MELBOURNE has made no changes for Saturday night’s clash against Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval.
The Demons have named tough-nut James Harmes, after he underwent surgery on a broken hand on Monday.
Versatile tall Cam Pedersen, utility Aaron vandenBerg, key forward Sam Weideman and defender Josh Wagner have been named emergencies.
Jordan Lewis is set to play his 300th AFL game and Dom Tyson will make his 100th AFL appearance.
Although Melbourne lost to Geelong at the Cattery last round by a kick-after-the-siren, Goodwin said he was pleased with his team – hence no change for the trip to Adelaide.
“This week we’ve gone in unchanged. We thought the team functioned well last week and that’s given us an opportunity to go in unchanged,” he told Melbourne Media.
“It’s another big hostile environment to go into – Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval. There is no bigger challenge than that and we’re looking forward to it.
“Last week we had a very similar experience and we know what we’re up against and they’re playing some very strong footy. They’ve got their best players back in the team and are performing well.
“We’re looking forward to going over there and really attacking the game and playing a contested style of footy.”
Goodwin said the club bitterly disappointed with last Saturday night’s two-point loss, but added that it had learned plenty from the contest.
“It was a really tough loss down at the Geelong,” he said.
“I thought the majority of the guys were outstanding in their application and their intensity.
“We created a really good lead in the game, which unfortunately we couldn’t defend. To lose in such in close finish was really gut-wrenching for the guys. It hurt them a lot and it hurt the footy club.
“But that’s our challenge now – to thrive in those moments and get better.
“We’re certainly looking forward to putting ourselves in that position again, where we can actually attack those moments in the right manner.”
Melbourne team: round 19
B: Joel Smith, Sam Frost, Neville Jetta
HB: Christian Salem, Oscar McDonald, Jordan Lewis
C: Tom McDonald, Clayton Oliver, Angus Brayshaw
HF: Jake Melksham, Jesse Hogan, Bayley Fritsch
F: Jay Kennedy Harris, Christian Petracca, Charlie Spargo
Foll: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Bernie Vince
I/C: James Harmes, Dom Tyson, Alex Neal-Bullen, Jeff Garlett
Emg: Cam Pedersen, Aaron vandenBerg, Sam Weideman, Josh Wagner
No change
