RESPECT

[Demonland 73,135]

RESPECT by The Oracle (with a little help from Sam the Stats Man)

They say that a fortnight is a long time in football and the past two weeks have been a lot better than most for the Melbourne faithful whose team seems to be gaining some respect among their peers at long last. It's not the loud sort of respect that comes to mind when you hear someone belting out that old Aretha Franklin rocker but it's still a feel good emotion when you can spell out the seven letters of that word:

R - E - S - P - E - C - T

How amazing it is that one winning effort can do so much for a psyche damaged by some shattering results on the football field over the first half of the season!

And it wasn't just the victory but it was the way in which the victory was achieved. After holding the lead for most of the game, the Demons saw the game almost slip out of their grasp courtesy of the twin towers Brown and Bradshaw. Suddenly, the Dees were down by 11 points with almost three minutes remaining but they fought back emphatically to score two late goals and win the game by the slender margin of one solitary point.

While most true red and blue Demons have been basking in the warm glow of Melbourne's magnificent victory over the Brisbane Lions, others have been working hard analysing the club's season to date and looking at ways of finding some more improvement in the team in order to win even more respect from the football world.

Most of the latter group are expert professionals at the club but one of the "others" is our very own Sam the Stats Man who this week brings us his own simple statistical analysis of each player on the Melbourne list followed by his own brief summaries of where the individual players are at this particular moment.

Sam's work suggests that the Demons are continuing the pattern of last year where fitness and injuries have played a major role in getting the team to the position in which it currently sits - in last place!

Of course, injuries can't always be used as an excuse for poor displays and it's clear that Melbourne is a long way from Geelong in terms of the skill and experience but the Cats also have the advantage of a full side bar Matthew Egan to place on the field each week.

Similarly, the Western Bulldogs who are Melbourne's opponents this week, haven't fared badly in terms of injuries. True, they have a couple of quality players in Scott West and Shaun Higgins missing but that's about all and the depth of their playing list has hardly been tested in the way that Melbourne's has over the past season and a half.

The signs are there however, that Dean Bailey is slowly chipping away at most of the team's glaring deficiencies. A few shining lights are emerging out of yet another season from hell and while there's clearly a long way to go, the other clubs in the competition must now realise that they have to show the Demons at least some of that respect - particularly after they upset a top eight side with final four aspirations in the Brisbane Lions.

The big question this week is whether the Bulldogs will fall into the same trap this week at Telstra Dome?

But before we consider that question, let's take in Sam's famous statistical look at the Melbourne list to date in 2008 (a feature which will be repeated again at the end of the season): -

BARTRAM, Clint MFC - 13 games 3 goals - making a steady but if not spectacular return to the game after a long layoff with injury. Expect him to be even better next year.

BATE, Matthew MFC - 8 games 7 goals SFC Seniors - 2 games 2 goals SFC Reserves - 1 game 0 goals – his start to the season was curtailed by a hamstring injury that kept him out for the first six games. Returned for the win against Fremantle and has been making steady progress to the point where he has been among the team’s best over the past month.

BELL, Daniel MFC - 11 games 0 goals SFC Seniors - 3 games 1 goal – has struggled in defence most of the year and has been going through a stint at Sandringham where the emphasis has been on honing his defensive skills and decision making.

BODE, Jace MFC - 5 games 0 goals SFC Seniors - 5 games 2 goals - was given an opportunity at AFL level in recent matches and has been steady without producing any stand out performances.

BRUCE, Cameron MFC - 14 games 10 goals - took a long time to recover from the pre season knee injury that curtailed his preparation. Has returned to strong form in recent weeks and has shown some good leadership in that time.

BUCKLEY, Simon MFC - 6 games 0 goals SFC Seniors - 8 games 5 goals – had his ups and downs this season. Some good form at Sandringham saw a return to the Melbourne side in recent weeks.

CARROLL, Nathan MFC - 7 games 0 goals SFC Seniors - 4 games 1 goal – dropped after some inconsistent form in defence and has shown some good form in recent games with the Zebras.

CHENEY, Kyle SFC Seniors - 6 games 0 goals SFC Reserves - 4 games 2 goals – still learning the ropes at Sandringham and is currently out with a broken hand.

DAVEY, Aaron MFC - 12 games 9 goals – still not back to his devastating best of two or three years ago but has had some good patches. Incurred a one match suspension from the AFL side on the insistence of the leadership group due to "lack of preparation and unprofessionalism” when he in Darwin to attend a funeral incurring and will therefore play this week at Sandringham.

DUNN, Lynden MFC - 10 games 5 goals SFC Seniors - 3 games 3 goals - relishing a new role as a run with player where he is starting to accumulate some big scalps.

FRAWLEY, James MFC - 8 games 0 goals SFC Seniors - 5 games 0 goals – has been working hard as virtually the third tall in defence but recently found himself back at Sandy where he has produced some handy performances.

GARLAND, Colin MFC - 11 games 2 goals SFC Seniors - 2 games 0 goals – one of the club’s big improvers and a shining light in a hard working and heavily stretched defensive unit. Recently gained recognition form the AFL with a NAB Rising Star nomination.

GREEN, Brad MFC - 14 games 15 goals – showing outstanding leadership qualities and is one of the club’s best on a weekly basis.

GRIMES, Jack SFC Reserves - 2 games 0 goals – has recently returned from the long term injury list and has shown rare ball winning skills albeit at VFL reserves level.

HOLLAND, Ben MFC - 1 game 3 goals SFC Seniors - 5 games 12 goals - seems to have disappeared off the radar with a shoulder ailment that has kept him off the track for several weeks.

JAMAR, Mark MFC - 8 games 1 goal SFC Seniors - 4 games 2 goals – worked hard on his game and, despite a slow start and some inconsistent performances has recently been strongly pushing his claim for the number one rock berth at the club.

JOHNSON, Chris MFC - 5 games 0 goals SFC Seniors - 7 games 6 goals – was given an opportunity after several outstanding performances at Sandringham and showed his career could have turned the corner with a quality high possession game mainly off half back against the Brisbane Lions.

JOHNSON, Paul MFC - 10 games 2 goals SFC Seniors - 1 game 1 goal – one of the club’s most improved this season, Johnson missed some games earlier in the year with a broken hand but has cemented his place in the team as a ruckman/forward.

JONES, Nathan MFC - 14 games 9 goals – a solid contributor in the team’s midfield, he has shown some touches of brilliance but now has to work on improving his disposal to move his game up to a higher plane.

MARIC, Addam MFC - SFC Seniors - 10 games 18 goals SFC Reserves - 1 game 0 goals – youngster with some brilliant attacking skills who is learning the trade at Sandringham. With some work on his overall fitness, he could also be a midfield contender.

MARTIN, Stefan MFC - 1 game 0 goals SFC Seniors - 11 games 0 goals – the former basketballer finally broke through for his first game against Brisbane Lions after some very impressive. displays in defence at Sandringham. While he has a lot to learn, the potential is enormous.

McDONALD, James MFC - 13 games 1 goal - – the work horse and club leader assigned a more defensive role in recent games. Missed the Lions’ game before the break because of injury.

McLEAN, Brock MFC - 14 games 3 goals - was on track to win the “Bluey” by a big margin before breaking down with an ankle injury in round 14. Now out for the rest of the season.

McNAMARA, Tom MFC - SFC Seniors - 3 games 0 goals SFC Reserves - 7 games 1 goal – starting to show some good signs with the Zebras.

MEESEN, John MFC - SFC Seniors - 12 games 2 goals - his form at Sandy has been indifferent and he is still a fair way from breaking into the AFL.

MILLER, Brad MFC - 13 games 15 goals - has regained his confidence this year and responded well to a leadership role at the club.

MOLONEY, Brent MFC - 8 games 2 goals SFC Seniors - 1 game 0 goals - showed good form after a couple of difficult years when he was off the track more often than on it due to injury. Just when he looked to be nearing full fitness, he sustained a shoulder injury against Collingwood and is out for the rest of the season.

MORTON, Cale MFC - 11 games 5 goals SFC Seniors - 2 games 3 goals - was impressive in his debut season but his form tapered away and recently was dropped to the VFL where he has amassed high possessions at Sandy and earned praise as a player of the future.

NEITZ, David MFC - 5 games 3 goals - a neck injury forced Neita to retire from the game after five unproductive games at the start of the season.

NEWTON, Michael MFC - 1 games 1 goal SFC Seniors - 5 games 9 goals SFC Reserves - 2 games 4 goals – injuries and suspension have forced Newton's slow return through the Zebra reserves and more lately to their senior side where he has presented well and marked strongly although he has been erratic in front of goal.

PETTERD, Ricky MFC - 1 games 0 goals SFC Seniors - 2 game 0 goals SFC Reserves - 3 games 0 goals – another who is making slow progress in the VFL after returning from injury. In Petterd’s case, it has been a touch of osteitis pubis this year after his well documented lung problem in 2007.

RIVERS, Jared MFC - 6 games 0 goals SFC Seniors - 1 game 0 goals - hardly had a chance to reassert himself on the scene before an abdominal muscle injury prematurely put an end to his season again.

ROBERTSON, Russell MFC - 10 games 20 goals - another Demon sitting on the sidelines for the remainder of the year – in this case with an Achilles’ injury.

SPENCER, Jake ® MFC - SFC Seniors - 7 games 2 goals SFC Reserves - 5 games 1 goal - continues to showing enthusiasm and aggression in the ruck and remains a long term project.

SYLVIA, Colin MFC - 10 games 10 goals SFC Seniors - 1 game 2 goals - could he be finally coming of age as a goal kicking forward?

VALENTI, Shane ® MFC - 3 games 0 goals SFC Seniors - 8 games 8 goals - worked hard to gain promotion off the rookie list and although he has his limitations in terms of a lack of height and pace, he has been impressive in his brief appearances in the red and blue.

WARNOCK, Matthew MFC - 9 games 0 goals SFC Seniors - 4 games 0 goals - has had some difficult assignments against some the competition’s best players and while he may have lowered his colours on a few occasions, he continues to make headway as a key defender.

WEETRA, Isaac MFC - 2 games 0 goals SFC Seniors - 2 games 0 goals SFC Reserves - 9 games 7 goals – is struggling with his confidence in the Sandy reserves at the moment .

WHEATLEY, Paul MFC - 12 games 2 goals - one of the team’s most consistent performers, Wheats is getting a lot of the ball and has played some excellent games in defence.

WHELAN, Matthew MFC - 4 games 0 goals SFC Seniors - 6 games 2 goals - had a tough run with injuries and only recently broke his way back into the Melbourne team where his experience and defensive skills have been sorely missed.

WHITE, Jeff MFC - 12 games 5 goals SFC Seniors - 1 game 0 goals - dropped from the Melbourne side for the first time recently and is nearing the end of the road as he makes way for younger and taller ruckmen.

WONAEMIRRI, Austin ® MFC - 12 games 21 goals SFC Seniors - 1 game 1 goal - one of the season’s revelations, Aussie became the club’s goal kicking crumber when he came off the rookie list and established himself as a dangerous and exciting forward who is likely to win the club’s goal kicking this season.

YZE, Adem MFC - 4 games 5 goals SFC Seniors - 9 games 10 goals - nearing the end of his career and we can only expect the odd cameo role in Demon colours for the remainder of the season.

ZOMER, Trent ® MFC - SFC Seniors - 2 games 4 goals SFC Reserves - 7 games 21 goals – a young development player, Zomer has had a sniff of senior VFL football but is a fair way off becoming a regular at that level.

THE GAME Western Bulldogs v Melbourne at Telstra Dome Sunday 13 July 2008 at 2.10pm

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall Western Bulldogs 66 wins Melbourne 83 wins

At Telstra Dome Western Bulldogs 4 wins Melbourne 6 wins

Since 2000 Western Bulldogs 6 wins Melbourne 10 wins

The Coaches Eade 1 win Bailey 0 wins

MEDIA

TV Channel 7 (delayed telecast starting at 3pm)

RADIO 3AW MMM K-Rock

THE BETTING Western Bulldogs to win $1.07 Melbourne to win $7.50

LAST TIME THEY MET Western Bulldogs 24.17.161 d Melbourne 9.12.66 Round 2, 2008, at the MCG.

Melbourne received its second mauling in consecutive weeks as the Bulldogs brushed them aside with consummate ease and then smashed them to the tune of 95 points. It was not a pretty sight and the less said about this game, the better we will all be for it.

THE TEAMS

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Backs Dale Morris Brian Lake Dylan Addison

Half backs Ryan Hargrave Andrejs Everitt Lindsay Gilbee

Centreline Daniel Cross Matthew Boyd Farren Ray

Half forwards Brad Johnson Mitch Hahn Robert Murphy

Forwards Scott Welsh Will Minson Jason Akermanis

Followers Ben Hudson Daniel Giansiracusa Adam Cooney

Interchange Nathan Eagleton Jarrod Harbrow Josh Hill Stephen Tiller

Emergencies Peter Street Callan Ward Cameron Wight

In Jarrod Harbrow

Out Ryan Griffen (family reasons)

MELBOURNE

Backs Matthew Whelan Colin Garland Matthew Warnock

Half backs Brad Green Paul Wheatley Cameron Bruce

Centreline Colin Sylvia Cale Morton Lynden Dunn

Half forwards Chris Johnson Matthew Bate Simon Buckley

Forwards Paul Johnson Brad Miller Austin Wonaeamirri

Followers Mark Jamar Clint Bartram Nathan Jones

Interchange Daniel Bell Jace Stefan Martin Michael Newton Shane Valenti

Emergencies Jace Bode Nathan Carroll Jeff White

In Daniel Bell Cale Morton Michael Newton

Out Brock McLean (ankle) Jace Bode Aaron Davey (both omitted).

Field umpires Farmer McLaren Keating

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE …

I could write a book on how often this happens but just when you and I were starting to feel confident about the team having turned the corner, there was a surprise or two waiting around that very same corner.

It turns out that the injury sustained against the Lions by the man universally regarded as the club's leading contender for the club champion award, Brock McLean, was a lot worse than first thought. In fact, it has ended his season. Then there's Aaron Davey whose little misdemeanour in Darwin a couple of weeks ago, has earned him a one game suspension which means he's off to Sandringham this week. On top of all that, the club's most experienced midfielder, James McDonald still hasn't recovered from his injury.

These setbacks are party compensated for by the absence of Bulldog Ryan Griffen due to a family illness back home in Adelaide but I’m sorry to say, his loss won’t even up the ledger this week.

The Doggies have their eyes firmly set on the top spot on the ladder. They recruited well at the start of the year with former Crows Ben Hudson and Scott Welsh fitting in well and Will Minson has finally established himself in their forward line. The potency of the Bulldog attack is evident from the fact that they kicked over 100 points for their first 13 matches (in their last game they managed a paltry 99 in a winning score against Collingwood).

Against that, the Demons have a young defence and, although I expect them to acquit themselves well, I can’t see them doing enough to completely turn around the 95 point losing margin from round two.

Colin Garland has been a revelation this season taking on opposition tall and small forwards and he will have his work cut out this week with dynamic veteran Brad Johnson. Paul Wheatley could be a good match on another danger man in Robert Murphy and Matty Whelan is primed for Jason Akermanis who could possibly have his mind on other things – such as teaching the Chinese how to do handstands after an exhibition game in Shanghai.

The problem is that even in the Melbourne defence holds firm, the Bulldogs will still have the edge in the midfield through Adam Cooney who has been in brilliant form. Gilbee and Cross give their team a lot of run and without, McLean and Davey, the Demons don’t have the class to win this game.

Nor will Rodney Eade allow his team to fall into the same trap that befell Brisbane in the last round so I’m tipping the Western Bulldogs to win this game over a much improved Melbourne but at least the margin of 25 points will be respectable in comparison to the one we saw at the end of that game earlier in the year.

[The Great Pretender 473]

RESPECT by The Oracle (with a little help from Sam the Stats Man)

They say that a fortnight is a long time in football and the past two weeks have been a lot better than most for the Melbourne faithful whose team seems to be gaining some respect among their peers at long last.

Hate to think what Sunday night would be like if we play like we did last time!

[deanox 9,986]

BRUCE, Cameron MFC - 14 games 10 goals

BUCKLEY, Simon MFC - 6 games 0 goals

DAVEY, Aaron MFC - 12 games 9 goals

DUNN, Lynden MFC - 10 games 5 goals

GREEN, Brad MFC - 14 games 15 goals

JAMAR, Mark MFC - 8 games 1 goal

JOHNSON, Chris MFC - 5 games 0 goals

JOHNSON, Paul MFC - 10 games 2 goals

JONES, Nathan MFC - 14 games 9 goals

McDONALD, James MFC - 13 games 1 goal

McLEAN, Brock MFC - 14 games 3 goals

MOLONEY, Brent MFC - 8 games 2 goals

MORTON, Cale MFC - 11 games 5 goals

VALENTI, Shane ® MFC - 3 games 0 goals

WHEATLEY, Paul MFC - 12 games 2 goals

WHITE, Jeff MFC - 12 games 5 goals

BATE, Matthew MFC - 8 games 7 goals

MILLER, Brad MFC - 13 games 15 goals

ROBERTSON, Russell MFC - 10 games 20 goals

SYLVIA, Colin MFC - 10 games 10 goals

WONAEMIRRI, Austin ® MFC - 12 games 21 goals

A couple of stats interested me there Sam.

The midfield group (including ruckmen who rest forward): games 166, goals 69.41 goals from the midfield.

With 14 rounds gone, those 166 games represent 12 of the 22 players on the field each week, on average. that means less than 5 goals per week are coming from our midfield, which to me is not enough. adding in the fact that davey green and bruce have actually played in the forward line at times (ie not kicking goals from the midfield) it makes it even more of a problem.

Forward group: 53 games, 73 goals. 1.37 goals per game from the forward group.

people are hailing bate as a forward but he has kicked less goals than games. until he lifts that he isn't doing his job up forward. sylvia is excused for now because he has played a few games in defence. but if he continues to play up forward he will need to lift that to 2 goals per game. same goes for miller.

a bag every few weeks isnt good enough, players who play forward need to kick 1.5-2 goals every week then the occassional bag of 4-5.

[w00dy 146]

MELBOURNE

Backs Matthew Whelan Colin Garland Matthew Warnock

Half backs Brad Green Paul Wheatley Cameron Bruce

Centreline Colin Sylvia Cale Morton Lynden Dunn

Half forwards Chris Johnson Matthew Bate Simon Buckley

Forwards Paul Johnson Brad Miller Austin Wonaeamirri

Followers Mark Jamar Clint Bartram Nathan Jones

Interchange Daniel Bell Jace Stefan Martin Michael Newton Shane Valenti

Emergencies Jace Bode Nathan Carroll Jeff White

In Daniel Bell Cale Morton Michael Newton

Out Brock McLean (ankle) Jace Bode Aaron Davey (both omitted)

That's the side pretty much everyone wanted ... We'll all be pretty happy!

[Jaded No More 68,972]

Perfect

I'll be watching Newton intently, as the last time I saw him in a senior match he disappointed and angered me greatly with his selfish attitude and weak skills.

Looking forward to him proving me wrong!

[_becks_ 35]

If they are going to play Newton, then they need to start him on the ground. He's no good to us on the bench, its not like he's a midfielder who'll be running all day.

[Yencks 8]

just imagine if newton came out and kicked 6 goals

it would be the story of the year

well not quite...but it wouldnt be too bad

[Jaded No More 68,972]

just imagine if newton came out and kicked 6 goals

it would be the story of the year

well not quite...but it wouldnt be too bad

I swear if Newton comes out and kicks 6 on Sunday I'll sell all my shoes and donate the money to the club

[LeBron James 41]

I swear if Newton comes out and kicks 6 on Sunday I'll sell all my shoes and donate the money to the club

Bookmarked

Carn Juice!

[tess 19]

I swear if Newton comes out and kicks 6 on Sunday I'll sell all my shoes and donate the money to the club

I wonder what you would get for 7 pairs of clogs?

[Jaded No More 68,972]

I wonder what you would get for 7 pairs of clogs?

You must have me confused with Ben Holland

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

I'm very happy with those changes.

[Rogue 585]

With McLean, Moloney, and McDonald all missing from the middle, it could be a long day for the midfield - not to mention Jamar rucking.

On the positive side, I guess some second-tier runners will get opportunities. It'll be a big test for Valenti.

[ucanchoose 1,816]

Perfect

I'll be watching Newton intently, as the last time I saw him in a senior match he disappointed and angered me greatly with his selfish attitude and weak skills.

Looking forward to him proving me wrong!

Yes the most pathetic game of football by an individual was the inept, ball shirking effort he put up last time. Better put his head over the ball or he can go.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

With McLean, Moloney, and McDonald all missing from the middle, it could be a long day for the midfield - not to mention Jamar rucking.

I'd love to see Bell get a run in the middle.

[Roost It 1,434]

Newton leads out, poor kick at his ankles, he bends down grabs it with both hands, turns one way, then the other, shrugs a tackle, steps around Lake onto his left, from outside 50 Neeewwwwwwwtooooon!, the Demons are back in front.

[deanox 9,986]

Newton leads out, poor kick at his ankles, he bends down grabs it with both hands, turns one way, then the other, shrugs a tackle, steps around Lake onto his left, from outside 50 Neeewwwwwwwtooooon!, the Demons are back in front.

so newton kicks the first goal of the game? better get down to the TAB and put some cash on it

[Rogue 585]

so newton kicks the first goal of the game? better get down to the TAB and put some cash on it

"Back in front" implies it's not the first goal of the game

[deanox 9,986]

"Back in front" implies it's not the first goal of the game

no, back in front implies its not the first score of the game

[Rogue 585]

no, back in front implies its not the first score of the game

True. Touche.

Nothing to indicate it's the first goal of the game though, and more likely not

[Roost It 1,434]

no, back in front implies its not the first score of the game

no, back in front implies we're storming home all over the top of the Doggies,

Hang on, Miller marks on centre wing, chips the ball to Bate at half forward, quick hands to Buckley. Newton leads from the square, ball kicked wide, spills to the deck Newton follows up and gathers with one hand, shakes of Lake swings on a dime and drills it!!! Demons by 8 points with 12 minutes left

[deanox 9,986]

no, back in front implies we're storming home all over the top of the Doggies,

Hang on, Miller marks on centre wing, chips the ball to Bate at half forward, quick hands to Buckley. Newton leads from the square, ball kicked wide, spills to the deck Newton follows up and gathers with one hand, shakes of Lake swings on a dime and drills it!!! Demons by 8 points with 12 minutes left

12 minutes left in the first quarter?

thats hardly storming home...

ok im giving up now.

but i really like the idea that a commentator would go crazy over newton and use the line 'the dees are back in front' after we kicked the first behind and the dogs kicked the next two

[Bates Mate 4,508]

Barring injury I would be happy if they left this side as is for the next 4-5 weeks to see weather some of these guys are up to it eg juice , bell , jamar then bring back the old timers in the last 2 rounds to say goodbye yze, holland , Jmac , white

[Real Demon 232]

I'd love to see Bell get a run in the middle.

Good call.........so would I !

[Roost It 1,434]

12 minutes left in the first quarter?

thats hardly storming home...

ok im giving up now.

but i really like the idea that a commentator would go crazy over newton and use the line 'the dees are back in front' after we kicked the first behind and the dogs kicked the next two

It's the last quarter and the doggies have just kicked a point. Bell chips the ball to Martin who plays on hanballs inboard to buckley who lays it off to Jones running through the centre chips it to Sylvia who swings onto his right and precedes to ram the ball down the leading Newton's throat. Set shot from right in front 45 out and he's split the middle for his sixth major of the afternoon and I think the Dees are home