RESPECT

[Demonland 73,140]

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.