COMETH THE HOUR? by the Pinkster

With so many regular faces missing from the Demons line up for today's NAB Challenge Cup match against Brisbane, one would have thought that somebody in the team would have stood up to be counted in a game against the team touted by all of the pundits as being the red hot favorite for this year's wooden spoon.

However, there was certainly no hero today and very few consistent performers in the very hour when places for the opening round team were definitely up for grabs.

Melbourne left out Brad Green, Colin Garland and Liam Jurrah from a selected squad that was already missing Clint Bartram, James Frawley, Jack Trengove, Cale Morton, Jordie McKenzie, Jack Grimes Austin Wonaeamirri and Aaron Davey from among its recognised best 18 to 22 players but the fans were given very little to enthuse about.

The Dees led by a narrow margin at the first break after kicking the opening two goals but the Lions took control halfway through the second term with a dominant midfield and a superior ability to hit targets. They moved progressively further away in what was really a scrappy lacklustre contest to win by a comfortable margin of 29 points.

Melbourne's performance on the day was no improvement on last week's effort against Essendon with many disposal errors being committed. There was very little spirit shown either, apart from a little bit of a to do after Rohan Bail brought down Simon Black with a solid but fair bump in the last quarter but by then the game was, to all intents and purposes, well over.

The Demons are still searching for a tall, strong key forward. Jack Watts remains a work in progress. He kicked a couple of goals but didn't really impose himself on the game and needs to be more consistent with his marking. Recruits Jeremy Howe and Lucas Cook were given some opportunity but both are a way off top grade. Howe is a high flyer who will bring excitement to the game but needs more strings to his bow than just strong marking and Cook's a raw talent who will make a mark in the future. Stef Martin was forward early and causing the Lions' defence some problems with an early goal but he also had a couple of misses and faded out.

The smaller forwards fared better. Neville Jetta and Maric were the two players who stood up for the Demons up forward, the former

also having a run down the ground and impressing with his strong tackling. He provided a great example of commitment and endeavour to his teammates by running down every Lions player in sight and looks a big improver. Maric kicked three goals and should be a more regular player at AFL level this year. Ricky Petterd returned to the scene after his long lay off with a shoulder injury and took some good grabs but sprayed a couple of shots at goal.

The midfield was again undermanned and was well beaten on the day with Daniel Rich, Simon Black and Luke Power dominating out of the middle. Nathan Jones has still to find his feet after sustaining a back injury in the last game of 2010. Tom Scully struggled for possessions in his first hit out after suffering from knee soreness and showed signs that he has been under some pressure lately. He'll have to get used to this and, because he's a true professional, I'm sure he'll see it through. Colin Sylvia and Brent Moloney were workmanlike but not outstanding and the latter is still too much inclined to bomb the ball long, often to a two on one contest. Jordan Gysberts wasn't under as much pressure as his fellow first round draftee from 2009 and showed some good signs in his first game at this level since sustaining an injury in midseason last year after a promising start to his career.

The undermanned defence was under sustained pressure for most of the day and struggled without the likes of Frawley, Garland and Bartram. Neither Jared Rivers nor Joel Macdonald had their best days and Jamie Bennell was a bit inconsistent down back.

The much awaited first appearance of Luke Tapscott was pleasing. He had eleven touches in defence in a busy first half and should see much more senior action in the future. Other new faces to show a little bit were Dan Nicholson, Michael Evans and Tom McDonald.

All in all, it was a bit of an embarrassment and sadly, very few players stood up when the hour came for a player to be counted.

Melbourne 4.2.26 6.4.40 9.5.58 12.6.78

Brisbane Lions 3.4.22 7.8.50 13.9.87 16.11.107

Goals

Melbourne Maric 3 Watts 2 Bate Dunn Jamar Jetta Martin Petterd Sylvia

Brisbane Lions Power 3 Beams Bewick Clark O'Brien Polkinghorne Rockliff 2 Lester

Best

Melbourne Jetta Sylvia Maric Jamar

Brisbane Lions Power Rich Clark Redden

Injuries

Melbourne Bennell (shoulder)

Brisbane Lions Nil

Reports

Melbourne Nil

Brisbane Lions Nil

Umpires R Findlay S Ryan G Fila

Crowd approx. 3,000 at Visy Park

A great summary of what took place.Showed we need a Fevola type up forward. The players seemed lethargic, disinterested, not really wanting to be there. Need to come out and really perform against Hawthorn.Possibly playing against Bruce and Cheney may give them that extra spark.It would be interesting if Bruce runs with Green.

A great summary of what took place.Showed we need a Fevola type up forward. The players seemed lethargic, disinterested, not really wanting to be there. Need to come out and really perform against Hawthorn.Possibly playing against Bruce and Cheney may give them that extra spark.It would be interesting if Bruce runs with Green.

When you're missing 10 of the best of your best 22, it's going to have a significant impact on the game in many areas including contested ball.