THE SIGHT of Colin Garland almost catching, before embracing, a jumping Mark Neeld, whose arms were pumped up straight in the air, will be one of the great images of 2012.
Herald Sun photographer Wayne Ludbey, the brother-in-law of the late great Jim Stynes, captured the moment. It will surely enter the football annuals, given the context of the club’s year.
Not only was it Melbourne’s first win of 2012, but it was Neeld’s inaugural victory as senior coach, after the then bottom of the ladder Demons defeated the second placed Bombers in a stirring six-point victory at the MCG on Saturday night.
Leader Mark Jamar summed it up well, when recognising the difficult start Neeld has faced.
“I reckon it’s great for Neeldy,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“It’s a little bit of a reward for such a hard time he’s been coping in the press.
“We’ve stayed true to him, and the club has stayed true to him and we’ll keep on staying true to him, because we believe in him and he’s going to take this group forward.”
Post-match, I was fortunate enough to see the coach embrace his wife Sarah and children after the match. It was a great inner sanctum moment, for they would truly appreciate what he has experienced.
Granted, it was Melbourne’s sole win from an otherwise frustrating and disappointing season. And this was not lost on Neeld, who stressed that in his post-match media conference.
But he was more than entitled to be caught up in the moment, given the initiation he has encountered.
To witness those scenes are the absolute reason why we love the game.
It was sheer, raw emotion. It wasn’t stage-managed. It was real. And if Melbourne had have played a straight bat with its emotions, it would’ve been false.
That’s why it connected with all who love the red and blue - and those who momentarily took the Demons on as their own. It was the underdog over the favourite - the ultimate story, still loved today.
And in an era where the game is at its most intensely scrutinised from all and sundry, there will be views that Melbourne’s celebrations were over the top. But surely even the most cynical couldn’t have denied Melbourne’s moment in the sun, given it has endured one of the most remarkable seasons on and off the field.
For no one could have predicted Melbourne’s much publicised 2012.
Much of the ensuing spotlight on the club has been scathing, and at times personal. Rightly or wrongly, that’s the reality.
And Neeld has copped much of the brunt, despite doing his absolute darnedest to get the job done - and to do it well.
Still, the pressure on the entire club has been akin to facing Curtly Ambrose on a crumbling deck in poor light.
So it was to be expected that the win would release the pressure valve somewhat - it’s human nature.
Celebrations have to take place, even in tough times, otherwise what’s the point of the journey? Remaining focused - yes, but realising when success comes along must be enjoyed.
The reality is that Melbourne has already ‘celebrated’ its win and moved onto Monday’s Queen’s Birthday clash against Collingwood - its biggest home and away game for the season.
It’s part of Melbourne’s ’24 hour rule’, where it can react to the situation - win, lose or draw.
Still, there’s no doubt that confidence will be built from this match. Regardless of Melbourne’s win/loss ratio for the rest of 2012, it can refer back to this point as an area to draw from.
Hope has also been reassured for all those who love the red and blue.
Pride has also been returned. Anecdotally and even through my own eyes, it was fascinating to see plenty of people in the city of Melbourne and beyond wearing the red and blue the following day after the win.
The humanitarian aspect of the game is intriguing.
It is a religion and a way of life for many. That way of life can come in varying forms for players, coaches, supporters, administrators and media people who shape the game. They all have their own fascinating take on the game and certain quirks and traits, which come with each.
It means a lot to many. And so it should. It must be kept in perspective, but it must be celebrated when opportunities are presented. For why else do we play the game?
Herald Sun photographer Wayne Ludbey, the brother-in-law of the late great Jim Stynes, captured the moment. It will surely enter the football annuals, given the context of the club’s year.
Not only was it Melbourne’s first win of 2012, but it was Neeld’s inaugural victory as senior coach, after the then bottom of the ladder Demons defeated the second placed Bombers in a stirring six-point victory at the MCG on Saturday night.
Leader Mark Jamar summed it up well, when recognising the difficult start Neeld has faced.
“I reckon it’s great for Neeldy,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“It’s a little bit of a reward for such a hard time he’s been coping in the press.
“We’ve stayed true to him, and the club has stayed true to him and we’ll keep on staying true to him, because we believe in him and he’s going to take this group forward.”
Post-match, I was fortunate enough to see the coach embrace his wife Sarah and children after the match. It was a great inner sanctum moment, for they would truly appreciate what he has experienced.
Granted, it was Melbourne’s sole win from an otherwise frustrating and disappointing season. And this was not lost on Neeld, who stressed that in his post-match media conference.
But he was more than entitled to be caught up in the moment, given the initiation he has encountered.
To witness those scenes are the absolute reason why we love the game.
It was sheer, raw emotion. It wasn’t stage-managed. It was real. And if Melbourne had have played a straight bat with its emotions, it would’ve been false.
That’s why it connected with all who love the red and blue - and those who momentarily took the Demons on as their own. It was the underdog over the favourite - the ultimate story, still loved today.
And in an era where the game is at its most intensely scrutinised from all and sundry, there will be views that Melbourne’s celebrations were over the top. But surely even the most cynical couldn’t have denied Melbourne’s moment in the sun, given it has endured one of the most remarkable seasons on and off the field.
For no one could have predicted Melbourne’s much publicised 2012.
Much of the ensuing spotlight on the club has been scathing, and at times personal. Rightly or wrongly, that’s the reality.
And Neeld has copped much of the brunt, despite doing his absolute darnedest to get the job done - and to do it well.
Still, the pressure on the entire club has been akin to facing Curtly Ambrose on a crumbling deck in poor light.
So it was to be expected that the win would release the pressure valve somewhat - it’s human nature.
Celebrations have to take place, even in tough times, otherwise what’s the point of the journey? Remaining focused - yes, but realising when success comes along must be enjoyed.
The reality is that Melbourne has already ‘celebrated’ its win and moved onto Monday’s Queen’s Birthday clash against Collingwood - its biggest home and away game for the season.
It’s part of Melbourne’s ’24 hour rule’, where it can react to the situation - win, lose or draw.
Still, there’s no doubt that confidence will be built from this match. Regardless of Melbourne’s win/loss ratio for the rest of 2012, it can refer back to this point as an area to draw from.
Hope has also been reassured for all those who love the red and blue.
Pride has also been returned. Anecdotally and even through my own eyes, it was fascinating to see plenty of people in the city of Melbourne and beyond wearing the red and blue the following day after the win.
The humanitarian aspect of the game is intriguing.
It is a religion and a way of life for many. That way of life can come in varying forms for players, coaches, supporters, administrators and media people who shape the game. They all have their own fascinating take on the game and certain quirks and traits, which come with each.
It means a lot to many. And so it should. It must be kept in perspective, but it must be celebrated when opportunities are presented. For why else do we play the game?
