Demons hit early strife in big AFL season
Apr 10, 2017 - 9:15 AM Melbourne's AFL season of great expectations has struck early turbulence, emphasised by the hamstring surgery that will sideline Max Gawn for three months.The Demons have legitimate finals claims this year, but losing their All-Australian ruckman until the second half of the season is a massive blow.
After opening the season with two wins, they lost to Geelong on the weekend and now host Fremantle on Saturday.
The Dockers bounced back last weekend with an upset win over the Western Bulldogs.
Melbourne will also remain without star duo Jesse Hogan and Jordan Lewis, who are serving suspensions.
And Hogan was caught smoking at a music festival in Perth over the weekend.
While that is hardly a hanging offence, Gawn said it left Hogan open to criticism.
Gawn also found himself in hot water a few years ago when he was caught having a smoke when arriving for Melbourne training.
"Jesse is going through a bit of a tough time himself with his family and we've just been supportive as we can," he said.
"Obviously it's not a good look. I found that out the hard way as well.
"He knows that, he's well aware.
"Hopefully we can get him back emotionally better, so he can play some good footy for us."
While Hogan's smoke is not major, former Melbourne star David Schwarz is worried about how the Demons will cope given Gawn is out for three months.
"This will have a massive effect on Melbourne," Schwarz said on SEN.
"He is the most important player for Melbourne and you lose him for 12 weeks, what you lose is favouritism to make the eight ... that's the impact that he has."
Source: AAP
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