STANDING THE TESTS OF TIME

by Scoop Junior

These days, it seems that every game is a "test" of some sort in terms of a footy club's season. In Melbourne's case, the Sydney game tested its ability to bounce back and to show steely resolve after three losses. The Kangaroos match tested the capabilities of the team to confront a side desperate to show some form and spirit. The Geelong game was a test of playing a hardened, strong contested team on the big stage and the Fremantle encounter tested the ability to beat a side high on confidence that seemingly had "the wood" over them at the MCG.

So what was the test against a Hawks outfit apparently on the decline after a flying start to the season? Well, it was actually pretty clear: a chance to eat away at the theory that the Demons have a habit of getting comfortable with themselves and consequently drop games they should win (see Round 1). Using prior contentment as a motivating tool is an interesting concept, yet it served them well on the night, as they demolished an ordinary Hawthorn side by 75 points.

Possibly the most encouraging aspect of the win was the response of the team in the first quarter to Hawthorn's aggressive tactics. The Hawks got the jump on the Dees and dished out plenty of physical aggression with Aaron Davey the prime target as Brown and Bateman tried handing out some treatment. In the past, this could have rattled a Melbourne side not known for its ability to stand up to such physicality. And with a strong Demon influence in the Hawks' coaching box, it does not take much genius to understand what their thoughts involved when it came to unsettling the Demons. However, rather than get rattled, the boys in red and blue absorbed the pressure, settled, slowly got their game going and piled on six goals to lead at quarter time.

Byron Pickett's presence would have undoubtedly helped calm the Dees. The Hawthorn players were well aware when Byron was in the vicinity and Flash would have felt very safe with Pickett just metres away looking after him. The Demons simply weren't going to be intimidated and this frustrated their opponents, who proceeded to give away undisciplined free kicks and 50m penalties.

At quarter time, you just got the feeling that Hawthorn had thrown everything at Melbourne and there wasn't much more to give. That theory proved correct as the Dees dominated the second term, with only wayward kicking early in the quarter keeping Hawthorn in the game. A five-goal half time lead was maintained in the third quarter before the Demons lifted another cog in the last and recorded an avalanche of goals. The Hawks simply dropped their heads.

The skipper had a great night. He booted six goals on Dawson and Jacobs and broke the legendary Norm Smith's long-standing club goal kicking record. His contested marking was strong and he moved well when leading. As is so often the case with David Neitz, when the first few shots go through, he doesn't know how to miss. Six goals straight was the result. His apprentice Lynden Dunn also played a nice game working hard across the half forward line and kicking two goals, the second at a very important stage in the third term. While his presentation and work rate in pushing up the ground is reminiscent of Brad Miller, he has the added bonus of being able to make an impact when deep inside 50m as he runs to the right spots and generally finishes neatly. There is a touch of class about him that is evident even at this early stage in his football career.

The midfield was beaten in the clearances against a powerful centre square combination. Everitt had dominant patches in the ruck against White (particularly early) and provided Hodge and Mitchell with plenty of opportunities. The Russian fared better in the ruck against Everitt and was a dangerous proposition up forward, especially in the last term when he took two powerful marks on the lead.

While the clearance count favoured Hawthorn, the Melbourne midfield dominated when the game opened up to the outside. Through superior class, skill and deeper rotations, the Demons made Hawthorn look second rate at times. Brock McLean and James McDonald were keys in tight, winning plenty of ball at the stoppages, while Cameron Bruce, Travis Johnstone and Brent Moloney provided great drive. Bruce was quiet in the second half, while Johnstone seemed to go opponent-less in the last quarter and picked up touches at will. McLean was our best midfielder in my opinion, as he regularly spotted up leading forwards with precise delivery and was better than Johnstone when the heat was on early.

Melbourne's defence continues to improve. Nathan Carroll and Jared Rivers are forming an excellent partnership, with both players comfortable in leaving their men to assist other defenders. Carroll did an excellent job on Williams while Rivers cut off a number of Hawk attacking thrusts. Rivers' importance to the back line and the side in general is enormous. Daniel Bell was beaten early by Dixon but bounced back to take the honours in the second half, while Miller was solid defensively but let himself down with some costly disposal errors in the third term. On the whole, the back line was cohesive and well organised and there appears to be few spots available for the likes of Nathan Brown, Clint Bizzell, Ben Holland and Paul Wheatley. Only Brown would be considered a likely inclusion in the current team.

The Demons' other 18-year-olds – Matthew Bate and Clint Bartram – were quiet but played a role. Bartram had a few tagging jobs and again displayed excellent closing-down and tackling skills, while Bate found a bit of footy in the last quarter after struggling to get involved earlier in the game.

While the last quarter was junk time, it was important to gain some percentage and show a ruthless edge. Seven goals to nothing was about as dominant a display as you could see, but such luxuries will not be afforded when the Demons travel west to take on the top-of-the-ladder Eagles at Subiaco on Sunday. West Coast has not lost to a Victorian team at Subiaco since the Dees knocked them off in 2002 – that's a long time between drinks. A super effort will be required to beat them, but at least the Demons will go over with confidence from their five wins on the trot.

Would it be fair to say that next week will be a good test of where Melbourne is at? Oh…there’s that word again…

Melbourne 6.4.40 10.10.70 13.13.91 20.16.136

Hawthorn 5.2.32 6.4.40 9.7.61 9.7.61

Goals Neitz 6 Bruce Davey Dunn Jamar White 2 Godfrey Green Johnstone Robertson

Best McLean McDonald Neitz Johnstone Moloney Rivers

Injuries Carroll (hamstring tightness) Robertson (jaw).

Umpires Goldspink Stevic Vozzo

Crowd 42,985 at the MCG