Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin thinks of their AFL season as being on a knife’s edge, even though it looked skewered several weeks ago.
Coming off their upset win over Fremantle, Goodwin says there is always something to play for as they try to usurp Brisbane’s resurgence this Sunday at the ‘Gabba.
While the Demons remain mired in the bottom four, the Lions are in the top eight and mauled St Kilda last weekend.
“Ultimately we want to build a winning culture, no matter what the circumstances,” Goodwin said.
“Clearly, in the position we are, we’re living on a knife’s edge around our season and around our performances.
“But there is always something to play for.”
The Lions boast a 5-1 ‘Gabba record this season and Goodwin is a fan of what they are doing under coach Chris Fagan.
“We all saw their game last week against the Saints and how dynamic they can be, especially that third quarter,” Goodwin said.
“They’ve really improved their contested ball. I like the way they go about their footy and they’re really well-coached.”
While the Demons have lost Jeff Garlett (shoulder) and Joel Smith (groin) for the rest of the season, their well-documented injury woes appear to be easing at last.
They were injury-free after the Fremantle game – instead it was the Dockers who were suffering after Jesse Hogan and Stephen Hill were hurt.
It speaks volumes about their injury woes that Goodwin could not remember the last time they had come out of a game with a clean injury slate.
“You’re testing me now – it’s been a challenging year on that front,” he said.
The Demons will regain Michael Hibberd for the Lions match, while Jake Lever might resume earlier than expected next week.
Neville Jetta and Jake Melksham are other prominent players making good progress as they return from injury.
Kade Kolodjashnij is out with another head knock, but Goodwin says it is minor.
“It’s certainly not a heavy head knock,” he said.
While Melbourne’s injuries have hobbled them, youngsters such as Harrison Petty, Jay Lockhart and Marty Hore have been promising.
“Probably four years ago, we had to pick players straight out of the draft,” Goodwin said.
“Now we have a chance to development at VFL level … they come in and perform for us.”