COACH Mark Neeld says his side’s last NAB Cup clash before the season proper will be predominantly made up of Melbourne’s round one team.
The Demons will take on Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium next Friday night.
But, on the back of Melbourne’s 79-point loss to Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium, Neeld said he was now unsure of his team’s best 22.
“Primarily yes [it will be our best side]. There is always the odd one, due to injury, who might not be ready to go that we might leave out,” he said.
“But primarily yes, we’d like to play a side that is close to round one.
“But, as we know, seven days is a long time in footy and what was my round one team seven days ago is now not. It may not be in seven days’ time, either.”
Despite being frustrated by Melbourne’s poor showing against the Hawks, Neeld said it was important to remain strong on the game plan.
“I don’t think you’re very strong on your convictions if you change the game plan,” he said.
“The NAB Cup series is a series to prepare for round one. I didn’t think that’d be the appropriate response.
“Hawthorn has got a core group of players who are bona fide elite AFL players, and I thought it was great for our boys to play against that in the NAB Cup series.”
Neeld found little to take from the match, although he suggested there was a glimmer from his forward line.
“I thought Mitch [Clark] was OK. He had half a dozen shots at goal,” he said.
“Jeremy Howe provides a bit of a highlight reel every now and then, and he needs to get a little bit more consistent, but I thought he was OK.
“I also thought Lynden Dunn worked hard.”
Neeld also thought the much scrutinised Jack Watts worked hard, without starring.
“In terms of response, he didn’t go out there because Mick Malthouse and Wayne Carey decided - in their eyes - he (Watts) didn’t play very well. Jack didn’t go out there to please those two,” he said.
“I thought his work rate has been quite good throughout the three games. So he’s given himself a chance to be selected next week, and he’s given himself a chance to play in round one.
“Part of what I’m learning, and what I’m sure Jack has already learnt is that part of being Jack Watts - for whatever reason - there is a fascination with a 20 year-old, 40-game player in the media.
“People either love to write about him or want to read about him. I’m not quite sure why, to be honest.”
The Demons will take on Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium next Friday night.
But, on the back of Melbourne’s 79-point loss to Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium, Neeld said he was now unsure of his team’s best 22.
“Primarily yes [it will be our best side]. There is always the odd one, due to injury, who might not be ready to go that we might leave out,” he said.
“But primarily yes, we’d like to play a side that is close to round one.
“But, as we know, seven days is a long time in footy and what was my round one team seven days ago is now not. It may not be in seven days’ time, either.”
Despite being frustrated by Melbourne’s poor showing against the Hawks, Neeld said it was important to remain strong on the game plan.
“I don’t think you’re very strong on your convictions if you change the game plan,” he said.
“The NAB Cup series is a series to prepare for round one. I didn’t think that’d be the appropriate response.
“Hawthorn has got a core group of players who are bona fide elite AFL players, and I thought it was great for our boys to play against that in the NAB Cup series.”
Neeld found little to take from the match, although he suggested there was a glimmer from his forward line.
“I thought Mitch [Clark] was OK. He had half a dozen shots at goal,” he said.
“Jeremy Howe provides a bit of a highlight reel every now and then, and he needs to get a little bit more consistent, but I thought he was OK.
“I also thought Lynden Dunn worked hard.”
Neeld also thought the much scrutinised Jack Watts worked hard, without starring.
“In terms of response, he didn’t go out there because Mick Malthouse and Wayne Carey decided - in their eyes - he (Watts) didn’t play very well. Jack didn’t go out there to please those two,” he said.
“I thought his work rate has been quite good throughout the three games. So he’s given himself a chance to be selected next week, and he’s given himself a chance to play in round one.
“Part of what I’m learning, and what I’m sure Jack has already learnt is that part of being Jack Watts - for whatever reason - there is a fascination with a 20 year-old, 40-game player in the media.
“People either love to write about him or want to read about him. I’m not quite sure why, to be honest.”
