Melbourne’s New Look Engine Room
Melbourne wingman Ed Langdon has expressed his disappointment that Christian Petracca will not be part of what was expected to be a highly anticipated clash between the Demons and the Gold Coast Suns at the MCG. The game, which had been dubbed a ‘grudge match’, is now missing one of its key figures.
Petracca, who left the Demons after a challenging 18 months during last year’s trade period, was set to play a central role in the match. However, a hamstring injury sustained in a recent victory over Richmond has kept him out for several weeks. Despite this setback, Petracca had been performing exceptionally well with the Suns, being named best afield in his first two games before the injury struck.
“It’s a shame. It would’ve been great to play against Christian,” Langdon said in an interview with AAP. “But he’s had an unbelievable start to the year, so it might benefit us that he’s actually not playing.”
The absence of Petracca, along with the departures of 2021 premiership teammate Clayton Oliver and Jack Viney’s long-term Achilles injury, has created opportunities for a new-look Melbourne engine room. Caleb Windsor and Tom Sparrow have taken on more significant roles, while off-season recruit Jack Steele has brought added experience. Trent Rivers, however, was surprisingly dropped despite being considered a potential replacement.
None of these players have made as much impact as Kysaiah Pickett, who has thrived in the midfield with impressive statistics, averaging 22.7 disposals, 4.3 clearances, and 5.3 tackles per game. The 24-year-old has shown remarkable growth, particularly in his midfield skills, and has been instrumental in the Demons’ recent success.
“He’s certainly taken his game to another level,” Langdon noted. “He’s such a terrific player and he’s focusing more and more on his midfield craft, and working out how the best midfielders in the competition go about it. And we know what he can do when he goes forward – that’s kicking goals.”
Melbourne has also recalled Daniel Turner and veteran forward Jake Melksham, although Changkuoth Jiath (calf) and Paddy Cross (thumb) remain sidelined. For the Suns, the absence of Petracca and suspended forward Bailey Humphrey is a significant loss. However, coach Damien Hardwick is pleased to welcome back Brownlow Medal winner Matt Rowell from injury to strengthen his midfield. Key forward Jed Walter and Lachie Gulbin will make their season debuts, while Alex Davies has been dropped from the squad.
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