Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says he will leave no stone unturned in finding the forward-line combination that can propel his team to another AFL flag.
Goodwin produced another selection surprise when he dropped misfiring forward Ben Brown for Sunday’s clash with Richmond at the MCG.
It came just two weeks after Goodwin axed star ruckman Brodie Grundy.
Despite Brown’s axing opening up a spot up forward, Grundy will remain in the VFL for at least another week, with versatile swingman Harrison Petty instead recalled.
Between rounds 10-17, fourth-placed Melbourne failed to crack the 80-point barrier, leading to four losses from seven games.
Melbourne’s scoring power has been much better over the past fortnight, tallying 104 points in a one-point win over Brisbane before following it up with 97 points in last week’s four-point triumph over Adelaide.
But Goodwin knows there’s plenty more scoring potential for his group, and finding the right mix up forward remains a big problem.
With Tom McDonald injured and Brown out of form, Christian Petracca has been swung forward in recent times, with the gun midfielder nailing four-goal hauls in wins over Brisbane and St Kilda.
Jake Melksham has kicked two goals in each of his past three games, while Kade Chandler booted three goals against the Crows last week.
Petty’s return this week after recovering from rib soreness gives Goodwin another option if he chooses to play the 23-year-old in attack..
“Competition for spots is high, especially now in that part of the ground,” Goodwin said.
“Obviously putting Jake Melksham and Christian Petracca (in there) – both are travelling well.
“That increases selection pressure for a whole range of different forwards.
“We’re obviously encouraged by what the forward line has been able to do in recent weeks, but we still think we’ve got work to do and can still make it better.
“So we’re going to leave no stone unturned in making it better, and part of that process is a little bit of personnel, but it’s how we move the ball as well and there’s a lot that goes into it.”
Richmond have won six of their past eight games to rocket into finals contention.
The hot run has also boosted the hopes of caretaker coach Andrew McQualter being handed the reins full-time.
Richmond have named a six-person panel to find the next coach, and a win over Melbourne would significantly boost McQualter’s chances.
McQualter had a laugh this week when complimented on his cool and calm demeanour in the coaching box.
“On the outside sometimes I look calmer than I might be,” he said.
“There’s a fair bit going on inside the noggin at times.
“Being surrounded by really experienced people has helped that a lot.”