Concern for 'undermanned' Demons as forwards topple

Melbourne may be left without a forward line come their Opening Round clash of the 2024 AFL season against Sydney, thanks to a plethora of injuries and suspensions.

The Demons, who were bundled out of the 2023 finals in straight sets for a second consecutive year, with multiple players now facing long stints on the sideline.

Unfortunately for Melbourne, most of these issues are stemming from their forward line, which will prove a big problem in less than 30 days time when their season begins.

Kysaiah Pickett will be forced to serve his one match suspension in the Opening Round, after being slapped with the punishment for a bump on Carlton captain Patrick Cripps during the 2023 semi final clash.

Meantime, key forward Ben Brown (knee), Tom Fullarton (hamstring) and Jake Melksham (knee) have all been ruled out of the Opening Round clash.

On top of the club’s injury list is the fate of forward Joel Smith, who is facing a potential two-year ban from Sports Integrity Australia after he tested positive to cocaine after the Demons’ round 23 match against Hawthorn in 2023.

Harrison Petty was also assessed for a toe injury during training on Wednesday.

Melbourne’s troubling list of issues is raising concerns for Port Adelaide champion Kane Cornes.

“It’s not ideal though because … they’re going to be forced to field an undermanned and inexperienced forward line against Sydney in its season opener next month as lingering injury worries, particularly the forward line,” Cornes said on SEN Radio on Thursday.

“If there was an area of the ground that they couldn’t afford to lose players, it was there.”

Meantime, troubled star midfielder Clayton Oliver has been training away from the main group.

Oliver has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reason, including his early exit from the club’s training camp at the end of 2023, following intense trade speculation as well as a brief hospital visit.

The club hasn’t ruled out a return for the 26-year-old in 2024 according to teammate Christain Petracca, but have not put pressure on a rapid return.

“He’ll integrate soon,” Petracca told media at the Super Bowl launch at Marvel Stadium on Tuesday.

“It’s really nice to see him back with us boys and being around us. He’s been training with the rehab group.”

Melbourne will take on Sydney at the SCG as part of the AFL’s new Opening Round, to be played the week before round one of the 2024 season.