Neeld praises former Demon

Brent Moloney, who won Melbourne’s 2011 best and fairest, shone against his former team. He amassed a match high 36 disposals and was pivotal in his new team’s win. Coach Mark Neeld acknowledged Moloney’s effort and that of his teammate Andrew Raines against another Melbourne club champion, reigning winner Nathan Jones. “Brent played particularly well. Welcome to modern AFL footy. Brent left our football club under free agency - he’s entitled to do that and he made that choice and we couldn’t match the offer. That’s the new, wide world of free agency, but he played particularly well today – good luck to him,” Neeld said. “I thought what was particularly good for the Lions and not so good for us was Raines’ job on Nathan Jones. He (Raines) was particularly good. The area that we looked at – we sent a few players to Brent and we couldn’t stop him. But Raines had a really, really good game on Nathan, so add those two things together and it doesn’t fall in our favour.”

Three good quarters, but third terms a problem again

For three quarters, Melbourne matched the Lions in goals. Both teams kicked five goals in the opening term, two in the second quarter and four in the final stanza. But it was Melbourne’s third term, which has been problematic this season, that proved costly in the wash-up. The Lions kicked 6.3 to 3.2 to ultimately set up their 28 point win. Unfortunately, the Demons have kicked just 8.7 to 35.20 in third terms this year.

Demons register fourth highest score under Neeld

Melbourne’s 14.10.94 was its best score from a loss under coach Mark Neeld. It was also its fourth highest score under Neeld, behind 22.12.144 (against Greater Western Sydney last round), 20.15.135 (against GWS, round 13, 2012) and 16.12.108 (against Gold Coast Suns, round 19, 2012).

Gawn showing good signs

Max Gawn’s effort after two matches has been nothing short of encouraging. Given that the big man has missed so much football, including the entire 2012 season and much of the recent pre-season, Gawn has displayed some genuine promise against Greater Western Sydney and the Brisbane Lions. He has booted four goals – two in each match – and showed some good signs in the ruck.

The status after five rounds

The Demons have one win after their opening five matches, coming against GWS in round four. After two dismal matches first up, the Dees showed some promise in the first half against West Coast, before falling away in the second half. A win over the Giants was backed up with a 28 point win over the Lions. Reflecting on those matches, the Demons have played the top two teams on the ladder - Essendon and Port Adelaide - both undefeated. Injury hit West Coast has just one win after being a premiership fancy in the pre-season. And the Lions are 12^th after two wins. Next round, the Demons play the ninth placed Carlton, in what will be another genuine challenge.