On the back of a disappointing day for the Demons, one player could hold his head high: Jeremy Howe. The high flyer from Dodges Ferry in Tasmania worked tirelessly, as he spent time across half-back, wing and in attack. His marking was again a feature of his game - he finished with 12 - and he also collected a career-high 24 disposals and booted two goals. Even more impressive, this was just his 16^th AFL match.

More to Richmond than just gun midfield trio

Brett Deledio, Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin are rightly lauded as the star trio in Richmond’s engine room. But the efforts of underrated ball-winners veteran Shane Tuck, almost 24 year-old Shaun Grigg and youngster Reece Conca, plus Bachar Houli and Nathan Foley could not be underestimated, as the quintet amassed close to 160 disposals.

Third quarters are hurting the Demons - big time

Melbourne has booted just four goals in its three third quarters this season, including one major against Richmond, which proved the catalyst in the wash-up. The Tigers smashed the Demons in the third term, with nine goals to one. Richmond went from an eight-point lead at half-time to a remarkable 59-point advantage at the final break. Although Melbourne managed to level the final term - both teams registered 5.2 - it was far too late.

It’s going to take time …

Mark Neeld was asked in his post-match media conference how long it would take the Demons to rise back up the ladder. Not once has Neeld said where Melbourne will finish in 2012, nor will he say when success will happen. Quite simply, he is a realist, and knows it’s going to take time. “You know that senior coaches aren’t going to give you timeframes. That’s not going to happen. What you do, you come into a club … there’s not too many senior coaches inherit a team at the top of the ladder. There have been a couple lately, but that’s rare. There’s a reason why the coach has changed and irrespective of that reason, there is always going to be a change of direction, because the club feels it needs to be that,” he said.

 … and the coach feels for the red and blue faithful

So many things happen at a football club. And Mark Neeld simply doesn’t have the time or the energy to waste on the past. Footy clubs are forever moving on, and Neeld knows he has to keep looking to the future. But he is experienced enough - and mindful - to understand that the hardcore red and blue faithful will take the losses hard. While he reassured all that morale was positive and “really good” at the club, he understood supporters were doing it tough. “My concern is the morale of the supporters. They need to stick at it and they need to understand that what we are trying to do here is put in place some quality structures and some quality programs within the footy club to make progress. Don’t worry about us, I’m worried about the sponsors and supporters - the people who come and support Melbourne - week in, week out. They’re the ones who we need to be concerned about.” But Neeld is adamant that he wants to get it right for the long term, and won’t be swayed by any “three card tricks”.