Gawn and Viney to miss clash against Kangaroos
Melbourne will be without captain Max Gawn and vice-captain Jack Viney against North Melbourne with both ruled out through injury.
Gawn is suffering from back and knee soreness having battled on gamely to play against the Crows while Viney suffered concussion in the win against Adelaide, making it impossible for him to play on a four-day break.
Max Gawn, left, pictured in action against Adelaide's Reilly O'Brien, right, has been sidelined with knee and back soreness. Credit:Getty Images
Demons coach Simon Goodwin said he expected both players to be available for the following match against Collingwood.
The injury will leave the door open for either Braydon Preuss or Tom McDonald to come into the team although the Demons were also considering youngster Luke Jackson to shoulder the ruck load.
The club will also be without Alex Neal-Bullen for the match against the Kangaroos after he copped a four-week suspension for his sling tackle on Crows' youngster Will Hamill, who was concussed.
Jack Viney is suffering from concussion. Credit:Getty Images
Goodwin said the club would decide who would carry the captaincy title before the game but everyone would need to step up for the important clash with Gawn missing.
"The torn muscle in his back is one thing. He has got a little bit of soreness in his knee ... with the short turnaround, he carries a big load, Max, and it is a really important game for our footy club, no question, but for his wellbeing and to make sure he gets through we will give him a spell," Goodwin said.
More to come
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