The return of Scully and McDonald was as expected
The return of ex-Demons Tom Scully and James McDonald was always going to bring mixed emotions for Melbourne supporters. Even before the start of the contest, Jack Grimes and Scully were niggling in the centre square. And it took just seconds into the match for Scully to be booed by the red and blue faithful. As for McDonald, the former Melbourne skipper was applauded by the Melbourne supporters, given his service to the club. It was a fascinating situation to watch. In regards to Scully, Colin Sylvia said post-match that the Demons treated him as another opponent. “I think we went out at him just like we did every other opponent out there. Obviously the supporters might have something against him, but to us he’s just another player.”
Old dogs can be taught new tricks
Jared Rivers may still be only 27, but he is in the top half-a-dozen of the oldest players at Melbourne. A renowned defender since debuting in 2003, he played the entire match up forward after playing a half in attack against the Pies. Not only did Rivers provide a target and a contest, he finished with a career best four goals and showed that he had more strings to his bow than just being a reliable defender. He kicked the first goal of the match and had two to his name by quarter time, before kicking two more in the second half. Rivers combined with another defender-turned-forward Colin Garland to contribute seven goals between them. It was a fine result, particularly when Mitch Clark was forced from the field with a leg injury, following an outstanding first term which produced four goals.
Career-best numbers for Jones
Leader Nathan Jones continued his consistent season with a personal best 34 disposals. He has claimed 117 touches in his past four matches, averaging 29.25 per round. So far this season, Jones has amassed 292 disposals, but he believes his best is still to come, as he told melbournefc.com.au. “I was pretty rusty early. I missed a couple of kicks, but then I started finding my feet and I’ve got some areas I still really need to improve on, particularly the defensive aspect. I’ll just keep chipping away and I’m just keen to make sure I play my role and continue to lead the best way I can, and help the boys continue to improve. I just want to see us win more games and become a more consistent footy club.”
The ton is finally cracked
On Queen’s Birthday, Melbourne booted 13.9 (87) against Collingwood - its highest score of the season. Although the Demons went down by 42 points against the Pies, it was one positive from the result. In its second victory of the season, the Demons finally cracked the 100 point barrier, booting 20.15 (135). Importantly, not only did a 78 point win occur, the spread of goal kickers was important. The Demons had 10 goal scorers, with Mitch Clark and Jared Rivers booting four goals each, Colin Garland (three) and Aaron Davey and Colin Sylvia chipping in with two apiece.
An opportunity is presented
Coach Mark Neeld stated in the lead-up to the second half of the year that a new season is now on in earnest. On the back of a poor start to the season, Melbourne needed to refocus and set its sights on the rest of 2012. It started with an emphatic 78 point win over Greater Western Sydney and, while the challenges remain, Melbourne’s next six matches are against teams outside of the top eight. Unlike the first half of the season, when the Demons played seven of last year’s eight finalists from rounds five to 11, Melbourne has an opportunity to add some wins to its name. It won’t be easy, but the opportunity is there for the taking, and it will be fascinating to see what eventuates. The next challenge comes from the in-form Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Sunday.
