DASHING defender Michael Hibberd says Melbourne hasn’t reflected a lot on last Friday night’s loss to the Sydney Swans at the MCG.
Speaking at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Tuesday, Hibberd said the Demons had moved on quickly from their 35-point loss – their biggest loss of the season.
“We didn’t really review it too much. We realise we were down and we had a poor game. It’s probably best to leave those ones behind us and focus on the next few weeks we’ve got in front of us,” he told Melbourne TV.
“We haven’t reviewed it too much. We did a few things today and we picked apart the game where we let ourselves down. We’ve got a few injuries now and hopefully guys come in the team and step-up.
“It’s (Carlton) a big test. We’ve got a few guys out, but it’s two young teams really going at it. We’ve got some young talented players and they’re exactly the same. It’ll be a good game on Sunday and we need to keep winning now, if we’re going to really be serious about finals.”
Hibberd said four games in 18 days, which included three wins, wasn’t to blame for the loss.
“Six-day breaks are unfortunate, but it’s part of the schedule we have to run with,” he said.
“We’re not going to put it down to that. We lacked a lot of intensity on the night. We didn’t play our best footy, so we know what we have to work on and we’ll do that next week and the next few weeks.
“Hopefully we get a few players back, as we have had a few injuries, but we’ll just do what we can – and that’s play our best footy.”
Although Melbourne will be without both co-captains this round due to injury – Nathan Jones (quadriceps) and Jack Viney (plantar fascia) – Hibberd said it was a great opportunity for others to step-up.
“Knowing Jack, they say it’s four to six [weeks], but he’ll try to be back in two. He’s a tough character and he’ll be sorely missed – he’s in some really good form up until he hurt his foot,” he said.
“Him and Nath Jones – they’re eager to get back as quick as possible and help out the team. We need them back because they’re arguably our two best midfielders.
“The opportunity opens up for two other guys now and I don’t know who they are right now – I don’t know who will fill in for Vines, but whoever it is will make the most of their opportunity and hopefully we play some good footy.”
But Hibberd was optimistic forwards Jeff Garlett (hamstring) and Jesse Hogan (testicular cancer) would return.
“It’d be great to see Hoges play. He’s been missing for a while now and we’re missing the big fella up forward – a good target to kick to,” he said.
“Jeffy, we missed him last week. His forward pressure is awesome for us and I think he’s a big chance to play – he’s just got to get through Friday’s session.
“We’ll welcome him with both arms because we need him running down and tackling blokes. We’ll see what happens at the end of the week.”
Hibberd, who has been outstanding for Melbourne this season, said he was relishing playing at the highest level again and at his new club.
“I’m loving it [at Melbourne] and I’m loving playing footy again. I feel like I’ve fit into the system really well,” he said.
“I’m really enjoying my footy and last Friday night was a bit disappointing on the team’s behalf.
“I feel like I’m fitting in well in the backline and into the team. The way we structure up and play really suits me and I’m just loving being back and playing footy. I’ve enjoyed my year so far and hopefully it continues on for the best of the year.”
