MELBOURNE will have to wait to find out the extent of injury to their skipper David Neitz after he was consigned to the bench late in the second quarter in Sunday’s defeat to Carlton. The 306-game veteran played no further part in the contest after sustaining a neck injury, and Demons’ midfielder Cameron Bruce says the captain will be assessed today.
“We just had the leadership group meeting, and he’s a bit sore,” Bruce said.
“Hopefully he’ll get that injury right. We need him out there. He’s our inspirational leader and he turns games.”
The Demons’, who are winless so far this season, could also be without defender Matthew Whelan for next weekend’s meeting with Brisbane at the Gabba. He was booked by a field umpire and goal umpire for striking Brendan Fevola.
However, Bruce, fresh from the team’s leadership meeting, admitted that regardless of personnel, the Demons’ senior players must lift to show the way to the younger squad members.
“We all have to get ourselves up and going to play better footy. For many years we’ve relied on 22 players contributing. We’ve made finals footy doing that, and that’s what we have to get back to – (have) everybody contributing.”
Bruce said he believed there is light at the end of the tunnel. He’s taking heart from the fact that his side was leading Carlton early in the second quarter on Sunday.
“We did get in front, which shows the potential we’ve got when we’re doing things right," he said.
"We’ve been making the errors, so we’ve got so much improvement to make. Statistically we’re matching sides in gets and clearances and all that sort of stuff; it’s just a matter of executing properly."
Asked whether the Demons’ season is now certain not to include finals, Bruce wouldn't be drawn.
“We’re just focusing on the week coming up and Brisbane. I was asked the same question last week, and there’s obviously plenty of games to go and we just want to focus on Brisbane this week and continuing to improve on what we’re setting out to do. We’re letting ourselves down in our execution and skills, and that’s what’s causing us to be 0-5.”
