Melbourne rookie Kynan Brown is fighting like hell for a spot back in the senior side, gritting his way to a stunning stat line in the VFL on Saturday.
Brown had 24 tackles in the 27-point loss, a likely record for the club and maybe the league, given the AFL record is 20 - set by Rory Laird in 2022 against Collingwood.
The feat was made more even more impressive by the rest of his stat line, which read a team-high 27 disposals and a goal to go with it.
Brown has managed just the two AFL appearances in his first year at the Demons, both as the activated sub.
The lone highlight in his limited time so far was the game-saving run-down tackle on Kangaroo star Nick Larkey, which sealed a three-point win in Round 15.
Activated late in the loss to Brisbane just six days later, Brown is yet to experience a full match for Melbourne, but is looking to tackle his way in, given his efforts so far.
Coach Simon Goodwin may be convinced to trial the youngster in the best 22 for a home clash with GWS in Round 20 in what shapes as a another season-defining match for both teams.