LEARN TO WIN by Whispering Jack

Posted August 11Aug 11

The next coach of the Melbourne Football Club faces the challenge of teaching his players how to win games against all comers.

At times during this tumultuous season, that task has seemed daunting, made more so in light of the surprise news last week of the sacking of premiership coach Simon Goodwin. However, there were also some positive signs from yesterday’s match against the Western Bulldogs that the challenge may not be as difficult as one might think.

The two sides presented a genuine football spectacle, featuring pulsating competitive play with eight lead changes throughout the afternoon, in a display befitting a finals match.The result could have gone either way and in the end, it came down to which team could produce the most desperate of acts to provide a winning result. It was the Bulldogs who had their season on the line that won out by a six point margin that fitted the game and the effort of both sides.

It was a stark contrast to the most recent encounter between the two teams in Round 21 of last year when the Bulldogs decisively defeated the Demons by 51 points at Marvel Stadium. At the time, Melbourne was struggling, appearing sad, sorry, and broken as it limped towards the end of the season

Yesterday, the Demons presented a vastly different picture. Following a slow start, they steadily regained momentum and, in the third quarter, showcased exceptional form as they swiftly transitioned from defence to offence, scoring seven goals and secured a ten-point lead heading into the final break of the match.

That style of play was emblematic of Goodwin’s unfinished work in progress from the contested style that is no longer in vogue or as effective as the game has continued to evolve since the club won its flag under him four years ago. It might well be the making of the club as younger, faster players of the ilk of Caleb Windsor, Harvey Langford and others begin to come to fore. Yesterday however, it was not to be the day for a winning result.

Once again, another strong All-Australian bound ruck display from Max Gawn was the catalyst for the momentum shifting third quarter. Clayton Oliver put in his best performance of the year and Christian Petracca rose to the occasion after a slow start to his game.

Apart from their usual heroes, the Demons benefited from a display that they’ve been waiting for from Harry Petty. He kicked two goals but also importantly, provided a number assists and clever taps to the advantage of his fellow forwards.

Jai Culley, Harvey Langford and Daniel Turner all had their good moments during the day with the latter providing strong assistance to a defence led by veteran Tom McDonald that had its work cut out in curbing the Dogs’ forward line stars in Naughton and Darcy.

First gamer Jed Adams who waited for almost three seasons and more than fifty games at Casey had some good moments in defence and Blake Howes added some spice when he came on as sub in the last quarter.

It was a fine start to Troy Chaplin’s coaching career. He made a few good moves and has certainly done his future prospects no harm. He certainly played a role in helping make the annual Pink Lady day for breast cancer an event to remember, unlike the dour display put on by the Tigers and the Saints a day earlier.

And for the Melbourne Football Club some good signs for the future after a tough week.

MELBOURNE 3.4.22 4.6.30 11.9.75 15.9.99

WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.6.24 5.10.40 9.11.65 15.15.105

GOALS

MELBOURNE Fritsch Melksham Petty 2 Chandler Culley Gawn Howes Langford Petracca Pickett Turner van Rooyen

WESTERN BULLDOGS Naughton 5 Darcy Richards 2 Bramble Cleary Garcia McNeil West Williams

BEST

MELBOURNE Gawn Langford McDonald Oliver Pickett Rivers

WESTERN BULLDOGS Richards Naughton Bontempelli Liberatore Dale Darcy

INJURIES

MELBOURNE Windsor (hamstring)

WESTERN BULLDOGS Vandermeer (head)