Demons feeling selection squeeze for first time: coach

Melbourne has genuine selection pressure for the first time this season with four players pushing to return to AFL ranks, coach Simon Goodwin says.

And while Goodwin rates the Demons’ trip to Perth to play West Coast on Saturday night as a danger game, he’s welcomed the headaches at match committee.

“This is probably the first time for the year where we’ve had a real challenge in selecting our best team, which is great,” Goodwin told reporters on Thursday.

“Jake Melksham was managed last week, he’s available again.

“Jacob van Rooyen and JetBlack Aidan Johnson both had six or seven shots on goal each, played some terrific footy (in VFL last week).

“Daniel Turner is back from concussion, so we’ve got some decisions to make … it’s a great position to be in.”

After five losses to start their season, the Demons have downed Fremantle and Richmond but Goodwin is wary of the Perth trip to meet the winless Eagles at Optus Stadium.

Last year, Melbourne suffered a shock 35-point loss to West Coast at the venue in round 11 and returned to lose by 50 points to Fremantle in round 20.

“Clearly our performances last year in Perth, both against West Coast and Fremantle, weren’t to the level,” Goodwin said.

“We’ve been working really hard on our style of play over the last month and how we show up week after week.

“We want to be a team that is really hard to play against, no matter where or who we’re playing.”

The Demons travel following the long-awaited appointment of a new chief executive officer Paul Guerra.

“He comes from a great background, has enormous experience and I think he’s going to provide great stability,” Goodwin said.

“I’ve only had a really brief conversation with him but it has certainly been one of support and about working on how we generate a really high-performing footy club.”