Despite the looming threat of finals elimination, Melbourne’s captain Max Gawn remains hopeful for a turnaround as the Demons prepare for a challenging away game in Round 16 against Gold Coast in Queensland. Gawn noted that only Fremantle and Melbourne have managed to defeat the Suns at home since 2024, a statistic he is keen to highlight in their favour.
Reflecting on past performances, Gawn recalled that Melbourne was the only team to secure a victory on the Gold Coast in the previous year, although they faced a significant defeat at the hands of the Suns earlier this season. He pointed out that their recent struggles have been exacerbated by a poor start and the need for improved accuracy when transitioning into their forward line.
As the Demons currently sit three games outside the finals positions and have not surpassed 75 points in a match since round 12, Gawn expressed concern regarding their efficiency in the attacking half, stating that although they perform well between the arcs, their overall connection at both ends of the ground has been lacking. He indicated that the coaching staff, including Simon Goodwin, has stressed the importance of this aspect throughout the season.
Nine’s expert tipsters are largely predicting a Gold Coast victory, emphasising the need for Melbourne to rectify their performance to stay competitive in the race for the top eight. In the lead-up to the match, Gawn expressed confidence in the team’s potential to compete at their best level, acknowledging the pressure but also recognising the talent within the squad.
Overall, the Demons face a critical challenge ahead, needing to bounce back effectively against a strong opponent to keep their finals ambitions alive.