Speaking on DeeTV, Neeld said the Demons had just once fielded a team which had more games experience than its opponent this year.
That happened in round 13, when Melbourne had more games experience than Greater Western Sydney.
The Demons won that match - just their second win for the season - but the first year senior coach understood why supporters were frustrated by Melbourne’s form.
“We’re at a stage where we’re delivering in most games - two to three quarters of reasonable, competitive football,” Neeld told ‘The Coach’s Office’.
“People keep asking why it is that we can’t [perform consistently]. Our reality is that only on one occasion this year have we fielded on the ground a more experienced team than the opposition [against Greater Western Sydney in round 13].
“We realise that we’re developing a new game style, and we’re realising that we’re in a development phase.”
“We are working very hard on it, but understand that we’re inexperienced and developing.”
Meanwhile, Neeld said it was difficult to assess where Jeremy Howe’s best position is on the ground, considering his ability to play forward and midfield.
“We’re a little bit torn as to where to play Jeremy each week,” he said.
“We realise we need some marking ability in the forward line and Jeremy’s not a key forward size.
“We’re forced at the moment, due to personnel and injuries, to be playing Jeremy between the two positions.”
