Simon Goodwin’s red-hot Melbourne are 8-0 for the first time since 1965 after a gritty win over Sydney but have their eyes set on a much bigger AFL prize.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has warned his AFL club’s equal-best start to a season in 65 years will count for naught if they don’t capitalise on the foundation laid.
Saturday night’s gritty nine-point victory over Sydney saw the Demons maintain the top spot on the ladder and extend their winning streak to eight matches.
It ties the 8-0 run under Norm Smith at the start of the 1965 VFL season, weeks before the legendary coach was sacked in one of the game’s greatest controversies.
“We’re a proud club and we haven’t had success for a long time, but eight and zero doesn’t necessarily mean much,” Goodwin said.
“It’s really about what you do with that and how we continue to create the winning culture that’s going to be with us over a long period of time.
“That’s what we want for this football club, is to build a culture that has sustainable success and continues to win more often than not.
“This is just a building block in that journey.”
The Demons, who are seeking to end a 57-year premiership drought, can extend their season-opening winning streak to nine matches when they host Carlton at the MCG in round nine.
But they are still well short of the club-record 13-0 start on the way to a Smith-led flag in 1956.
“Winning creates winning and I think you see at the moment the resilience in the group, the grit and the will to win is strong,” Goodwin said.
“That’s got to remain, but the more you win the more challenging it gets.
“Teams come at you in different ways and we’ve got to absorb that and find ways to keep getting better…because that’s what the competition demands.”
Goodwin is confident star midfielder Christian Petracca will be fit to take on Carlton despite suffering a corked leg in the dying seconds against Sydney.
Roger of Sydney
Roar Rookie
Thanks
Chris
Guest
They are cricket lovers who don't know anything about football which is a working class man's game. In finals, they seem to get favourable treatment from the men with the whistle too!
Chris
Guest
Essendon have lost a number of Grand Finals to Melbourne. Richmond were initially the poor neighbours and then became the feisty co-tenants. Cartlton were the original establishment club when Melbourne were in oblivion or only interested in cricket. Don't forget that Carlton poached their favouritre son R.D.Barassi. Then there's Hawthorn with their Scotch College connections as opposed to Melbourne's Melbourne Grammer affiliation. They also tried to merge with the Hawks, thus take their personnel and premierships, too. Lastly, the defeaning din that comes from the Members Stand does not give Grand Final combatants an even chance either.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
I didn't see that one Colin but in the NM vs Coll game, Ziebell (NM) nearly had his head kicked off by Cameron (Coll). Ziebell dived toward the loose ball in the goal square trying to save the goal, while Cameron launched a mighty kick at it. In his follow through Cameron fell over Ziebell and was awarded a free kick for contact below the knees. For some reason the first incident, kicking in danger, was ignored. I think the umps just go with the vibe.
Colin
Guest
In relation to the demon win over Swans it is easy to forget the last 10 seconds. Does umpire 7 understand the rules. Petracca clearly had a below the knees tackle and could have been seriously hurt. - the whole reason that interpretation exists. Demons should ask for an explanation. Bewildering
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Hey Roge. Melbourne were overdogs. 12 premierships to 1964. At that time only one less than the Colliewobbles and one more than Essendon. We will never hear the end of it if Melbourne win. Think no further than the Richmond crowd after 37 blissful years.
DarwinDee
Guest
Collingwood was a banned word in my house growing up.
dab
Roar Rookie
History. 1950s and early sixties was Melbourne versus Collingwood warfare. This was topped off with Melb def Coll in 1964 Grand Final, by 4 points, after Melb defender kicked a goal in the dying seconds of the game. Collingwood crowd who had been taunting Melbourne’s were strangely quiet. Collingwood never forgave, “it was their Premiership!”. Collingwood took a few eons to win their next premiership. Melbourne have not done it, yet. Offspring of magpie households were trained to hate demons, and vice versa. This has been carried forward across generations and there has been cross infection into multi-team households. I hope this background helps.
Roger of Sydney
Roar Rookie
As a South Aussie living in Sydney can some one tell me why everyone hates Melbourne so much, pretty clear why people hates Port but don’t the history on the dee’s.
Chris
Guest
Being a dyed-in-the-wool Collingwood fan I could not feel any sicker at the moment. They have the players and the style capable of doing anything. However, it's a long time between May and September. If they do win the big one this year they might be on a roll and set some records. Three or four in a row a-la 55-57.
Wayne Kerr
Guest
I really hope this is a flash in the pan. The thought of Melbourne winning a flag is sickening. I think they will be found out when they have to travel. Geelong have found their form and will likely take care of Melbourne when they meet again.
DEESNUTSRBIG
Guest
Tom has been great this year - was 6 kgs overweight last season - bulked up for more strength, lost fitness and all mobility. Melbourne couldn't give him away last off-season. No club would take him even with Melbourne reportedly prepared to pay $200k of his salary. Shows how much all these clubs really know :thumbdown: Dees are very fit this season unlike previous failures the last couple of years which is making the biggest difference. The age/games played for the list is primed for success the next few years. Due for a letdown soon, wouldn't be surprised if they somehow lost to Carlton. Melbourne scoring shots this season: (25, 31, 27, 25, 29, 22, 23, 17).
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
I actually thought Dees would win easier, but Swans showed what a good team they are. Hopefully Dees can win enough matches to stay in top two come finals.
Phil Smith
Guest
Tom McDonald best on ground for me. Great hands. Great kick.