SENIOR Demon Jared Rivers has conceded it has been challenging to stay motivated, given the team’s winless season to date, but he is determined to see it through and help turn the team’s fortunes around.
The former joint vice-captain spoke open and honestly about Melbourne’s 0-9 win/loss record, when he fronted the media at AAMI Park on Wednesday.
“Inconsistency with effort and the way we’re playing … we’re really just disappointed with the way we haven’t contributed for four quarters,” he said.
“People say that’s youth or not following the game plan or whatever, but it just comes down to effort in the end and that’s all the supporters and members want to see - us having a crack. We haven’t done that for four quarters, which has been disappointing. We’re not playing the way we want to play.
“It’s frustrating … but definitely, we’ll be trying this weekend to play a four quarter effort, which we haven’t done this year.”
But Rivers said he could see light at the end of the tunnel, under first-year coach Mark Neeld.
“The playing group has been great and the coaching staff has been great as well, [considering] how tough the season has been,” he said.
“We’re definitely improving and everyone is behind each other and everyone is doing all they can to try and make this club better.
“[It’s been] tough times, but in the next few weeks, we’ll at least try and snatch a win against Essendon or Collingwood and hopefully kick-start our season.”
Meanwhile, Rivers said former skipper Brad Green, who suffered a knee to the ribs against Carlton last round, is optimistic about playing against Essendon this Saturday night at the MCG.
“He’s going well. He told me the other day on the phone that he could be a chance this week,” he said.
The former joint vice-captain spoke open and honestly about Melbourne’s 0-9 win/loss record, when he fronted the media at AAMI Park on Wednesday.
“Inconsistency with effort and the way we’re playing … we’re really just disappointed with the way we haven’t contributed for four quarters,” he said.
“People say that’s youth or not following the game plan or whatever, but it just comes down to effort in the end and that’s all the supporters and members want to see - us having a crack. We haven’t done that for four quarters, which has been disappointing. We’re not playing the way we want to play.
“It’s frustrating … but definitely, we’ll be trying this weekend to play a four quarter effort, which we haven’t done this year.”
But Rivers said he could see light at the end of the tunnel, under first-year coach Mark Neeld.
“The playing group has been great and the coaching staff has been great as well, [considering] how tough the season has been,” he said.
“We’re definitely improving and everyone is behind each other and everyone is doing all they can to try and make this club better.
“[It’s been] tough times, but in the next few weeks, we’ll at least try and snatch a win against Essendon or Collingwood and hopefully kick-start our season.”
Meanwhile, Rivers said former skipper Brad Green, who suffered a knee to the ribs against Carlton last round, is optimistic about playing against Essendon this Saturday night at the MCG.
“He’s going well. He told me the other day on the phone that he could be a chance this week,” he said.
