High-profile recruit Ben Brown has been dropped by Melbourne.
The 28-year-old recovered from a knee injury to make his Demons debut in Round 7, but after three games has been squeezed out of the side in favour of Luke Jackson.
Speaking on Sportsday shortly after Thursday night’s teams announcement, teammate Adam Tomlinson said added pressure for spots in the side was something the playing group “would have to deal with” as a result of their 9-0 start.
“You think of the great teams gone by and they’ve always got good players playing in the reserves,” he said.
“We’ve had that with Sam Weideman who has played a lot of footy in the VFL this year and unfortunately, it’s just one of those things us as a team have to deal with and it’s a great problem to have when you’re trying to fit so many good players in the one side."
Tomlison, who remains sidelined after he tore his ACL in Brown’s club debut against his old club North Melbourne, said he’s been impressed by the tall forward in his time at Melbourne so far.
“It’s about (Ben Brown) being able develop a consistent relationship with the players,” he said.
“He’s played a handful of players at the football club which is completely different to the way they played at North Melbourne where he was the focal point and to be able to develop another avenue to score has been really important.
“He’s been amazing since he’s come to the football club, he came with the knee injury and had to work really super hard. He’s gained the respect of the players, but it’s about finding different avenues to score.”
Melbourne will take on Adelaide away from home on Saturday as they look to win their 10th straight game to start the season.