DEES’ NEW DYNAMIC DUO PRIMED TO RUCK ‘N’ ROLL
DOUBLE UP
IT’S the biggest question of 2023 – will the Max Gawn-Brodie Grundy combination work? An impressive pre-season hit-out against Richmond had Dees fans quickly in the positive but there are many who will watch with interest how it all unfolds. Both are traditional ruckmen who excel when playing 80 to 90 per cent time in the ruck, with the theory being Gawn will play more forward. The loss of Luke Jackson meant the Dees had to do something and they have certainly gone all chips in, given Grundy’s monster contract.
SMART OPERATOR
It was the AFL’s worst-kept secret, the last-minute trade for Western Bulldogs premiership wingman Lachie Hunter looms as a stroke of genius. One of the issues for the Demons last year was connection inside 50 and the Dogs veteran, with his exceptional footy IQ, will boost that area straight away.
Hunter is still only 27 and brings invaluable experience and leadership.
VAN TIME
WHILE he didn’t play a game in his first season, the fact Jacob van Rooyen was being floated as a possible inclusion in a do-or-die semi-final tells you how well the Demons rate the 194cm swingman. While the Western Australian has played key positions at both ends, the Demons will look for him to become a factor in the forward line. Spearhead Ben Brown struggled last year and it might be time for the Demons to have a different look in attack.
MID KOZ
FOR the continued development of Kysaiah Pickett, the Demons are set to unleash the lightning-quick goal sneak through the midfield. It is the logical next step in the youngster’s career and there have already been encouraging signs through the pre-season, with Pickett’s physicality a standout at centre bounces. While the Demons have one of the best midfield cores in the competition, there was a sameness about them at times last year and with an injection of Pickett, it is a potential game-changer.