Ruckman could play first game for season as Dees prepare for Swans
MELBOURNE will consider recalling ruckman Mark Jamar for his first senior game since round 11 last season against the Sydney Swans on Saturday night.
After bone stress in his toe forced him to miss the second part of last season, Jamar had an interrupted pre-season, but has played the past three VFL games.
Last Sunday, the 2010 All-Australian played his best game for the year with Casey Scorpions, winning 10 possessions, having 14 hit-outs and kicking two goals in the team's four-point win over Frankston.
Melbourne coach Paul Roos was more impressed with Jamar's improved performance than he had been with his first two matches this season, but remained cautious as to whether or not the ruckman was right to play.
"Even though he has played three games, he is probably really only a month or five weeks into his preparation; is that enough?" Roos told melbournefc.com.au
Jamar has played just 23 games in the past two years, and his return would add strength to the Demons' ruck division.
Jake Spencer performed well in the team's round four win against Carlton, but he has battled without much ruck support in the first five games.
Max Gawn also played VFL last weekend in his first game back from a hamstring injury.
Roos said youngster Christian Salem was also in contention to be named for his first game for the club.
The No.9 pick in the NAB AFL Draft had 32 possessions in the VFL in what Roos described as his best game for the club. Although Salem was instrumental in the team's win, development coach Brett Allison said the 18-year-old had to work hard on being accountable once the ball leaves the stoppage.
Roos appears keen to hold his nerve to ensure the youngster is ready when he debuts.
"He's improving," Roos said of Salem.
"What we want to try to create at the club is a system where blokes have to bang the door down to get into the team.
"[It's] not an age thing. It's the fact we want players playing well week in, week out, setting standards in the seconds [and] trying to knock the door down before they get a game."
A decision on whether or not Colin Garland returns will be dependent on his conditioning. Garland, who was runner-up in the club's best and fairest in 2013, has not played a senior game after an ankle operation in the pre-season.
He played in the VFL development team two weeks ago before playing for Casey Scorpions on Sunday.
Jimmy Toumpas was concussed in the VFL game and will be assessed.
Hear from Swans Head of Physiotherapy and Medical Services, Damian Raper, as he gives us an injury update from the club.
00:56
Best of the Best, presented by bitcoin.com.au - Round 8
We re-live some massive moments from Sydney Derby's gone by, including some Buddy match-winners and a victory for the ages during the COVID-19 pandemic.
11:54
"We know GWS well and they know us well" - Longmire
Hear from Swans senior coach John Longmire as he addresses the media ahead of our Round 8 clash with GWS.
01:13
Round 7 Moments that Matter, presented by Fiserv
Thank you to our Victorian members and fans who came out in numbers for our last regular season game at the MCG
See the latest update on the red and white heading into the side's Round 8 clash with GWS.
Member Stories: The 3000km journey to meet the Sydney Swans
Hailing from a remote Indigenous community, Tony Nelson and his partner Jessica recall their travels and a chance encounter at Opening Round, presented by Lifeblood.
Key Quotes: John Longmire, Round 8
See what senior coach John Longmire had to say ahead of our Round 8 clash with the GWS Giants.
By the numbers: Florent set for game 150
Sydney Swans defender Ollie Florent is set to become the club's 73rd player all-time to reach the 150 game milestone when we host GWS at the SCG this weekend.