Melbourne recruit Ben Brown chipped in with two goals on debut in Sunday’s 30-point win over former club North Melbourne.
Brown was unleashed by coach Simon Goodwin after the forward’s pre-season was hampered by a knee injury as the undefeated Demons experimented with their forward line structure.
With Sam Weideman (14 goals in three VFL games) banging down the door for AFL selection it leaves Goodwin with somewhat of a dilemma with all his tall forwards fit and available.
Melbourne great Garry Lyon wants to see more from Brown in the coming weeks knowing full well that he’s still working his way back to full fitness after a lengthy injury layoff.
“I’m not convinced on Ben Brown just yet,” Lyon told SEN Breakfast.
“His game is hit-up and lead, and it’s his first game back so give him time, but he couldn’t get separation on (Ben) McKay and maybe the MCG might help him.
“Don’t pencil that in thick, thick texter just yet. (Sam) Weideman will get a chance as well.
“This is the way I think it might work out … Weideman, (Tom) McDonald, (Luke) Jackson, (Bayley) Fritsch, (Kysaiah) Pickett and one of (Jake) Melksham and (Charlie) Spargo.
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“At the moment, I’m not sold (on Brown). And that’s not writing him off, it’s only one game.
“I’d keep Tom McDonald forward and I’d play Harrison Petty (back).
“I think Tom McDonald has been as influential as anyone this year for Melbourne playing as a forward.”
Brown, 28, will look to build on his debut showing when ladder leaders Melbourne host fourth-placed Sydney at the MCG on Saturday night.
