THE BAD quarters that are costing Melbourne this season are normal for a developing team and will pass as the Demons mature, according to coach Simon Goodwin.
Melbourne has won the fourth most quarters of any team in 2017, winning 16 of 28 behind Port Adelaide (20), Adelaide (20) and Greater Western Sydney (18).
But disastrous quarters such as the opening term against Hawthorn in round seven have seen the Demons slip to 3-4 and 10th on the ladder ahead of a trip to face the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
Losses against Geelong, Fremantle, Richmond and the Hawks have all been marred by single quarters in which Goodwin's men were outscored by at least 27 points and up to 43 points.
Goodwin said it was not out of the ordinary for a developing team to go through such inconsistency and the Demons would eventually be able to capitalise on being in winning positions.
"I think we need to establish that we're still a developing team and we're still learning," the coach said.
"We've played seven games now in the season, and if you include the JLT Series we've been in winning positions in the last quarter of every game.
"When you're a developing team you're still learning to turn those opportunities into victories.
"It's nothing new for a developing team and a team that's emerging to go through situations and learnings like we're going through right now."
Melbourne will back itself to compete in the contest against Adelaide on Saturday night after letting itself down in the first quarter against the Hawks.
The Demons have lost the contested possession count just twice this season, to Essendon and Geelong, but Adelaide ranks No.1 in the key category.
"They're a very good side and they're very good in contested ball, so it should be good on Saturday night to see two teams that are very good in that area of the game going at each other," Goodwin said.
"That's the brand of footy that we want to play, so there's an expectation that we bring that every week."
A champion midfielder with the Crows, Goodwin will return to Adelaide for the first time as a senior coach to take on his old team, where he played 275 games, won two premierships and three club champion awards.
The Demons hit the training track on Thursday morning. Picture: Getty Images
He described it as "a different time" but a lasting connection from his time with the Crows is Melbourne midfielder and former Crow Bernie Vince, who will play his 200th game against his old club.
"It's fantastic for Bernie. He came into AFL footy a little bit older and a little bit rough around the edges, but he developed and really became an elite player, not only at Adelaide but now since he's been at Melbourne," Goodwin said.
"He's got a big contingent going, he's asked for 40 tickets, so it should be a pretty big Bernie Vince support crew.
"He gave the Adelaide footy club a great period of performance and he's much loved by the city of Adelaide, so he'll be well received by the supporters there."
