COACH Mark Neeld says injuries were not an excuse for Melbourne’s 61-point loss to Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Sunday.
The Demons lost ruckman Mark Jamar and midfielder Nathan Jones before the start of the match. Both withdrew due to calf injuries.
Young defender Tom McDonald also left the ground early in the first term after copping a heavy knock.
The key position player took no further part and was replaced by substitute Sam Blease.
This was on top of the loss of key forward Mitch Clark for the rest of the season and veteran Aaron Davey (hamstring) in the lead-up to round 14.
But Neeld refused to use the lack of some key personnel as a reason for the comprehensive loss.
“Injuries are part of the game and there are a few clubs going through that at the moment, so it tests your depth,” he said post-match.
“It’s testing our depth, but they certainly weren’t the reasons why we got beaten.”
Meanwhile, Neeld praised the performance of superstar Lion Jonathan Brown, who starred with four goals, 24 disposals and 12 marks.
“Jonathan Brown is an outstanding player and has been for a long time and we couldn’t handle him on occasions,” he said.
The Demons lost ruckman Mark Jamar and midfielder Nathan Jones before the start of the match. Both withdrew due to calf injuries.
Young defender Tom McDonald also left the ground early in the first term after copping a heavy knock.
The key position player took no further part and was replaced by substitute Sam Blease.
This was on top of the loss of key forward Mitch Clark for the rest of the season and veteran Aaron Davey (hamstring) in the lead-up to round 14.
But Neeld refused to use the lack of some key personnel as a reason for the comprehensive loss.
“Injuries are part of the game and there are a few clubs going through that at the moment, so it tests your depth,” he said post-match.
“It’s testing our depth, but they certainly weren’t the reasons why we got beaten.”
Meanwhile, Neeld praised the performance of superstar Lion Jonathan Brown, who starred with four goals, 24 disposals and 12 marks.
“Jonathan Brown is an outstanding player and has been for a long time and we couldn’t handle him on occasions,” he said.
