MELBOURNE coach Dean Bailey has urged the club's members and supporters to turn out in force this Sunday when the Demons attempt to win their first match of the season against Carlton at the MCG.
Bailey is hopeful a crowd of 70,000 can turn out to see his side aim for its first win of the season against a revved up Carlton, which ended a 14-match losing streak with an impressive victory over Collingwood in round four.
"We need our members and we need supporters to come to the game.
“There are obviously going to be a lot of Carlton supporters that are going to turn up to the game, I would think, considering how many there were last weekend," Bailey said at the Junction Oval on Tuesday.
"We need our members and supporters to come and support us during this tough time, so that when we do come through and we hit the blue sky, at least they've been with us when we've struggled and hopefully they're going to be with us when we come out of the end.”
Turning his attention to on-field matters, Bailey said a strong start was crucial.
"I thought their attack on the footy and their persistence was really good," Bailey said of Carlton.
"They really moved the ball pretty well and their skill level and kicking was at a very high level, so they played very well for most of the game.
“I'm sure that their confidence is through the roof."
As for attempting to curb red hot Carlton forward Brendan Fevola, Bailey jokingly said the The Invisible Man could stand the Blues' spearhead.
(The superheroes reference came after Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse said Superman, Spider-Man and Batman could not have stopped Fevola last Sunday.)
"He's covered all the superheroes, hasn't he, Mick. I think he missed The Invisible Man. He might be the secret and come out of nowhere," Bailey said.
"Brendan was in real good touch and he creates a headache for us, no doubt."
The first-year Melbourne senior coach flagged some changes ahead of round five, naming Brent Moloney, Simon Buckley, James Frawley and the uncapped Addam Maric as potential inclusions.
"I think we might make a couple of changes – what they'll be we'll wait and see. Brad Miller accepting the week means we'll have to make at least one change and we might make another one," Bailey said.
"Buckley did some really good things and obviously Addam kicked five and looked really sharp at times in the Sandy game and 'Frawls' was also good – he's had a couple of good games."
"You throw them in with 'Aussie' [Austin Wonaeamirri] and obviously Cale Morton and there are a group of young players who need experience and they're starting to make their way, so I'm sure they'll be in the mix for selection."
