MARK Neeld isn’t overly sentimental about facing his former boss, Mick Malthouse, when the Demons play the Blues this Sunday at the MCG.
Speaking at a media conference on Thursday at AAMI Park, Neeld was thankful for all the support Malthouse had given him, but knew it would be irrelevant on Sunday.
“When teams go to battle, you go to battle,” he said.
Neeld said he hadn’t really had a chance to think about fronting Malthouse, as his focus was squarely on Melbourne’s preparation.
“I’d like to say [I have], but our reality is doing this job is so flat out,” he said.
“All I’m worried about is the Melbourne players and how we can get some more younger players in that have been playing really well and work with them.”
Neeld said he has previously spoken to and received advice from Malthouse, but “not this week though”.
The interaction isn’t unusual according to Neeld, who said many AFL coaches talk with each other, given most have worked along side one another as assistants.
“When you’re not [playing against each other] you don’t speak to all the other coaches, but there is a few of us that have actually worked together a lot along our own little paths,” he said.
“You catch up with them every now and then.”
Neeld was quick to point out that despite having worked under Malthouse and knowing him well, he wasn’t expecting it to give him any advantage this Sunday.
“I do know Mick, that’s obvious, but in terms of where we are and where Carlton are is completely different,” he said.
“The knowledge of what Carlton may or may not do is really irrelevant for me and irrelevant for our players.”
“We’ll just need to focus on some of the basic development aspects that we’re working on.”
Neeld said facing Malthouse was “a bit of a side plot”, but the club wouldn’t be paying attention to it.
“It’s just about focussing on what we do … we’ve had a little bit of practice at it here, just keeping our heads down and trying to develop our whole footy club, and we’ll continue to do so,” he said.
That development is coming along well, with Neeld highlighting Michael Evans, Dean Terlich and Matt Jones as stand out players in the past few weeks.
“Most of the positive edits that we’re showing the players are from Michael Evans who has played seven games, Matt Jones who has played four and Dean Terlich has played four, which is really exciting because that’s the future of our footy club,” Neeld said.
Neeld also praised the efforts of many Melbourne players that have been with VFL affiliate Casey.
“There’s been some really strong performances at Casey over the past three or four weeks from younger players and it’s at the stage now that their form is really good, that we can’t ignore it and their going to deserve an opportunity.”
Neeld plays down Mick showdown
Mark Neeld faces his former boss and mentor Mick Malthouse this Sunday