Watson’s Gawn warning: “Never seen” a ruckman look this fit

Former Essendon captain Tim Watson believes Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn has put in a mountain of work since the season concluded, declaring he is in majestic shape after running into him in New York last week.

While holidaying in America over the past fortnight, Gawn has also been training, as he attempts to bounce back from an injury ravaged 2017 season. Despite playing just 13 games this year, Watson says he would be optimistic if he were a Demons supporter regarding Gawn’s health.

“Max Gawn was over there and I’ll tell you what, if you’re a Melbourne fan, you’d be very excited about what Maxy might produce next year,” he told SEN Breakfast.

“I have never seen a big fella, a ruckman, who looked as fit as what he looked. He had a singlet on and had just come back from a training session and he has been training the house down.”

After making the All-Australian team in 2016, Gawn suffered a hamstring injury in Round 3, which derailed his 2017 campaign. The 25-year-old returned in Round 14 against West Coast, and averaged 12.3 disposals and 35.8 hitouts this season.

Melbourne will be seeking to snap an 11-year finals drought next year, and their journey begins against Geelong on Sunday March 25.