Demons jump to the defence of out-of-form spearhead
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin reckons the criticism levelled at Jacob van Rooyen has been unfair, saying the out-of-form spearhead will play a key role in the club's future.
Van Rooyen enjoyed a meteoric start to his AFL career, kicking 28.9 in his debut season and following it up with 30.16 last year.
But the 22-year-old has endured a big drop in form this season, kicking just 4.3 from six games and finding himself squeezed out of the senior side.
Van Rooyen has played just one game since round five, and his huge drop in output has left many people scratching their head.
"It is (unfair)," Goodwin said of the criticism Van Rooyen has copped.
"He's a key forward that's developing his game.
"There's not too many dominant key forwards at his age that are having as much impact as what he's been able to have in his first 45 games of footy.
"He's going through a little patch now where he's growing his game to a different level, and we've got huge belief he's going to be able to do that and take our footy club forward."
"Look at the height, LOOK AT THE BEND!"Jacob van Rooyen that is gorgeous!#AFLNorthDees pic.twitter.com/cSrSd0pDK1
— 7AFL (@7AFL) March 23, 2025
Goodwin is optimistic about what the future holds for van Rooyen, who was the No.19 pick in the 2021 national draft.
"He's going to be a Melbourne player for a long, long time," Goodwin said.
"Everyone will look at the short term and where it is right now.
"He's a part of our long-term future, and he's going to be a big part of it moving forward."
Melbourne improved their season record to 4-6 following last week's shock 11-point win over defending premiers Brisbane.
They face another big challenge on Sunday when they host beaten grand finalists Sydney at the SCG.
Chad Warner and Isaac Heeney have been in hot form for the Swans (4-6), with the pair combining for 68 disposals, four goals and 13 clearances in last week's 16-point win over Carlton.
Star Demons midfielder Clayton Oliver has been employed as a tagger in recent weeks, and he could get the job on either Warner or Heeney.
"We've loved what he's been able to do," Goodwin said of Oliver.
"He's really invested about what the team's about ... and he's growing his game off the back of that.
"Clearly we're going to have to have plans for Heeney and Warner. They're two guys who are having a significant impact on the game."
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