THE BOOKENDS of Melbourne’s 39-point loss to Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Thursday night were most disappointing for coach Dean Bailey.
Speaking post-match, Bailey said “a poor start and poor finish” ultimately ended his side’s chances of advancing into the third week of the NAB Cup. Essendon kicked the opening two goals and finished the match with four in a row, ending any thought of a Melbourne win.
“The stats tell the facts of the game - the tackling, contested possessions, clearances, inside 50s. It just wasn't good enough,” he said.
But Bailey praised the Bombers for their ability to harass his side.
“Their pressure was good early and I give them credit. I thought we chose some difficult decisions with our ball use and we paid dearly for it,” he said.
"Part of it was Essendon's pressure but some of our decision-making coming out of our back 50 was poor."
Bailey said his side’s inability to create enough uncontested marks was also telling.
“We had quite a few that were intercepted and a few that were spoilt,” he said.
“You are not going to win too many games with the results coming out of the stats, the contested possessions, the tackling.”
Still, Bailey suggested it was a minor blip in what is the start of a long season.
"They are very competitive young blokes and the more games they play the better they are going to get,” he said.
“They set a very high standard with how they go about their preparation and how they play.
“They are always going to be producing the best they can because that is the type of player they are."
Meanwhile, defender Colin Garland (calf) was the only injury from the Melbourne camp.
Speaking post-match, Bailey said “a poor start and poor finish” ultimately ended his side’s chances of advancing into the third week of the NAB Cup. Essendon kicked the opening two goals and finished the match with four in a row, ending any thought of a Melbourne win.
“The stats tell the facts of the game - the tackling, contested possessions, clearances, inside 50s. It just wasn't good enough,” he said.
But Bailey praised the Bombers for their ability to harass his side.
“Their pressure was good early and I give them credit. I thought we chose some difficult decisions with our ball use and we paid dearly for it,” he said.
"Part of it was Essendon's pressure but some of our decision-making coming out of our back 50 was poor."
Bailey said his side’s inability to create enough uncontested marks was also telling.
“We had quite a few that were intercepted and a few that were spoilt,” he said.
“You are not going to win too many games with the results coming out of the stats, the contested possessions, the tackling.”
Still, Bailey suggested it was a minor blip in what is the start of a long season.
"They are very competitive young blokes and the more games they play the better they are going to get,” he said.
“They set a very high standard with how they go about their preparation and how they play.
“They are always going to be producing the best they can because that is the type of player they are."
Meanwhile, defender Colin Garland (calf) was the only injury from the Melbourne camp.
