Brayshaw the fix for Demons’ problem
MELBOURNE’S Angus Brayshaw is set to return to a defensive role this year to help coach Simon Goodwin fix a spotfire in the early part of the season.
Brayshaw, who is considered one of the most versatile playmakers in the competition, moved into the midfield late last year after signing a bumper sixyear contract at the club.
But Christian Salem’s thyroid issues have forced a change heading into the new season with Brayshaw, 27, set to cover Salem as a rebounding defender in the early part of the year at least.
Salem is slowly recovering but there remains no clear timetable for his return, meaning Brayshaw will play a key role helping steer the Demons’ ball use from the back half in 2023.
Brayshaw’s move back into a full-time midfield role last season included a 38-disposal game in the win over Carlton in round 22, which netted him three Brownlow Medal votes.
But the No.3 draft pick has said he will put the team’s needs first over his own midfield ambitions as the club strives to bounce back from a straight-sets finals exit last year.
Goodwin has tinkered with the side and the game plan as part of a mission to become more effective in the forward half this year.
Options include Judd Mcvee who has bolted into early selection contention after the secondyear defender produced a sparkling performance in the trial game win over St Kilda.
Mcvee is on the cusp of selection and may yet just miss out on a round 1 game against Western Bulldogs due to the Demons’ considerable depth.
Tom Sparrow could step in for Jack Viney if he misses round 1 with his knee injury, while Jake Lever has recovered from rolling his ankle last weekend against the Saints at Moorabbin.
Mcvee looms as another bargain pick-up for recruiting chief Jason Taylor and list boss Tim Lamb, helping add to the club’s considerable depth following moves for Western Bulldogs’ pair Lachie Hunter and Josh Schache.