COACH Dean Bailey says the Demons did not underestimate Brisbane Lions.
Speaking post-match after Melbourne’s 11-point win over the Lions at the MCG on Sunday, Bailey was not pleased with his side’s efforts.
Although Melbourne was favourite pre-match among the tipsters and betting agencies, it had to fight hard for victory, after trailing by 25 points at quarter-time.
Despite taking the four points, Bailey said his players did not possess the necessary attitude required early in the match.
“If you don’t come with intensity, you open yourself up to get beaten in those important stats,” Bailey said.
“Football is a very fundamental game - you win those contested possessions and tackles, you’re in the game.
“If you decide not to win that, then you allow the opposition, through their hard work, to put scoreboard pressure on.”
Bailey was pleased with his team’s second and third terms, but made it clear that the Demons must produce four quarters for their inaugural clash against Gold Coast Suns at the Gabba next Sunday.
“Our first quarter was not good at all, but our second and third quarter was obviously a lot better, because we fought our way back into the game,” he said.
“The stats that were negative in the first quarter, seemed to be positive in the second and third quarters.
For the record, it was Bailey’s fourth victory over the Lions - a personal-best against an opposition side.
Speaking post-match after Melbourne’s 11-point win over the Lions at the MCG on Sunday, Bailey was not pleased with his side’s efforts.
Although Melbourne was favourite pre-match among the tipsters and betting agencies, it had to fight hard for victory, after trailing by 25 points at quarter-time.
Despite taking the four points, Bailey said his players did not possess the necessary attitude required early in the match.
“If you don’t come with intensity, you open yourself up to get beaten in those important stats,” Bailey said.
“Football is a very fundamental game - you win those contested possessions and tackles, you’re in the game.
“If you decide not to win that, then you allow the opposition, through their hard work, to put scoreboard pressure on.”
Bailey was pleased with his team’s second and third terms, but made it clear that the Demons must produce four quarters for their inaugural clash against Gold Coast Suns at the Gabba next Sunday.
“Our first quarter was not good at all, but our second and third quarter was obviously a lot better, because we fought our way back into the game,” he said.
“The stats that were negative in the first quarter, seemed to be positive in the second and third quarters.
For the record, it was Bailey’s fourth victory over the Lions - a personal-best against an opposition side.
