MARK Neeld says he will not place any limits on where his side can finish in 2013.
Although the second-year Melbourne coach remained pragmatic about where his squad was at for 2013 – the Demons have the third least experienced list in terms of total matches played – he was not going to put a lid on what could happen.
“We’re not going to put any ceiling on what we can achieve,” he said at the club’s Commencement Dinner on Thursday night.
“We’re going to be realistic in where we’re at.
“Throughout the year, it’s important our members and supporters don’t lose sight of that.”
Neeld said the club had a “really clear plan” in place, and the players and coaches couldn’t wait to test it from round one. He added that this year’s list would be “seriously competitive” for longer periods throughout the year.
“We’re building something that we think is pretty special at the Melbourne footy club,” he said.
“This season presents us with another opportunity to develop and educate and build our footy club.
“We can’t forget though … there is a little bit of managing expectations perhaps – we’re in a competitive industry and there are absolutely no shortcuts for success. There’s no substitute for hard work.”
Neeld said the introduction of Shannon Byrnes, Chris Dawes and David Rodan had already proved beneficial to the club. He said their experience and guidance with the younger players had been noticeable in the pre-season.
But he said Melbourne’s established and older players, suggesting the 25 year -olds or more would play a crucial part in the club’s 2013 fortunes.
“Fundamental to our short-term success and competitiveness are going to be the players already at our footy club.”
“They’re the players who are going to drive us forward and keep things going, while the likes of Jimmy [Toumpas], Jack [Viney] and Dom [Barry] learn their craft.”
Reflecting on the pre-season, Neeld said he couldn’t have asked any more from his players.
“Pre-season is a time for hope, and it’s a great time to be around an AFL club,” he said.
“Every day we go to work and we go to our footy club – there are 45 young people, who are striving to be the best that they possibly can in their chosen craft.
“We oversee a program, and I can assure you that with those 45 players this pre-season they’ve put their head down and worked as hard as they possibly can.”
Meanwhile, Neeld also implored the Melbourne members and supporters to “try not to take every headline that’s written about our football club to heart”.
“Try not to get distracted. They’ll come and go,” he said.
