Melbourne Demons coach Simon Goodwin has hinted that captain Max Gawn’s subpar performance in their 59-point loss to North Melbourne may be attributed to personal issues. Gawn, 33, was outplayed by opposing ruckman Tristan Xerri, who is being touted as the new number one ruckman in the AFL.
In a post-game press conference, Goodwin stated that “there’s a backstory” to Gawn’s performance and that the team would support him through any challenges he may be facing. When asked to elaborate, Goodwin declined to provide details but emphasized that Gawn is a valued member of the team and will continue to be a key leader.
The Demons are currently 0-2, and Gawn’s performance has been a concern. However, Goodwin’s comments suggest that there may be mitigating circumstances affecting the captain’s form. Melbourne will look to bounce back next Saturday against Gold Coast at the MCG.
Goodwin’s comments have sparked speculation about Gawn’s personal life, with some suggesting that he may be dealing with family or health issues. However, the Demons coach was keen to emphasize that Gawn’s performance was not solely due to personal issues, but also due to the opposition’s strong play.
Xerri’s dominant performance in the ruck was a major factor in North Melbourne’s victory, with the 22-year-old winning 58 hit-outs and providing strong support to his teammates. Gawn, on the other hand, managed just 24 hit-outs and struggled to make an impact around the ground.
Despite the loss, Goodwin was keen to praise his team’s effort, particularly in the second half when they managed to restrict North Melbourne’s scoring. However, he also acknowledged that the Demons need to improve their performance in key areas, particularly in the ruck and midfield.
The Demons will be looking to bounce back against Gold Coast next Saturday, and Gawn will be keen to rediscover his form and lead his team to victory. With Goodwin’s comments suggesting that there may be more to Gawn’s performance than meets the eye, it will be interesting to see how the Demons captain responds in the coming weeks.