BEN Kennedy is almost certain to replace Jeff Garlett as Melbourne’s small forward for the Queen’s Birthday match against Collingwood at the MCG.

Coach Paul Roos said it was tough leaving Garlett out for the first time since being at Melbourne, but added that Kennedy had forced his way back in the side.   

“It looks like he’ll (Kennedy) definitely be in the team, so he was really critical for us [early in the year],” he told Melbourne TV’s Roos’ Views.  

“He didn’t drop off much, but there is a bit of depth now in the team and there isn’t that margin for error for performance now and hopefully the players now understand that.

“Jeff’s one that is definitely in our best 22, but he’s probably been a bit off in the last month and he had a really good game against Brisbane. They’re always difficult ones, because you want those players playing in your team and they’re really, really valuable.

“Sometimes it’s just [having] that week getting back and playing at that lower level that gets them back into form and hopefully he’s back next week.”

Roos said the fact that Melbourne was able to bring in another small forward option into its squad, such as Kennedy highlighted the club’s depth.

“We haven’t been able to do it – certainly last year and definitely the year before. You’ve got to reward performances in your VFL team – there is no doubt,” he said.

“Jack Viney comes in, because he’s a very good player, and every player wants him in the team. Ben Kennedy goes back [last week] after some good form early in the year and he drops off slightly … but goes back and gets 30 possessions and kicks three goals and does exactly what we wanted him to do.

“So we’ve got to make sure we keep promoting the guys when they’re doing the right thing in the VFL and it puts a lot more pressure on the AFL players.”

Roos said former co-captain Jack Grimes, who has been an emergency eight times this season, remained right on the cusp of selection.

“We’re trying to get Jack [Grimes] a role on the wing and a little bit half-forward, so we’ll see how Jack Viney goes and if he doesn’t play, there is another position available.

“Jack’s (Viney) still got to get through training, which we know, but he’s pretty confident. It’s going to be around what he can do with his hand – tackle or pick up the ball.

“If you’re a betting man, you’d think he’s going to play, but we’ve got to make sure that we see him doing what we think he has to do in a game. If we see that, then he’s in our best 22, so we’ll pick him.”