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Melbourne coach Paul Roos could only look wistfully at his old AFL club Sydney on Saturday night.
Before he and long-suffering Melbourne fans can enjoy success, everyone has to suffer through games like the scrappy 31-point loss to the Swans at the MCG.
As Roos continually notes, there is a big gulf of talent between the Demons and top sides such as Sydney.
But Roos also sees signs of life, noting Melbourne restricted Sydney to only three behinds in the second term.
“I think it was a significant step forward, but by the same token it is frustrating because we drop off in periods of games,” Roos said.
“There were some positive signs, but I’m like a lot of Melbourne fans – I get frustrated as well,” Roos said.
“I’ve only been (coaching the Demons) for eight weeks and they’ve been putting up with it for a while.”
The simple, unpleasant truth for Roos and Melbourne is that reducing the gap to the league’s pace setters will take time.
“We certainly acknowledge that, so our ability to get down in the trenches was really important and it’s a theme that we’ve got to bring week in and week out,” Roos said.
“As hard as it is and as frustrating as it is for me, you accept the turnovers provided you’re getting real effort on the defensive side of the football.”
One way Roos hopes to improve Melbourne’s senior team is to make it harder for players to be promoted from the VFL.
He has said several times since arriving at the Demons that too many players are not earning promotion.
Last year’s No.9 draft pick Christian Salem had to wait until round six to make his senior debut.
He was subbed on in the third term and delighted Melbourne fans and team-mates by kicking a goal in the last quarter.
“For us to have guys who are earning spots is super-important,” Roos said.
“We’re no longer going to hand games to young players.
“It showed tonight – he (Salem) looked ready and he made a contribution.”
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