Internal heat on dominant Demons

MELBOURNE coach Simon Goodwin expects the heat to get turned up on the unbeaten Demons from within as the premiers get set to welcome back several key personnel.

Goodwin confirmed former skipper Jack Viney would return for Saturday’s clash against Fremantle at the MCG after missing last week’s match with hamstring tightness.

And Ed Langdon also remains in the frame to play after hurting his ribs in the Demons’ win over North Melbourne, but Goodwin said the team would not take any chances if the wingman was still sore.

The ladder leaders will soon welcome more reinforcements with James Harmes (hamstring), Christian Salem (knee) and Michael Hibberd (calf) available for selection from next week.

Salem has been sidelined since round 1 and Harmes since round 9, while Hibberd has not played this year.

Goodwin said the availability would turn up the pressure at the selection table.

“It’s tough in a whole range of areas and it is going to get tougher in the next few weeks. We have obviously got Jack Viney coming back this week, we have got James Harmers and Christian Salem and Michael Hibberd coming back next week,” Goodwin said.

“So we have got a range of guys that are going to come back into selection calculations and we have got a lot of guys internally who are playing really good footy at VFL level, so it puts a lot of heat on the guys that are currently in the team to continue to execute their role and perform strongly for our footy team.

“Ultimately, from a selection perspective, we as coaches look at how cohesive our team can be together as one. Ultimately it is the sum of all parts coming together.

“We will continue to pick guys that help the team operate well together.”