DARK GRAY AT THE G

[Demonland 66,930]

by Scoop Junior

On a dark, gray day at the MCG, the Demons and Kangaroos put on an exhibition of footy that adequately reflected the weather. With both sides flooding and the Roos unwilling to cough up easy possession of the ball, the game at times resembled soccer, basketball and a number of other games with the exception of Aussie Rules football. If not for a blistering second term and a thrilling final few minutes, neutral fans would have had no trouble deleting the match from the memory bank. And if not for the natural passion felt by Dees and Roos fans in watching their own sides, they would probably have felt the same.

After improving each week – from a disgraceful Round 1 loss to Carlton to a gutsy, spirited Round 4 victory over Sydney – Melbourne took a small step back, putting in an ordinary performance to narrowly fall over the line. Apart from a 15-minute burst in the second quarter, the team did not appear to get out of second gear and was fortunate to win. Yes, it was a gritty performance and you take the four premiership points, but it was painstakingly close to a disastrous 1-4 start to the season.

Credit can be given to the Kangaroos as they battled away all day, but they were a side low on confidence and their skill level at times was poor. After building a four-goal lead against such opposition, a team really needs to go on with it and ice the game. But, as the Demons often do so well, they stopped running late in the second term, went into their shells and played containment football. I can't understand why, with the opposition on the ropes, the team does not go in for the kill, instead of sitting on its lead until the inevitable swing in momentum.

That momentum change came early in the third term and within the blink of an eye the Roos were back on level terms. From that point on, the game was a scrap, with both sides fighting hard and the Dees ultimately coming out on top courtesy of a James McDonald goal in time-on in the last term.

Without the efforts of Pickett and Davey, Melbourne would have gone down. The former was inspirational early, setting the tone for a lethargic Demon outfit with wonderful attack on the footy, run, tackling and delivery. He tired as the game wore on, but was clearly Melbourne's best player and has the potential to add some serious bite to the midfield rotation. Davey's class shone out on a game devoid of it, his clever little kicks setting up a number of goals (including one to debutant Bate) and nailing three himself, including two clutch goals late in the game.

Stand-in captain Cameron Bruce was slightly down on the high standards he has set for himself by his scintillating form in the opening four rounds, but was still one of his side's best. His clearance work is definitely underrated by many. Brad Miller started on Thompson and was beaten but not disgraced, as the Roo had one of those days where he was marking everything. I would have liked to see Miller play in front more often, as he did successfully against Barry Hall. His move forward in the third term was overdue and he provided some presence after Ben Holland struggled to make an impact in his limited stints up forward.

Jared Rivers left the field with a knee injury in the second term but returned to be a handy contributor. His ability to spoil and bring the ball to ground was important on a day where the Roos had a dominating presence close to goal. Adem Yze displayed why his back line days are behind him with a polished display up forward. A player with such an uncanny ability to manufacture goals must be played where he is most dangerous. Consistent application is the key for Yze as he fell away completely after a good start to 2005 and was close to being dropped after terrible form in the opening few rounds.

Brad Green did a solid job of containing Daniel Harris but unfortunately for Greeny his disposal is starting to resemble that of a tagger. His kicks have far too much hang time and he failed to find the target on a number of occasions. As one of the most skilful players in the side, he needs to improve in this area. Travis Johnstone shook off a heavy tag from Brady Rawlings to be a solid contributor.

One of the highlights of the day was the debut of Matthew Bate. The strong-bodied redhead showed few nerves, booting a 55 metre goal with his first kick and backing himself to take the opposition on when in possession of the ball. This is a great sign for an 18-year-old, as it shows that he is confident in his ability and prepared to play to his strengths in order to exploit the opposition.

The growing injury list undoubtedly had an effect on the match. While the Kangas were close to full strength, the Dees were missing key players Neitz and McLean and possibles Bizzell and Bell, while Robertson is clearly hampered by a knee injury. I don't know whether that is affecting his balance, but Robbo must try to keep his feet more at contests because at the moment he is on the ground far too often.

So, while they will take the four points gleefully, the Demons must realise that their performance has to lift in the weeks ahead. No such luxuries will be afforded against Geelong, while Fremantle are a talented side that on their day can knock off anyone (or at least force a draw) anywhere. After that come the Hawks, who are much improved, the Eagles at Subiaco and the Saints. There surely are no easy games in this even competition. But, there are games which are easier than others and it was disappointing that the Dees failed to secure their victory over the Roos in a more comfortable fashion.

Melbourne 1.3.9 7.5.47 9.9.63 13.12.90

Kangaroos: 2.4.16 3.9.27 9.12.66 12.14.86

Goals Yze 4 Davey 3 Bate Green Johnstone McDonald Robertson Wheatley

Best Pickett Davey Yze Bruce Johnstone

Injury Wheatley (hamstring)

Reports Nil

Umpires Donlon Chamberlain Wenn

Crowd 30,392 at the MCG