BITTER, SWEET, BITTER

BITTER, SWEET, BITTER by Van Demon

The good news is that, according to the official records, Melbourne did not report any injuries from the game. Of course, this does not mean that the club finished the night injury free - only that it does not wish to publicise any injuries or niggles that might have affected its players after its 27 point defeat at the hands of Hawthorn. Unofficially, I was told that there were a few players suffering from corkies and other assorted ailments that are probably not serious but will need to be looked at over the coming fortnight.

The other good news is that the team started like a house on fire, kicking the first four goals and taking a 16 point lead into the huddle at quarter time which should have been more but for the fact that the defence suffered from a couple of poor lapses of concentration. Addam Maric booted the opening two goals and Jack Grimes and Colin Sylvia were in sparkling form. 

The first sign of any problems came in the second quarter. Really, a couple of soft frees and more defensive errors allowed the Hawks back into the game and then, just when the Demons started to reassert themselves and had the opportunity to build a decent lead at the main break, a few vital marks were spilled and Hawthorn took full advantage. It was still a meritorious effort to hold a 13 point lead at half time.

Unfortunately, all of the good work was undone in the first ten minutes of the third quarter when the Hawks piled on four goals. Heads dropped and the screws were applied. Poor decisions were made under pressure and the team was beaten out of the middle and in most positions on the ground.

After Melbourne's promising start to the pre-season in Adelaide, I have been disappointed to see the drop off in enthusiasm and confidence over recent weeks. Let's hope the real thing beings about a new attitude and some better form.

Kudos to Aaron Davey and Addam Maric. They did what was expected of them.

Melbourne 5.1.31 8.1.49 9.2.56 12.3.75

Hawthorn 2.3.15 5.5.35 11.9.75 15.12 102

Goals

Melbourne Maric 3 Jurrah 2 Bate Davey Green Jamar Moloney Petterd Scully

Hawthorn Shiels 3 Whitecross 2 Birchall  Bruce Burgoyne Guerra Hale Lisle Savage Sewell Smith Young

Best Davey Maric Grimes Sylvia Jamar

Hawthorn Shiels Sewell Birchall Guerra

Injuries

Melbourne Nil

Hawthorn Nil

Reports

Melbourne Nil

Hawthorn Nil

Crowd 4,010 at Aurora Stadium