NARRM will be looking to return to the winners’ list this week when they travel to the Gabba to face the Lions.

Simon Goodwin sat down to preview Round 10, touching on potential inclusions and the rising form of young gun Harvey Langford.

Goodwin excited by potential inclusions

Narrm is weighing up potential inclusions ahead of its clash with reigning premiers Brisbane, with Jake Melksham and Harrison Petty in the mix for a senior return.

“Petty and Melksham are both back available and really important players for us in the front half of the ground,” Goodwin said.

“We’ll work through that last spot post-training today, but those two are experienced players that help our forward line function.”

Respect for the reigning premiers

Brisbane has consistently challenged Narrm in recent years, and Goodwin knows the Lions will bring a serious contest once again.

“They’re consistent in every phase of the game, and they challenge you in every phase of the game,” he said.

“They’re a great stoppage and contest team, they’re dynamic ahead of the ball, and they’ve got key pillars behind the ball as well.

“When Narrm and Brisbane play, the game usually swings on contest – and both teams really value that part of the game.”

Building from the contest

Narrm’s clearance and stoppage work has been a feature in recent weeks, and Goodwin says the team’s next step is converting that dominance into scoreboard pressure.

“We think we’re strong through the middle, and our stoppage work has been at a really high level,” he said.

“We’ve just got to maximise our opportunities and hit the scoreboard.”

Petracca finding strong form

Christian Petracca’s strong form in recent weeks hasn’t gone unnoticed internally, with Goodwin praising the midfielder’s consistency and work rate.

“He’s getting right back to his best,” Goodwin said.

“His last month has probably been underestimated – I think he’s been outstanding.”

“He’s worked incredibly hard, and he’s fully invested. I think even from a competition perspective; everyone loves seeing Christian Petracca at his best.”

Langford continuing to grow

Harvey Langford is making a strong case for the Rising Star award, and Goodwin has been impressed by his commitment to the development of his game. 

“He had some hard lessons early in the season and went back to work on the defensive side of his game,” Goodwin said.

“Since coming back in, he’s been outstanding. He’s got a clear appetite to win the ball, and his versatility on the wing is changing the way we want to play.”

On Luke Jackson

Goodwin was asked about reports linking former Demon Luke Jackson to a potential return to Narrm but reaffirmed the club’s respect for Jackson’s current contract.

“We love Jacko – he’s a premiership player, and if he ever wanted to come back to Narrm, of course we’d be interested,” he said.

“But right now he’s a contracted player at Fremantle, and we don’t deal in hypotheticals.”

Viney and Lever update

Jack Viney is tracking well and expected to return next week, with Goodwin confirming the midfielder is progressing through concussion protocols.

“He’ll come out of those mid-next week and be right to go next week,” he said.

Jake Lever has been on a modified program this week as he works his way back to full fitness.

“He’s been on some modified load this week as part of his reintegration back into AFL,” Simon Goodwin said.

“Obviously he’s missed a lot of footy, so we’ll assess that again next week. He may need one more [week], but we’ll wait and see how it plays out.”