisted.

“The premiership team ( West Coast) had a 50- 50 ruck combo,” Gawn told TAB’s Spring Racing Carnival launch yesterday.

“You hear that Braydon Preuss is interested in coming and he’s a great character, he’s a great player and he’s one of my favourite players to watch.

“Unfortunately, we haven’t been blessed with ruck depth over the last couple of years and it would be handy to have someone like that.

“Yes ( I’ve spoken to Preuss) but not on a formal front.

“I will if obviously it gets to the point where we have to try and get it over the line.

“Look, I reckon two ruckmen can work. Some teams play one, some teams play none.

“But some teams closer to the top and the two ( grand final) teams both had guys over the size of 200cm rucking for them.

“You can see how they can really change the game with the way ( Nathan) Vardy played in the last quarter.”

News Corp reported last month that Preuss was in Melbourne’s sights.

But it is doubtful coach Simon Goodwin will play both Gawn and Preuss together and the fringe Kangaroo will most likely turn out for VFL outfit Casey if he makes the move.

Preuss, 23, did not play a senior game in 2018 as he was stuck behind the rejuvenated Todd Goldstein.

The Demons’ first pick in this draft is No. 32 and the Kangas would only release Preuss for a fair trade given he is contracted until 2020.

On Monday night Gawn, 26, became the first ruckman to win Melbourne’s best- andfairest since Jeff White in 2004.

Gawn expects spearhead Jesse Hogan to stay at the Demons.

“Jesse’s name gets thrown up each year,” Gawn said.

“He’s been at the club for six years and he’s been up for trade six years in a row and he’s stayed every year.

“I’m presuming it’s going to be the case again.”