Versatility is key: Neeld
After seven goals were shared between two former defenders, Demons coach Mark Neeld admits he wants an adaptable side
MELBOURNE coach Mark Neeld is hoping to develop a versatile team after two defenders turned forwards, Col Garland and Jared Rivers, kicked seven goals in the Demons' 78-point win over Greater Western Sydney at the MCG on Sunday.
Although the Demons had 10 goalkickers, it was that pair's contribution, and four goals in the first quarter from leading goalkicker Mitch Clark (who left the ground just before half-time after a heavy clash), which enabled the Demons to kick their biggest score for the season.
While Neeld said there was no guarantee the duo would be playing inside 50 long-term, he claimed their ability to do so was a massive bonus.
"If we can get that chemistry of a number of players being able to go through there it makes things perhaps a little more difficult for the opposition," Neeld said.
Things are beginning to look different down back too, with Tom McDonald, Jack Watts and Daniel Nicholson joining James Frawley, Joel McDonald and James Sellar in defence.
The Giants were kept scoreless in the third quarter and were restricted to just four goals after quarter-time.
In the middle are Jeremy Howe and Jack Grimes, players who have the ability to play either end of the ground but are becoming good stoppage players. The Demons won the centre clearance count 19 to seven and had 74 inside 50s to the Giants' 32.
"In modern footy the ability to play a number of roles is really important," Neeld said. "If we can develop that as a club that is a reasonable thing for us moving forward."
Melbourne met as a group on Monday to discuss the manner in which it wanted to play. For the most part, said Neeld, the group delivered on the objectives set.
Among those objectives were contested footy and tackles. The Demons had 13 tackles in the forward 50 in the first half and won the contested possession count by 27.
But the most pleasing aspect for the coach was the team's ability to stick to its structures, a consistent theme all season.
"GWS started really well and we held our composure and for the most part of the day we got the game on our terms," Neeld said.
The only disappointing aspect for the day came with a foot injury to Mitch Clark. The forward was best on ground in the first half with four first-quarter goals but left the ground just before half time after James Magner's knee collected him.
He will be monitored during the week.
