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Dees hold course with Ben Brown in attack

3 minute read

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin was pleased with Ben Brown's AFL return and will give the key forward another chance to impress against Hawthorn this week.

SIMON GOODWIN.
SIMON GOODWIN. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Melbourne will stick with Ben Brown in attack against Hawthorn after the tall forward played a key role in reinvigorating the AFL ladder-leaders' scoring method.

A high-profile off-season recruit from North Melbourne, Brown played three matches on return from injury in May and then spent two months out of the side as the Demons searched for the right mix in the front half.

But low scores of 63, 68 and 55 points across three games - two of which were losses - forced coach Simon Goodwin to make a move.

Brown was recalled to partner Tom McDonald and Luke Jackson in attack last week as Melbourne registered an impressive 31-point win over Port Adelaide.

The Dees' tally of 12.14 (86) was their highest score since round 12.

Brown finished with 10 disposals and did not manage a goal, but was lively in the first half and did enough to impress Goodwin.

"He certainly gave the team a target, competed really strongly and helped our method going forward," Goodwin said.

"It certainly wasn't just one player; we've been really stable in our front six or seven, in terms of our group, throughout the year, so we've built some good cohesion.

"I thought our method going inside-50 was certainly a lot better but Browny certainly had an impact and we were happy with how he played.

"I thought it was a big step forward in terms of his progress and getting back to his best."

Key forward Sam Weideman is one of several players causing Goodwin selection headaches on the back of strong VFL form, with Jake Melksham, Kade Chandler and Aaron vandenBerg also in the attacking mix.

Goodwin confirmed Brown will play alongside McDonald and Jackson again when the Demons take on Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday.

"We'll certainly commit to that again this week," he said.

"There were some really positive signs in terms of how it operated.

"I thought Tom McDonald, Luke Jackson and Browny worked well together but it was a combination of that, along with our method."

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