COACH Dean Bailey says the team is in control of its own destiny for 2011.
Speaking at the annual general meeting on Thursday, Bailey said it was up to the team to steer the direction it wants to take this year.
“The challenges that we’ve had this year are actually in our control, which is a magnificent situation to be in,” he said.
“This year more than any other year - from a training and percentage point-of-view - we’ve had more players do 70 per cent-plus than we’ve had in the last two years.
“We can control that, and our players are going to benefit from that.”
At this stage, Melbourne has 37 players available to choose from for next week’s NAB Cup opener against Adelaide and Port Adelaide.
This includes Aaron Davey, Liam Jurrah and Jamie Bennell, who missed Thursday’s intra-club due to commitments with the Indigenous All-Stars team, along with Brad Green (illness) and Nathan Jones (general soreness).
Bailey said internal pressure for spots had also increased.
“It’s not only going to bring out the best out of our players, but the best out of our club. It’s a club first concept that we’re striving towards,” he said.
“Cameron [Schwab] has mentioned before on a number of occasions [about becoming] the team of the decade. Well, these young men have that opportunity to do that. Very few get the chance to do that and be the part of history.
“It’s a pretty significant thing, and we control that.”
In terms of the number of victories this season, Bailey said the aim was simple.
“We’re hoping to win as many games as we can this year,” he said.
“We aim to be competitive in every corner every time we wear the Melbourne jumper, and we want go out there and be super competitive.”
Speaking at the annual general meeting on Thursday, Bailey said it was up to the team to steer the direction it wants to take this year.
“The challenges that we’ve had this year are actually in our control, which is a magnificent situation to be in,” he said.
“This year more than any other year - from a training and percentage point-of-view - we’ve had more players do 70 per cent-plus than we’ve had in the last two years.
“We can control that, and our players are going to benefit from that.”
At this stage, Melbourne has 37 players available to choose from for next week’s NAB Cup opener against Adelaide and Port Adelaide.
This includes Aaron Davey, Liam Jurrah and Jamie Bennell, who missed Thursday’s intra-club due to commitments with the Indigenous All-Stars team, along with Brad Green (illness) and Nathan Jones (general soreness).
Bailey said internal pressure for spots had also increased.
“It’s not only going to bring out the best out of our players, but the best out of our club. It’s a club first concept that we’re striving towards,” he said.
“Cameron [Schwab] has mentioned before on a number of occasions [about becoming] the team of the decade. Well, these young men have that opportunity to do that. Very few get the chance to do that and be the part of history.
“It’s a pretty significant thing, and we control that.”
In terms of the number of victories this season, Bailey said the aim was simple.
“We’re hoping to win as many games as we can this year,” he said.
“We aim to be competitive in every corner every time we wear the Melbourne jumper, and we want go out there and be super competitive.”
