JAKE Melksham says if his team plays with a strong defensive mindset against Fremantle, it will go a long way to winning Saturday night’s clash at TIO Stadium.
Melksham said the team was also determined to bring the right attitude for its round 16 clash, after a disappointing two-point loss to St Kilda at the MCG last Sunday.
“We didn’t play with much spirit last week, even late in the game when we kicked those goals and we were only a goal down,” he said from TIO Stadium on Friday.
“There wasn’t a heap of spirit there to win the game, so we certainly looked at all of that during the week and we’ll bring that tomorrow.”
Melksham said the ‘home’ game in Darwin was a great opportunity for the team to get back on the winners’ list.
“It’s great to see some sun and great to see all of the Melbourne fans who have come out to see us on Demon day. We’re really looking forward to getting into the game tomorrow (Saturday),” he said.
“It hasn’t been the best week upon reflection, considering we didn’t defend well and we played a poor game of footy and we don’t think that’s the Melbourne brand that we displayed last week.
“Tomorrow coming out on the deck here [at TIO Stadium] against Fremantle, we’re looking forward to defending really hard and playing the Melbourne way.”
Melksham said inclusions Charlie Spargo, Jeff Garlett, Billy Stretch and Sam Frost would provide “some speed and bounce” to the team.
“We’re coming into the backend of the year and you do start to get some tired legs, especially when you’re travelling – you have to do that little bit extra to get your body up,” he said.
“But we’re feeling good to go and can’t wait for tomorrow.”
Melksham said the importance of this game was not lost on the group.
“It’s huge. We’ve lost three in a row now – everyone knows that. That’s the reality.”
“We need to win to stay in the eight and also to keep our finals hopes alive.
“We’re going to come out here tomorrow and give it our best shot.
“For whatever reason, we came out last week against the Saints – a side we were expected to beat and we took our foot off the throttle. As I said, defence will be a big indicator of how we go.”
