MELBOURNE coach Simon Goodwin has assured Demon fans the process with Brodie Grundy is working to plan at VFL level.

After playing in a 14 v 14 scratch match last weekend, Goodwin has put full faith in the 202cm ruckman to work on his craft within the forward 50, and create the ultimate combination with skipper Max Gawn.

Questions were also asked regarding the availability of key defender Harrison Petty after consecutive hits to the ribs, as well as how the Demons are looking to attack this week’s clash against Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.

09:00

RD 19 | Media Conference | Simon Goodwin

Simon Goodwin addresses the media ahead of our Round 19 clash with Adelaide, thanks to Fujifilm.

Brodie Grundy

“There's been a fair bit of hysteria… We're trying to make this combination the most dominant combination in the game…” Goodwin said.

“We're trying to increase his ability to impact forward of the ball, so he'll play there again this week at VFL level.

“We think it's exciting. He's buying into it and he wants to do it well… his attitude towards it has been first class.”

Harrison Petty Availability

“He's had a sort of an extended break, a little bit more time between games.” Goodwin says.

“So he's feeling a lot better, but he's got to train today and we'll assess it after training today. But there's some positive signs there.

“...he's progressing in the right direction, there's no doubt about that.”

Key Takeaways From Friday Night

“Obviously there was a lot to like in certain parts of the game but there was a big part of the game in the middle where Brisbane had some dominance on us.” Goodwin stated.

“We looked at some of the things… where we struggled at, especially from a defensive point of view.

“But what I did love about the guys ability was to stay in the now, we're starting to produce a team that never gives up, that can come from anywhere and come from any position.

“That's something that we've been working a lot on in the last 18 months, and it's starting to come out in games.”

08:53

RD 18 | Match Highlights

The Demons and Lions clash in round 18

This Week Against Adelaide

“We're playing a very good offensive team.” Goodwin says.

“They're working incredibly hard through the middle of the ground, so defensively is going to be a real challenge for us.

“They’ve got a lot of talent ahead of the ball and they're very efficient with the way they play in their forward half of the ground.

“Supply is going to be really important and our ability to defend and get the game looking like a Melbourne game is going to be important as well.”