The Age
Demons' Docklands dilemma
Demons' Docklands dilemma
By Jesse Hogan
SIX metres less on each wing is all that separates Etihad Stadium from the MCG in terms of turf dimensions. For Melbourne's players, however, those 12 missing metres are proving to be pivotal. The Demons left the smaller stadium last Saturday, after their loss to St Kilda, with an unwanted record — the biggest losing streak at the ground. Until this season, the Western Bulldogs' nine consecutive losses across 2003 and '04 was the most barren run at the stadium since its opening in 2000. But back-to-back losses to the Kangaroos and Saints have pushed Melbourne to 10 losses on the trot — with matches against the Bulldogs and West Coast there later in the season. Since 2006, Melbourne has won only two of 17 matches at Docklands, giving it a winning percentage of 11.8. During the same period — and despite mostly hovering near the foot of the ladder — its MCG record is a commendable 30 of 68, or 44.1 per cent. Vice-captain Jared Rivers, who has not played in a winning team at Etihad for the past five years, was unable to give any explanation for the drastic form fluctuations between the venues. "If I knew that I'd be a smart man," he said. "It's disappointing."
SIX metres less on each wing is all that separates Etihad Stadium from the MCG in terms of turf dimensions. For Melbourne's players, however, those 12 missing metres are proving to be pivotal. The Demons left the smaller stadium last Saturday, after their loss to St Kilda, with an unwanted record — the biggest losing streak at the ground. Until this season, the Western Bulldogs' nine consecutive losses across 2003 and '04 was the most barren run at the stadium since its opening in 2000. But back-to-back losses to the Kangaroos and Saints have pushed Melbourne to 10 losses on the trot — with matches against the Bulldogs and West Coast there later in the season. Since 2006, Melbourne has won only two of 17 matches at Docklands, giving it a winning percentage of 11.8. During the same period — and despite mostly hovering near the foot of the ladder — its MCG record is a commendable 30 of 68, or 44.1 per cent. Vice-captain Jared Rivers, who has not played in a winning team at Etihad for the past five years, was unable to give any explanation for the drastic form fluctuations between the venues. "If I knew that I'd be a smart man," he said. "It's disappointing."
