CLARK'S five goals, West Coast's rise, the midfield duo, not taking a trick and the long haul are among the points to emerge for Melbourne from round two ...
Mitch Clark delivers
Since arriving as a boom recruit for the club, Clark has been under the microscope from the football fraternity. After a tough start against his former side in the opening round, Clark produced an outstanding individual performance on a day when his team was on the end of a 108-point drubbing. An equal career-best five goals from nine team goals was a top result, considering the Dees had 32 inside 50s to 78 for the Eagles. Clark made the most of his opportunities, and although he didn’t clunk a mark, his ground work and agility proved a feature of his play. Some fine snaps around the body, plus a lovely set-shot from the boundary, were among the few highlights on an otherwise tough day.
West Coast will be a force in 2012
Mitch Clark delivers
Since arriving as a boom recruit for the club, Clark has been under the microscope from the football fraternity. After a tough start against his former side in the opening round, Clark produced an outstanding individual performance on a day when his team was on the end of a 108-point drubbing. An equal career-best five goals from nine team goals was a top result, considering the Dees had 32 inside 50s to 78 for the Eagles. Clark made the most of his opportunities, and although he didn’t clunk a mark, his ground work and agility proved a feature of his play. Some fine snaps around the body, plus a lovely set-shot from the boundary, were among the few highlights on an otherwise tough day.
West Coast will be a force in 2012
West Coast may have shot back up the ladder last year from bottom to fourth, surprising many, but they will be right up there again in 2012. It was no fluke. Mark Neeld was spot on when he described West Coast as “slick” post-match. They will be a force in 2012, and any team which can overcome West Coast on its home turf will have achieved an outstanding result. The Eagles had 19 of their 25 goals come from six multiple goalkickers, while they had another five players win 30 disposals or more. They dominated every area, and showed they will be right up there come September.
Jones and Magner will be good for each other
Jones and Magner will be good for each other
The former Dandenong Stingrays teammates have been reacquainted to form an important part of Melbourne’s midfield. They are tough, hard-at-it types, and their impact has already been evident in 2012. Second-gamer Magner (32 disposals) and emerging leader Jones (27 touches) showed their grit and never gave up against an outstanding West Coast engine room. The duo will be good for each player’s development throughout this year and beyond.
Sometimes s*** happens
Sometimes s*** happens
Melbourne’s past week - and month - of events have dominated the football fraternity. But even the littlest of things didn’t seem to go right for the Demons. Even the ‘back-up’ team bus, fully loaded with team and staff heading to the ground, had to be put into action after bus No.1 didn’t start following several attempts. It was superfluous in the wash-up, but added to a remarkable period for the club.
Rome wasn’t built in a day
Rome wasn’t built in a day
The start of the season has frustrated the hell out of many of the red and blue faithful. But the reality is that with a new coaching staff, game plan and list, which is still among the bottom five in the competition in terms of age and games experience, the reemergence of Melbourne will take time and patience. That’s the reality of the situation. Mark Neeld knew this entering the season, and he as much suggested from very early on that Melbourne would toss up a bit of everything in 2012. Realistically, Melbourne has the opportunity to get back on track this round against Richmond. It won’t be easy, but the reply needs to be strong against an also winless Tigers.
