AFL 2025: Melbourne ‘clearly' need plans to limit Isaac Heeney and Chad Warner
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says the Demons must 'clearly' invest significant time into Sydney stars Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney this Sunday.
The dynamic and destructive duo ran amok last week, pulling the Swans over a fast-starting Carlton at the SCG.
While Goodwin remains unsure whether he will turn to a rejuvenated Clayton Oliver for the task at hand, he knows the Demons must nullify the skilful pair of Swans.
'We're going to work that out later today, but clearly they're got some guys who are having a huge impact on the game,' he said.
'They've also got some other damaging players in different positions, so we need to be really clear on our strategy.
'Clearly, we're going to have to have plans for (Isaac) Heeney and (Chad) Warner, they're two guys who are having a significant impact on the game.
'We've loved what (Oliver) has been able to do, he's invested in what the team is about, that's first and foremost, and he's growing his game off the back of that.
'We're going to sit down and work what's best in that space, but we're loving what Clayton is doing.'
Fresh off a strong win over Brisbane, the Demons haven't rushed to re-employ spearhead Jacob van Rooyen.
Van Rooyen had a shaky start to his third season and has struggled to work his way back into the senior side.
Goodwin says van Rooyen remains in Melbourne's long-term vision and is urging a sense of patience towards his progression.
'He's a key forward that's developing his game,' he said.
'There's not too many dominant key forwards his age that are having as much impact as he's been able to have in his first 45 games of footy.
'He's going through a little patch at the moment where he's growing his game to a different level.
'We've got really huge belief he's going to be able to do that and take our footy club forward – he's going to be a Melbourne player for a long, long time.
'Everyone will look at the short term and where it is right now. He's a part of our long-term future and he's going to be a big part of it moving forward.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
7NEWS
17 minutes ago
- 7NEWS
Crisafulli Government encourages Queenslanders to submit locals for the 2026 Australian of the Year
The Crisafulli Government is encouraging Queenslanders to celebrate local individuals who have made a difference to their community. Nominations for the four categories will close on Thursday. The awards include: Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero. 'This is about recognising those heroes who quietly go about making Queensland a better place to live, today and into the future,' Premier David Crisafulli said. The panel said they are looking for someone who has made a significant contribution to Australia or community, excels in their field, and inspires others. Last year's winner was Neale Daniher, former AFL legend, recognised for his contribution to charity and advocacy for motor neurone disease research. Anyone over the age of 16 can be nominated, except sitting politicians. Nominations can be submitted via the Australian of the Year website.
ABC News
21 minutes ago
- ABC News
West Coast Eagles confirm Harley Reid's season over after western derby ankle injury
Harley Reid's second AFL season has ended four games early, with the West Coast Eagles confirming their rising star will miss the final month with an ankle injury. Reid was helped off the field late in Saturday's 49-point loss to Fremantle after he injured his ankle in a tackle. He had kicked two goals. Coach Andrew McQualter said after the game the 20-year-old would be sent for scans. They have revealed he suffered a syndesmosis injury, often referred to as a "high ankle sprain". "Harley Reid got his foot caught up in a tackle and has a low-grade syndesmosis injury," Eagles fitness boss Mat Inness said. "Despite being quite a low-grade injury, due to the time of season, we have ruled him out for the season." The news comes amid intense speculation in AFL circles about the long-term playing future of the highly regarded Reid, who was the AFL's number one draft pick in 2023, and whether he will return home to his native Victoria. The loss of Reid is not the only bad news for West Coast, who are languishing at the bottom of the AFL ladder with just one win for the year. Scans have also confirmed their top draft pick last year, Bo Allan, has played his last game for 2025 as well. Allan, who played in a WAFL premiership with Peel Thunder last year, has also suffered a syndesmosis injury. "Like Harley, Bo Allan got his foot caught up in a tackle at training on Thursday and suffered a low-grade syndesmosis injury," Inness said. "Once again, due to the time of the year, this will rule him out for the season." Allan, 19, managed six appearances in his first season. There was better news for key defender Harry Edwards, who was withdrawn from the Fremantle game after experiencing hamstring tightness during the warm-up. Inness said the club was hopeful Edwards would be available for this weekend's game against Melbourne.
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Perth Now
SEASON OVER: Harley's injury blow confirmed
West Coast superstar Harley Reid's season is officially over after scans revealed he suffered an syndesmosis injury in Saturday's western derby loss. The 20-year-old hurt his ankle in the closing minutes against Fremantle on Saturday and was helped from the ground by medical staff, heading straight into the Optus Stadium changerooms. Scans later revealed the extent of the injury, which is on the minor side and won't require surgery but will rule him out for the remaining four games of the home and away season, as reported by 7News' Ryan Daniels. And the Eagles have been dealt another significant blow, with top draftee Bo Allan also ruled out for 2025 with a similar injury sustained at training last week. It comes amid constant speculation over Reid's future with the Victorian product's signature among the most sought-after in the AFL. His manager, Nick Gieschen from Connors Sports Management, was in town over the weekend and confirmed talks with West Coast on a new deal were ongoing. Reid is contracted with the Eagles until the end of 2026 on his initial three-year draft deal but is expected to field offers from a host of rival clubs. Harley Reid on the run during the derby. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos / AFL Photos via Getty Images Among the discussions is a two-year contract with a trigger for a monster nine-year extension, that could fetch the former No.1 pick an estimated $2 million per season. 'Harley is enjoying his time here and like I said before, we're talking about what the future looks like,' Gieschen, who has since returned to Melbourne, said on Thursday. 'We're having discussions with West Coast and we'll go from there. 'He's really good. He's happy. He loves the club... Nothing in concrete, we're just talking at the moment and we'll see where we get to.' The injury is another significant blow to West Coast's midfield firepower, which is already without Elliot Yeo (ankle), while Jack Graham still has one match to serve on his ban for using homophobic language. Reid is one of just five Eagles to have played every game this season, racking up a team-high 71 clearances and averaging 19 disposals per outing. Allan managed just six AFL appearances - including two starting as West Coast's substitute - after being the club's top draft selection with Pick 16.
