Experience counts
St Kilda entered 2012 with the most experienced list in the competition. The Saints and the other seven finalists from last year make up eight of the top nine most experienced lists in 2012. Despite this, the Saints were expected by many pundits to slide this year. They now have three wins and two losses from five rounds. While they have had to adjust under a new coaching regime, they had the superior games experience over Melbourne, which proved a difference in the finish. Although the Demons pushed the Saints nearly all night, in the end, the red, white and black had enough nous when it counted, which got them over the line. Ever the realist, coach Mark Neeld spoke about this post-match: “We’re playing against the most experienced side in the competition in terms of games played, and we’re the fourth youngest and that probably had a bit to do with it,” he said. Although the Demons were not happy with the loss, looking at it objectively, it was a much improved effort and their best performance for 2012. It certainly showed the Dees could match it with more experienced teams, when a genuine four-quarter effort was performed. In return came some renewed confidence - a massively underrated intangible of any sport. Although it’s no consolation for the red and blue faithful, to lose by three goals against an opposition that was paying $1.10 for victory, as opposed to a team paying $7 for a win, was a strong showing. But experience got the Dees in the end.
Dees unearth nugget in McDonald
Quality big men are not easy to find at the best of times. They don’t grow on trees. More often than not, they need time to develop. Tom McDonald, selected at No.53 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, belied his age and experience on Saturday night. But when you talk to McDonald and learn about his character, in many respects it’s not surprising. He is a confident, articulate and mature young man. Still, not too many players can achieve what McDonald did in just his sixth match - keeping a superstar of the game in check. McDonald had 19 disposals to Riewoldt’s 15. The St Kilda skipper also booted two goals. McDonald has slipped under the radar somewhat as a player talked up in Melbourne’s future. But, after impressing already in five matches, he stepped up a notch on Riewoldt. Again, the talk on McDonald must be realistic, but given his performance, he looms as an integral part of Melbourne’s make-up long term.
McKenzie modelling another western district favourite?
It might sound a big call, but there was more just a hint of Cameron Ling in McKenzie’s effort on St Kilda star Brendon Goddard. Aside from both hailing from the western district and sporting similar colours on top, McKenzie, like Ling did, is now taking on the big name opponents. Although Ling was an outstanding player - his former teammate Cameron Mooney recently said Ling was the greatest tagger of all time - McKenzie has enough similar traits to emulate at least half of Ling’s feats. Yes, McKenzie has a long way to go to achieve this status, but McKenzie has also already played on the likes of Daniel Kerr, Trent Cotchin and Ryan Griffen. Last round, he held Boyd to 19 touches, and on Saturday, he kept Goddard to 15. The football fraternity is aware of McKenzie’s tackling ability, but his close checking and determination are Ling-like. The challenge now for McKenzie is to build his offensive game.
Well done Barty!
You’ve got to hand it to Clint Bartram. He is one tenacious lad. Barty is far from the flashiest footballer going around. His kicking has often come under question, and he has survived several list assessments. But in 2012, Bartram has grown - and it’s not surprising that it’s coincided with his induction in the leadership group. His determination to wring the absolute last drop of sweat out of his body for the cause is more than admirable. He has gone through some hard knocks - personally and professionally as a player - but for the No. 60 pick in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft, it was a credit to him to join the 100-game club. Well done!
The magnificent seven [opportunities]?
It may sound foolish to suggest that Melbourne’s upcoming fixture before the break is a great opportunity, given it plays seven finalists from 2011. But, given the fact that St Kilda was the start of seven seemingly unwinnable matches for Melbourne, Saturday night’s effort was a solid performance. Objectively, and at this stage, the Demons will be underdogs in every match. But it’s also an outstanding opportunity for the Dees? That might sound illogical, given the Demons now have Geelong, Hawthorn, Sydney, Carlton, Essendon and Collingwood to face before the bye, but the fact that it will play those teams - all 2011 finalists - is a great opportunity for the group to back up against quality opposition each round. Mark Neeld will definitely learn plenty throughout this period, and it will no doubt help shape the list for the future. Every pundit in the football fraternity is expecting carnage and party time for Melbourne’s opposition. And while the pendulum clearly looks in favour of Melbourne’s opponents, it needs to face up to these opponents and test them. If the team pinches a win here and there - then well and good. Most importantly, Melbourne must achieve what it did against St Kilda - competitiveness for four quarters. Who knows what will then come from it? Experience, know-how and an evolving list sure as hell will.
