It’s really saying something when the GWS Giants, the league’s newest collection of untested rookies, has had a better start to the year than your club. And for Demons fans, unfortunately it’s true.
The Giants, while they have been belted by the Swans and the Roos in their first two AFL matches, have certainly had some bright lights in amongst the demoralising defeats we knew that they would sustain.
Some fine young kids such as Jon Giles, Tomas Bugg and Adam Kennedy have shown glimpses of what makes tomorrow’s Chris Judds and Scott Pendleburys, while aging veterans Luke Power and Chad Cornes have proven their critics wrong with exciting performances and mentoring of the young squad.
Melbourne, on the other hand, have had a dreadful start to the year. It all began with with a 41-point loss to the Lions. Now, we all know that Brisbane are not the strongest team out there, and that just makes the Demons’ shock loss all the more disappointing. At home, daisy fresh after a strong pre-season, the Dees just couldn’t fire.
You would think that after the tragic passing of club legend Jimmy Stynes that the Demons would have something worthwhile to play for, but with the possible exceptions of young midfielders James Magner and Jack Trengove, they faltered around the ground. Stars such as Brent Moloney, Brad Green and excitement machine Aaron Davey were nowhere to be seen.
To spare a bit of the Dees’ dignity, no-one expected them to get close to the budding Eagles at home, but some of their efforts were pathetic. For the entire match, 120 minutes of slogging, the Demons did not lay a tackle in their forward 50.
How can that be? West Coast had 140-odd more disposals, 30-odd less marks and smashed a hapless Melbourne around the ground.
Needless to say, the Demons have kick-started 2012 on the field in a fashion that they would be less than pleased. Throw in an EnergyWatch scandal, a wrongly accused coach and a few racist Facebook posts and there are 17 other AFL clubs glad not to be in the shoes of the Melbourne Football Club.
Next week should provide an evaluation of where the Demons are at when they take on the Tigers on Saturday afternoon.
After worthy slogs at the Blues and the Pies, Richmond would be well-placed to take out the biscuits. But can the Dees rise above? If not, then there’s major issues at Melbourne.
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We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
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Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
