Cam Pedersen played his first game at AFL level for the season on Sunday as the Dees ran out comfortable 38 point winners over Essendon at Etihad stadium. The result saw Melbourne move into the top eight on percentage.

Pedersen was one of the better performers for the Demons in the victory with a return of 19 disposals, 18 hitouts, 8 marks and a goal.

The injury curse strikes

The ruck crisis at Melbourne began when All-Australian ruckman Max Gawn suffered a hamstring injury in the round three clash with Geelong. The big man is expected to be sidelined until the second half of the season. With the initial timeline on his injury estimated at around twelve weeks.

The unfortunate injury to Gawn opened the door for Jake Spencer to step up and lead the ruck. But unfortunately for the Demons, he also fell under the ruckman injury curse in his second game of the year. He suffered an AC joint injury against Richmond. This injury is expected to sideline him for six to seven weeks.

With diminished ruck stocks this provided an AFL lifeline for Cam Pedersen who has spent some time in the ruck at VFL level. The former Kangaroo has only played 16 AFL games in the last two seasons. But Casey coach Justin Plapp was confident, if called upon, the 30 year old would be up to the task.

“He’s got his footy to a stage where we think he’s going pretty well. He’s played that ruck role before and if given the opportunity or he’s called up, I’m sure he’ll be more than confident in doing that.”

Cam Pedersen taking his chance

While Essendon comfortably won the hitouts on Sunday, the Demons were able to counter this by winning the clearances 40-31. A tick to Cam Pedersen and the Melbourne midfield who were more than competitive and able to adapt as the game wore on.

After the match, Pedersen was rightly delighted to be back in AFL ranks.

“It’s really exciting, especially being 30, you don’t know when your last game is going to be. I guess the good thing for me is I play every game like it’s my last. So it makes me hungrier than what someone else might be.”

Currently out of contract at the end of the season, the next few weeks give Cam Pedersen an extended run in the team. And the chance to show Simon Goodwin he still has value on an AFL list beyond 2017.

by Liam Sheedy – contributor

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