Terry Wallace feels Melbourne has stunted Sam Weideman’s development.
The forward has been in and out of the side since his impressive 2018 finals series but 12 goals in six matches suggests the 23-year-old is finding his feet again at senior level.
Weideman was recalled by the Demons for their Round 6 match against Gold Coast having not played at AFL level since Round 16 last season.
“I just think that Melbourne have got to settle down Sam Weideman and just play him week in, week out,” Wallace told SEN’s Dwayne’s World.
“They’ve tried three key forwards and they’ve tried two key forwards with (Tom) McDonald being one of those. I think their best option has been (Luke) Jackson and Weideman … let those two develop.
“I think personally that Melbourne’s actually stunted Weideman’s development.
“Why do I say that? Since that prelim final they’ve been too particular at match committee on whether he is playing well enough to absolutely hold his spot."
Australian Football Hall of Famer Wallace urged Melbourne to get games into Weideman like what Brisbane has done with Eric Hipwood.
“Have a look at Brisbane with what they did with Eric Hipwood, they just believed that Eric Hipwood was where they are going," Wallace said.
“He’s had ups and downs, good games and bad games, but they just played him and played him and played him.
“Weideman’s actually older than Hipwood … Weideman’s played 37 games and Hipwood’s played 86 – 49 games difference.
"I just think that they’ve actually tried too hard with what they’ve been doing with Weideman. They just need to play him.”
Weideman has kicked 39 goals in 37 games since Melbourne selected him with the ninth pick overall in the 2015 draft.