TonyK
CibbuanoGrant is safe, says Laidley
June 11th 2008 05:51
NORTH MELBOURNE coach Dean Laidley has thrown his support behind Shannon Grant, saying the veteran was assured of a spot in the side regardless of his form.
Grant has struggled to have an impact in recent weeks, racking up just 13 possessions in losses to Brisbane and Geelong. He has also managed to boot just 14 goals in 11 matches this season.
Laidley admitted the 31-year-old was underpeforming, but said his place in the side would never be in jeopardy.
"Shannon Grant will never play in the VFL while I'm coach, regardless of form," Laidley said.
"Shannon's form has been reasonable but our expectation is probably a little bit higher than he's been giving us.
"He's work with (Lindsay Thomas and Matthew Campbell) with their development which is fantastic but you've still got to make sure you're performing.'
Meanwhile, Laidley said forward Corey Jones, who missed last weekend's loss to Geelong with an ankle injury, may return through the VFL.
"He had that injury last year, he had no pre-season," Laidley said.
"He came in, his form was reasonable but it certainly has dropped off a little bit so we decided to rest him last week because of his foot and ankle.
"He'll train and our medicos will decide whether he's fit to play firsts, then we'll decide whether we'll bring him straight back into the side or whether, (after) our forward line performed particularly well last week, he can go back and play in the VFL."
Laidley said key forward forward Nathan Thompson (knee) was a good chance of playing against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Saturday but declared classy midfielder Daniel Wells (knee) a certain starter.
Grant has struggled to have an impact in recent weeks, racking up just 13 possessions in losses to Brisbane and Geelong. He has also managed to boot just 14 goals in 11 matches this season.
Laidley admitted the 31-year-old was underpeforming, but said his place in the side would never be in jeopardy.
"Shannon Grant will never play in the VFL while I'm coach, regardless of form," Laidley said.
"Shannon's form has been reasonable but our expectation is probably a little bit higher than he's been giving us.
"He's work with (Lindsay Thomas and Matthew Campbell) with their development which is fantastic but you've still got to make sure you're performing.'
Meanwhile, Laidley said forward Corey Jones, who missed last weekend's loss to Geelong with an ankle injury, may return through the VFL.
"He had that injury last year, he had no pre-season," Laidley said.
"He came in, his form was reasonable but it certainly has dropped off a little bit so we decided to rest him last week because of his foot and ankle.
"He'll train and our medicos will decide whether he's fit to play firsts, then we'll decide whether we'll bring him straight back into the side or whether, (after) our forward line performed particularly well last week, he can go back and play in the VFL."
Laidley said key forward forward Nathan Thompson (knee) was a good chance of playing against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Saturday but declared classy midfielder Daniel Wells (knee) a certain starter.
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