SIMON Goodwin says Dean Kent, Tim Smith, Tom Bugg and Corey Maynard are all in the mix for Saturday’s clash against Geelong Cats at Etihad Stadium.
Speaking at AAMI Park on Thursday morning, Goodwin said the quartet would come under serious consideration for Melbourne’s round three clash, particularly as the red and blue will be forced to make at least two changes, due to the suspensions of Jordan Lewis and Jesse Hogan.
With Bernie Vince likely to come back in after serving a one-match suspension, tall Cam Pedersen is another to come under consideration. But Goodwin said the match committee would weigh up whether to go tall or small.
“We might go small,” the senior coach said.
“We know Cam can certainly come in and play a role for us.”
On Bugg, Goodwin said the utility had put his name up after winning 32 disposals for Casey last weekend.
“He’s definitely a chance. He probably played his best game last week,” he said.
Goodwin added that rookie Smith was also on the cusp of making his AFL debut.
“He’s close. He played really well in the VFL last week. He’s really close be being selected,” he said.
Goodwin said Lewis and Hogan were disappointed with their actions, which resulted in three week and two-match suspensions.
“They’re disappointed and the way it played out,” he said.
“We want to be hard and ruthless … two guys have made a mistake and it’s affected the team.
“They know they’ve made a mistake and they want to move forward.
“It’s not how we want to be seen as a footy club. They’ll both learn and grow from that.”