Neeld makes his mark
If you didn’t know already, you would’ve by the end of Mark Neeld’s inaugural post-match media conference for premiership points. There was no spin, fluff or huff and puff - just a straight down the line, honest assessment of his team’s performance and where it sits right now. It mightn’t have been to everyone’s liking, but at least the new coach was able to identify reasons and state with conviction that it would take time. Several media types who have been in the game for a long time took note of Mark Neeld performance - no doubt the players will have too.
Mature-age, bargain basement recruits are gold
Ok, here’s the scenario. James Magner is a 24 year-old, who has dominated the VFL and has work/life experience behind him. In today’s football world, these are all important traits. On top of that, he’s tough, a ball-winner and committed to the cause. There was no doubt - and no surprise - that he was one of the good stories to emerge from an otherwise disappointing day. Magner was selected at No. 42 in last December’s NAB AFL Draft. That means he was the 149th selection, when you consider that 96 selections were had in the NAB AFL Draft, 11 selections were made in the NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft, and 42 were chosen in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft. That’s not to mention all the zone and trade selections in between. It’s easy to say it now - and all clubs have found their diamonds in the rough and overlooked others - but Magner looks a ripper.
No shades of grey, Black is brilliant
There is a reason Simon Black is one of the most decorated players of the modern era - even though he is oft-overlooked when many consider the great midfielders and players of the past decade. He was simply outstanding, with 30 disposals, and made the Melbourne engine room pay. The Demons in general can take plenty from Black’s lead. His leadership and example of how the game should be played continued in round one, and was a worrying sign for opposition clubs - not bad for a 32 year-old, 297-gamer.
Perth is a great opportunity
Crossing the Nullarbor and taking on the West Coast Eagles is never an easy task, especially on the back of a poor loss. But, as co-captain Jack Grimes told DeeTV soon after Saturday’s loss: “Bring it on, it’s the perfect test for us.” And he’s spot on. A competitive, full four-quarter effort will be demanded from Mark Neeld - and nothing less. The Demons have the opportunity to regroup on the road and give it their all. Changes will be made, with Neeld already confirming this. Character needs to be shown from the Demons, and this is the perfect opportunity to display it. Watch this space …
It’s only round one … let’s take a deep breath
Malcolm Blight said after Melbourne smashed Geelong in the opening round in 1994 that he “didn’t see many blokes win marathons by jumping out of the box” - or words to that effect. While there is no doubt that Saturday’s loss against Brisbane Lions was embarrassing, a deep breath must follow. Even a brutally honest Mark Neeld said post-match that the game was for four points and not 12. It’s just that round one is such a build-up. It was the first round of the season, and there are still 22 rounds to go. Yes, the immediate aftermath is a bitter pill to swallow for all Melbourne lovers, but regrouping quickly must take precedence. What ensues in the comings weeks and even first half of the season will ultimately dictate the season - not just one frustration. Sure, it’s going to be tough on the road against West Coast Eagles, but the game is far from over. Oh - and while this isn’t the suggestion - for the record, Geelong reached the grand final in 1994.
