2010 Melbourne Demons Mid-Season Review – Hot and Cold

By Kevin Hawkins (a.k.a. Dee man)

This year the introduction of a seventeenth AFL team has brought about much confusion. Supporters have become cynical; players have become unsettled; coaches have faced difficulty in their preparation. No, I do not speak of Gold Coast Football Club. Nor do I refer to Greater Western Sydney. On the contrary I focus my attention on the multiple identities of the Melbourne Football Club.

The Melbourne Demons – long a dominating force in the AFL – have joined MelbourneFC (established 2008) in the race for the 2010 premiership. The Demons are renowned for their free-flowing brand of corridor football. Their fast ball movement from defence is highly effective, their midfield is renowned for its risk-taking, and their forward line is littered with strong marking options and fervent opportunists. They can match any opposition in the league, unlike their inconsistent namesake, the MelbourneFC. This latter team is completely lacking in structure. Their players crack under pressure, their handpasses are misdirected, and their forwards are stagnant pawns on an abandoned chess board.

There are two ways of assessing this situation. A pessimist would lambast MelbourneFC for its lack of progression. The pre-season competition provided early indications of another year of pain, and the season opener against Hawthorn was nothing short of shocking. Later performances against the Kangaroos and West Coast were deplorable, while the catch-up football displayed against Geelong and Carlton was cringe worthy. Admittedly, the latter two may have been quality opposition, but MelbourneFC were not even… dare I say it, ‘competitive.’

Fortunately for you, I am an optimist, and you can be one too. If one chooses to concentrate their attention on the long-awaited return of the Demons, then the woes of MelbourneFC can be put aside. Beginning in Round 2 with a commendable performance against Collingwood, the Demons signalled their intentions loud and clear; the days of mediocrity are coming to and end. The disappointment of falling short against the Magpies was negated by a get-out-of-jail-free victory over an injury-plagued Adelaide, a convincing thrashing of Richmond, and a memorable triumph over Brisbane. While the Demons only made brief appearances during losses to the Kangaroos, West Coast, Geelong and Carlton, they compensated with a strong Friday night performance against the Bulldogs and a resilient fight against Port Adelaide in Darwin. If the Bulldogs farce gave players doubts over their ability to finish games, then the thrilling Port victory assured the side that their flaws were gradually being overcome.

Before I confuse you any longer, let’s turn our focus to the Melbourne Football Club as a whole. Undoubtedly the team has been inconsistent, however this is merely a symptom of development. As a youthful team on the rise, Melbourne is expected to win games they should lose, lose games they should win, and come remarkably close in games where they shouldn’t even stand a chance. It’s exciting for the media, frustrating for the players, confusing for the spectators, and a nightmare for tipsters. However, given that Melbourne was tipped by many to finish in the bottom two, 2010’s eclectic form should be received with a warm smile.

As ridiculous as it sounds Melbourne, sitting at 4 wins and 7 losses, is an outside finals contender. When one considers that the team is literally fingertips away from being 6-5 (think Ricky Petterd’s fingernails in Round 2 and Lynden Dunn’s ‘touched’ behind in Round 7) the notion suddenly gains credibility. Whether or not the Demons make the eight matters little; simply improving on the dire results of 2007-09, which delivered on average a paltry four annual wins, is an objective that should certainly be achieved. For supporters the remainder of 2010 should be seen an enjoyable ride. Watching youngsters showcase glimpses of their future potential is enough to make mouths water; winning games and potentially shaping/making the finals will only add an additional guilty pleasure.

Melbourne’s premature acceleration up the ladder can be attributed to two key factors: youth and the continually improving defence. By youth, I refer specifically to three midfielders; Tom Scully, Jack(son) Tren(t)g(r)ove, and Jordie McKenzie. Scully and Trengove have been virtually inseparable, both on and off the field. Since being picked at 1 and 2 respectively at the beginning of the 2009 draft the pair have debuted together, been ‘rested’ together and picked up Rising Star nominations. One also gets the impression that they are keen Dream Teamists, judging by the frequency in which they pass to one another. In comparison McKenzie seems to be the forgotten link, however a case can be made that he has been the most impressive of the trio. Taking nothing away from the courage, skill and endurance of ‘Scullgove’, McKenzie’s hardness and tackling pressure has made an enormous difference to Melbourne’s midfield structure. And for a rookie selection (#1 in 2008) his disposal skills aren’t half bad. Sounds awfully like James McDonald, if you ask me. Jordan Gysberts is another player you can add to that category, after an impressive couple of games. His recent Rising Star Nomination is Melbourne’s 3^rd this year, and considering that McKenzie and Jack Watts and are also eligible the Demons could certainly finish the season with a few more.

The defence has been another cause for celebration, although only recently has this young unit begun attracting attention. Almost ironically, they have only recently begun conceding high scores. Nevertheless Melbourne’s backline setup of James Frawley, Matthew Warnock (ranked no.1 in one-percenters), Colin Garland, Jack Grimes, Jared Rivers and Cameron Bruce has the makings of a premiership defence. Potentially if one overlooked the much-bulkier Frawley and the deceptively short Grimes, it could be argued that the backline is laden with flaws. Warnock tends to struggle against stronger forwards, Garland’s one-on-one work is questionable, Rivers’ rising star has fallen, and Bruce is a wreck under pressure. Of the others Joel MacDonald’s awkward height limits his options, and Clint Bartram seems to only make brief cameos. In spite of all this, the statistics don’t lie; Melbourne has the 7th best defence in the competition (down from equal 2^nd, just weeks ago). And when one considers that a guy named Kyle Cheney is consistently performing at Casey it becomes apparent that Melbourne’s backline is even less penetrable than originally thought.

Equally important to Melbourne’s rise is the continual improvement of its three best players – Aaron Davey, Brad Green and captain ‘Junior’ McDonald. Davey continues to be one of the most dangerous players in the competition. While down on his breakthrough 2009 form he is one of the few players on the list that supporters can trust with the ball in his hand. Green, probably the only other one in that category, has been a revelation up forward. While still capable of playing a damaging midfield or defensive role the 200-game veteran is the most natural forward in the team. He knows where to lead, he knows how to mark, and his goal-sense is second to none. So much so, that he’s already kicked 27 goals, sitting equal 8th in the competition. McDonald is another player who hasn’t been wearied by time. A third best and fairest looms for the underrated star, who continues to perform regardless of the role thrust upon him. At this rate the veteran could certainly play out another season, if not two or three more.

For every experienced player that grows with age, there are also some that lose the plot. With the increasing pace of the game surpassing them Bruce and Rivers are no longer the players they once were. Bruce’s demise arguably began a few seasons ago, however this season his disposal has been dismal. Under pressure he is possibly the game’s worst decision maker; whenever he gets the ball you can sense the collective fear of all Demon supporters. Apparently a fine off-field leader Bruce is by no means at fault. He has enjoyed a rich decade of quality football in which he has become recognised as one of the competition’s most versatile players. Responsibility now lies with coach Dean Bailey in ensuring that Bruce concludes his career with some semblance of respectability. A friendly tap on the shoulder in the coming weeks should do just that.

What to do with Jared Rivers is a more difficult issue. The courage that made him a supporter favourite remains intact, but gone is the foot skill, decision making ability and defensive accountability that won him the 2004 Rising Star. Another run at Casey, or perhaps a change of position, may be the variable that reinvigorates his career. Otherwise a premature exit from the game could be on the cards.

The list of Melbourne’s ‘Rising Stars’ since Rivers is a quite extensive. At an early stage of their career each of Colin Sylvia (2005), Matthew Bate, Clint Bartram (5^th in 2006), Ricky Petterd, Nathan Jones (3rd in 2007, also nominated in 2006), Cale Morton, Colin Garland, Austin Wonaeamirri (2008), Jack Grimes, and Liam Jurrah (2009) had been touted as a potential star.

2010 has seen continuous improvement from all of them, with the injury affectied Jurrah, Morton and Wonaeamirri the only notable exceptions. As already mentioned Grimes, Garland and Bartram have become integral to Melbourne’s defensive setup, while the likes of Sylvia, Bate, Petterd and Jones have each delivered Brownlow-worthy performances. What this collective needs to improve on  – besides reducing their injury tally – is their consistency, as they are now amongst Melbourne’s ten most important players. Their ability to stand up when it counts is often the difference between victory and defeat.

Petterd, in particular, has taken his game to a new level. Able to play taller and stronger than his frame would suggest Petterd has become a strong marking forward option, whose knack for finding avenues to goals has made him a key target for Gold Coast. His loss wouldn’t be the end of the world, but when one considers that the Demons have only won one game since his absence, his value up forward must not be undermined.

His recent absence, in addition to that of Jurrah and Wonaeamirri, has been compounded by slow development from Melbourne’s other forwards. Like fellow key position player Bate, Brad Miller’s best and worst are light-years apart. Unfortunately for him, supporters too often expect his best. Dunn is a similar type of player, who was stiff to be dropped a month ago. While more suited as a marking forward than a wingman or tagger, Dunn needs to master one missing element from his game: goalkicking. The eight goals he kicked on the weekend for Casey must be translated into something substantial at AFL level because the 4.10 he has delivered from seven games is simply too inaccurate. If only someone would dare to tell him that his Dennis Lillee-esque run-up is a little superfluous. Stefan Martin is another likely type who has been unable to step up, however perhaps he is not the one to blame. Having been shifted around the field on a week to week basis Martin must surely be confused as to his role in the team. His best football has been played in defence, however with man mountains Frawley, Warnock and Garland already down back there is evidently limited room. As for Michael Newton, let’s not open up another bag of worms, shall we?

The smalls have performed slightly better. Jamie Bennell has been creative in his new role as a midfielder-cum-forward while Neville Jetta’s return from injury has been promising. Of concern is Addam Maric, Melbourne’s forgotten cherry picker. While he has proven to be a capable contributor at AFL level in the past, his current VFL form is simply too unpredictable. His second half of 2010 will answer a lot of questions. Likewise for defenders Cheney, Daniel Bell and Tom McNamara, who have similarly failed to break into the senior side.

(Now, I know what you’re thinking. I’ve written almost 2000 words and I’ve only made one mention of Jack Watts. To reward you for your persistence, here you go…)

2008’s controversial No.1 draft selection Watts was another player struggling to find a spot in the 22. Much to the media’s surprise, he was only rewarded with selection after a few solid performances at Casey. Bailey’s contentious decision to hold back the youngster has since reaped benefits for both player and team. In his first two matches Watts marked strongly, played a team-oriented game and showcased a natural finesse for finding the ball. His two subsequent performances, though, drew attention to the fact that there’s still a long way to go. Watts needs to a) keep his feet, and b) learn to play in front of his man. Whether or not this learning takes place with the Demons or with the Scorpions is up to Bailey, but regardless of the decisions made, judgements on the validity of Watts’ early selection are still too premature. Only once Melbourne has a competent and experienced forward line to compliment him can one begin making legitimate assessments. In the meantime let’s just wait for him to put on a little more muscle.

While the populous is hoping Watts’ progression isn’t as slow as that of Mark Jamar, no fan will be disappointed with the ‘Big Russian’s’ output this season. Before the year commenced Jamar’s 73 games from 8 years had produced nothing spectacular. His place in the team’s best 22, not to mention list, was looking under threat. This year, his ruck skills and durability have immensely improved, even if he still has a tendency to handpass (usually to Davey) and recklessly dispose of opponents during marking contests. With Martin and Jack Spencer yet to produce anything notable in the reserves, John Meeson and draftee Max Gawn on the injury list, and Paul Johnson at the crossroads, Jamar has flourished as the team’s solitary big man. The statistics speak for themselves: Jamar is ranked 2nd for hitouts and effective hitouts, while his partner in crime Brent Moloney is ranked 1^st for centre clearances, 2nd for first possessions and 8th for clearances. Accentuating Jamar’s value to the team is Melbourne’s inability to score without Jamar in the centre. Dunn, Miller, Newton and even the 186cm tall Sylvia have been tried as backups, to no avail. Recruiting a proficient second ruckman will be essential for the Demons over the pre-season, unless the versatile Johnson can learn how to successfully play second fiddle. Despite playing 50 of a possible 66 games during 2007-09 – as opposed to Jamar’s 31 – PJ’s spot on the list is suddenly looking vulnerable.

There’s no easy way to say this, but Melbourne probably won’t make the finals. While improvement is being seen across the entire board – from the debutants, to its Rising Star collective, to the experienced leaders – the team is still consistently inconsistent. The upside is that only little things are currently holding the team back. A little too few leads from Bate; a little too few kilos on Morton and Watts; a little too few acts of courage from Bennell; a little too few disposals from Davey; a little too few goals from Dunn. A little too many unnecessary free kicks from Warnock and Garland; a little too many inaccurate kicks from Scully; a little too many silly handpasses from Bruce; a little too many dropped marks from Miller; a little too many kilos on Wonaeamirri; a little too many injuries from Sylvia. Addressing these flaws, one by one, will undoubtedly take time; in the meantime fans will just have to patient.

What is promising is the depth of talent yet to be unearthed. The likes of Sam Blease, Luke Tapscott, Jack Fitzpatrick, and Gawn have yet to play a game, while the likes of Cheney, McNamara, Maric, Rohan Bail, James Strauss and Danny Hughes have far from disgraced themselves at AFL level. Add them to Melbourne’s current 22 and… well, you may even have yourself a better list than Gold Coast?

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Postscript: Try piecing together your best 22. It’s an exercise that will make you realise just how good our list will be over the coming years!