COACH Dean Bailey says his side is ready to take on any side in the competition in 2011.
Speaking at Melbourne’s family day at Luna Park on Sunday, Bailey said his team is ready to take on every challenge thrown its way in the upcoming premiership season.
“Our weights program has certainly got them (our players) a lot stronger than in previous years and we look forward to not only round one - but anyone and everyone and anywhere during this season,” he said at the club’s family day at Luna Park on Sunday.
“We’ve certainly put in a really hard pre-season - there’s no doubt about that and every club will say that - but our guys have spent a lot of time in the gym.
“You’ll notice, when we talk about the fitness aspect of it … the guys have put on their weight around their arse and the top of their hamstrings.
“We know it’s an area we’ve got to get bigger in.”
Bailey is hopeful Melbourne’s stronger bodies will result in greater defensive pressure.
“Hopefully some of the tackles [will be] sticking this year and you’ll see us breaking tackles,” he said.
“It was fantastic to see someone like Neville Jetta apply eight or nine tackles and two or three rippers [against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday].
Although disappointed about the 29-point loss to the Lions and acknowledging his team’s pre-season had produced mixed results, Bailey was pleased with some of his youngsters against the Lions.
“We were able to get some game-time into young Jordan Gysberts,” he said.
“And certainly Luke Tapscott, who played down back - that’ll be something that we’ll see over this short period of time, but hopefully for the longer period as well.
“We had a young guy come in and play - Tom McDonald, who is 196cm and he certainly showed some class for us down back.
“Sometimes you’ve got to give young men an opportunity and we’ve got to give them a taste … and see what they’ve got to achieve.”
Meanwhile, Bailey made special mention of the Melbourne supporters for their commitment in the past three years.
“You deserve not only acknowledgement, but a pat on the back for supporting a great club,” he said.
“Believe me, every time we run out - we’ll be doing our best this year, so get along to the ‘G in 2011.”
Speaking at Melbourne’s family day at Luna Park on Sunday, Bailey said his team is ready to take on every challenge thrown its way in the upcoming premiership season.
“Our weights program has certainly got them (our players) a lot stronger than in previous years and we look forward to not only round one - but anyone and everyone and anywhere during this season,” he said at the club’s family day at Luna Park on Sunday.
“We’ve certainly put in a really hard pre-season - there’s no doubt about that and every club will say that - but our guys have spent a lot of time in the gym.
“You’ll notice, when we talk about the fitness aspect of it … the guys have put on their weight around their arse and the top of their hamstrings.
“We know it’s an area we’ve got to get bigger in.”
Bailey is hopeful Melbourne’s stronger bodies will result in greater defensive pressure.
“Hopefully some of the tackles [will be] sticking this year and you’ll see us breaking tackles,” he said.
“It was fantastic to see someone like Neville Jetta apply eight or nine tackles and two or three rippers [against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday].
Although disappointed about the 29-point loss to the Lions and acknowledging his team’s pre-season had produced mixed results, Bailey was pleased with some of his youngsters against the Lions.
“We were able to get some game-time into young Jordan Gysberts,” he said.
“And certainly Luke Tapscott, who played down back - that’ll be something that we’ll see over this short period of time, but hopefully for the longer period as well.
“We had a young guy come in and play - Tom McDonald, who is 196cm and he certainly showed some class for us down back.
“Sometimes you’ve got to give young men an opportunity and we’ve got to give them a taste … and see what they’ve got to achieve.”
Meanwhile, Bailey made special mention of the Melbourne supporters for their commitment in the past three years.
“You deserve not only acknowledgement, but a pat on the back for supporting a great club,” he said.
“Believe me, every time we run out - we’ll be doing our best this year, so get along to the ‘G in 2011.”
