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Sport Nation
“His power is back”: David King's observations from Dees training and the surprise Round 1 bolter
Nic Negrepontis • January 31st, 2025 10:28 am
David King has provided his observations from Melbourne pre-season training, and he is optimistic about where things sit heading into 2025.
It’s been a tough few seasons for the Dees, with off-field issues hitting the club hard.
Clayton Oliver has been one player who has struggled for two seasons, well down on his best form.
However, King has been impressed with what he’s seen from the 27-year-old in pre-season training.
“He’s never been great at covering the ground. That’s never been his strength. His power is back. That’s the thing that you notice. He steps through traffic, he’s a tackle breaker, he did a rundown chase the other day that lifted the group,” Kind told SEN Breakfast.
“It’s just these little things at training, but I haven’t seen him do that for a while.
“They’re now challenging him to be more for the group.”
Top draftees Harvey Langford (Pick 6) and Xavier Lindsay (Pick 11) have also caught King’s eye over summer.
“This Harvey Langford, who was their high pick last year, he is a big-bodied midfielder and he is going to be a beauty,” King said.
“He did some things at training that made you think – this is the modern midfielder. I’m not saying he could be Tom Green, but he’s that style of mid. Big frame, in traffic, steps out, breaks tackles.
“They have Lindsay who they’re really impressed with. He’s more of a runner and an outside player.”
The Dees picked up Aidan Johnson with the 68th pick in the draft, a 193cm ready-made key forward out of the VFL.
King believes he could feature early in the 2025 season.
“They’ve got a couple of guys throwing their bulk around. Aidan Johnson was a late selection, he’s a real smoky I reckon for Round 1,” he said.
“He’s a real smoky to get an opportunity early as maybe a backup ruckman, third tall type.
“There’s a lot to like about the Dees.”
Melbourne faces North Melbourne at Arden Street in a scratch match on February 22nd before playing Fremantle on March 2nd.
