Dees want to be the team for the NT
Melbourne’s connection with the Northern Territory continued when the club ventured to the Top End last Tuesday, in preparation for Saturday night’s clash against the Brisbane Lions at TIO Stadium. Although the Demons went down by 19 points, coach Neil Craig said it was a critical week for the club, and he was delighted with the build-up.

“I thought our preparation was absolutely perfect for us,” he said.

“We came up last December to be exposed to the conditions. We came up early [for the match] to be in the conditions again and to train. I think that added to our preparation, and it added to our performance.

“We came up to be part of the Darwin community and the regional areas, because we actually want to be the Northern Territory Demons up here. Our responsibility is to actually embrace the Northern Territory and Darwin and Alice Springs and the regional areas and we intend to do that. Hopefully we’ve got some fans by our effort.”

Dees start with a bang
Melbourne won its fourth first quarter for the season, kicking 5.1 to 3.4. The only other times the Demons have been in front at the opening change this year have been against Greater Western Sydney (round four), Richmond (round eight) and the Western Bulldogs (round 14). Melbourne’s opening term was also its second best in 2013, just behind its 5.3 - also against the Brisbane Lions - in round five.

Fitzy continues his form
Although quiet against the Cats last round, Jack Fitzpatrick has been one player to blossom in recent weeks. In the past five matches, he has booted 10 goals, including three against the Sydney Swans in round 15, and a career best four against the Lions. He booted three in the first term, and added another in the final stanza. It was an impressive display from the forward/ruckman, as he has genuinely shown in the past month that he has a future at the top level. Although still early in his career, Fitzpatrick should be acknowledged for taking his game to another level in recent weeks. He said he had found belief, which had helped his cause.

“I started well and got three [goals] in the first quarter, which was always nice, but I tried to be a bit more involved and consistent in the game,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“I thought there were some things I did well, but at the same time, there were some things that I can continue to work on and improve. It’s slowly starting to feel like I belong in the side, rather than being in and out of the side and feeling like you’re playing in someone else’s spot. You start to feel as if it’s your position, and then you can play with a bit more confidence out there.

“The boys have a bit more trust [in me] and kick the ball in better spots. I’ve played a few games in a row now, and I’m hoping just to continue a bit of good form at the end of the year.”

Dees record two ‘best’ losses against Lions
With just two wins for the season, losses have been all too common for Melbourne in 2013. Close defeats haven’t been forthcoming either, but its lowest two ‘best’ losing margins for the year have now come against the Brisbane Lions in round five (28 points) and 19 points on the weekend. Melbourne managed to win two quarters against the Lions this round, but a 21 point loss in the second quarter proved the difference in the result.

Craig remains committed
Neil Craig has given his all since taking over as coach from Mark Neeld, who departed at the midway stage of the season. Although Craig remains committed to the cause for the rest of the season, he said it remains a wait and see process for 2014.

“I mean this sincerely, but when Mark left, my commitment to the Melbourne footy club, after talking to Peter Jackson was [for] 11 weeks – to be the interim senior coach,” he said.

“My commitment to the playing group was that I would coach as hard as I could and I intend to be good for my word on that. By that time, Melbourne would’ve decided the type of coach that it would’ve required, that’ll be the time to consider my situation. It could be a very quick decision, [in terms of] the type of coach Melbourne want and I [could be] completely different to that, and that’s fine.

“I’ll say it again in the public arena, but it’s really important that Melbourne, first of all, decides what type of coach they want and then they go after the coach that fits that profile, so that’s the first step in it all.”