Injuries, but Dees coach upbeat
Melbourne coach Mick Stinear says the AFLW pecking order has clearly shifted, with North Melbourne close to the “benchmark”, ahead of Sunday’s clash between the two sides.
Meeting for the first time since the Kangaroos upset the minor premiers in last year’s qualifying final, Stinear said the Demons didn’t have their game “in great shape” following an 18point loss to Brisbane.
A gruelling four- game stretch to start the season, which will finish with a trip to Perth to face Fremantle, has come amid an injury crisis that has left the Dees without talls Lauren Pearce (wrist) and Tayla Harris (shoulder).
Experienced midfielder Olivia Purcell is also sidelined as she recovers from surgery on facial fractures sustained in a practice match against Port Adelaide last month.
“Every player knows their value – they have an important role to play and they can impact the team,” Stinear said.
“I think we do have good depth. We obviously didn’t show it on the weekend against Brisbane, but I think this weekend we’ll show how strong we are as a team.”
Stinear said he would push tall Eden Zanker deeper into attack in a bid to straighten out the Demons’ ball movement, as he said the Kangaroos sat among the top tier of sides.
“If not the benchmark, they’re one of two or three. Adelaide have started strongly again, Brisbane are a force to be reckoned with and Geelong are there again,” he said.
Veteran Paxy Paxman will become the first Demon to reach the 75-game milestone in the Casey Fields clash.
“She is a special player – just her professionalism, care and how she prepares,” Stinear said.