In a season with its fair share of low points, the Melbourne Football Club hit a new low this week after being rocked by accusations of tanking from former Dee Brock McLean. Find out they respond against Gold Coast Suns from 1.10pm AEST.
Coming into this one after such a turbulent week, it’s fitting that Melbourne comes into this bottom-of-the-table clash, with the loser likely to benefit in a strong 2013 draft.
But for the Demons, they can only make one real statement: they simply must win this afternoon.
Sitting at 2-15 in 16th position, it would be another body blow to lose to last-placed Gold Coast, who represents Melbourne’s best chance for a third win in the 2012 season.
Despite occupying the bottom rung on the AFL ladder, the Suns aren’t actually travelling too badly.
Granted, they were blown out of the water by a rampant Swans team last Saturday night but had recorded close losses against the Lions and Cats in the previous month, as well as picking up their first four points of the year against Richmond in Darwin.
Both sides have been wracked by injuries throughout the year and that isn’t likely to change today.
Key midfielder David Swallow appears doubtful for the Suns, who will also be missing Bock and Wilkinson.
For the home side, Ricky Petterd also appears a 50-50 proposition, while Bartram, Bennell and Clark head the long-term injury list.
One of the most telling criticisms that has been levelled at the Demons this week is that tanking has significantly damaged the culture of the football club.
And, given some of the nonchalant responses to heavy losses this year – think Colin Sylvia, Jack Watts etc – it might very well be a reasonable statement.
Melbourne must win this afternoon. For a team running 16th four points is all but irrelevant to the ladder but it will have huge benefits for future of this club. Find out if they can from 1.10pm AEST.