Former Melbourne co-captain Jack Grimes could play his first game of the season this Sunday against Adelaide.
The 27-year-old utility hasn’t played at AFL level since Round 23 last season, but has been in consistent form with the Demons’s VFL affiliate Casey Scorpions all year. He’s averaged 25 possessions and seven tackles a game from eight VFL outings.
Grimes has been named as an emergency for 10 AFL games this season.
Former Crow Bernie Vince said the former skipper’s return to the senior team could come as soon as this Sunday at the MCG.
“I think Jack Grimes has been a bit stiff not to play for a while now,” Vince told Melbourne’s official website earlier in the week.
“The boys love Jack. When I first came here, he was captain of the footy club. He was thrown into the role at a pretty young age.
“He was a Melbourne supporter growing up and he’s on 98 games, so it’ll be good to get him to 100 pretty soon. He’s been an emergency 10 times this year, so he’s been pretty stiff and it means he’s pretty close.
“I’m sure he’ll be in the team soon.”
Matt Jones amassed a game-high 40 possessions and six clearances after returning fro a rib injury in Casey’s huge win over North Ballarat a fortnight ago.
Round Seven Rising Star nominee James Harmes also impressed with 23 possessions and three goals, while young gun Angus Brayshaw (28 disposals, two goals) and ruckman Jake Spencer (44 hit-outs, four goals) also put their names up for this weekend’s clash with the Crows.
“Matty Jones is playing some pretty good footy after missing with his rib, but the good thing at our footy club is that we’ve got some good depth now,” Vince said.
“Our VFL team is playing really well and is sitting on top of the ladder.
“It’s really healthy (competition) for spots now. If you’re playing, you deserve your spot. That’s really healthy at our footy club.”
First-year key tall Liam Hulett, who has impressed as a forward for Casey so far this season, was also not without a chance of making his AFL debut.
“He’s one of those guys who has been performing well in the VFL,” Vince said.
“He’s been kicking goals, so he’s certainly putting his hand up and he’ll be spoken about.”
