Speaking post-match after his side’s 10-point loss to North Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday, Bailey said the review and planning for 2011 would start this week and before the players depart for their break.
“Next week we will sit down and talk to the players and review the second half of the year - as we have reviewed the first half - and then we look at a total picture of the year, so we’ll do that over the next week,” he said.
“We have to make sure guys go away and get a break - it’s a physical game. To play the 22 weeks and the NAB Cup as well, they have put their bodies on the line … most players in this transition period will keep a reasonably good level of fitness anyway.
“I think most of our guys will go away and have a break, but they will remain active and come China [in October] it’ll be a good game of footy over there against Brisbane.”
Bailey said he was pleased with the further development of some of his players, highlighting second-year Demon Liam Jurrah, who kicked a career-best five goals against the Roos, as an example.
He also went on to praise the red and blue faithful for its continued support in 2010.
“I would like to think LJ (Jurrah) is one of many players they come to watch for what he can do,” he said.
“The support from the Melbourne members and supporters for the last two years has been outstanding. From where we have been to where we are this year - they keep buying memberships and they keep turning up - they’re an amazing group of people and we hope we can grow it.
“They have been outstanding and have really backed us in the last couple of years. Hopefully at least eight times this year they can walk around and be proud of being a Melbourne member and supporter with a smile on their face, which is fantastic.
