This defeat had everyonediving for the record books. The Bombers' final score of 28.16 (184) wasEssendon's highest against Melbourne. The 148-point margin wasEssendon's greatest against Melbourne, and the 20th highest margin ofall time. It was the Demons' worst loss in 1134 matches at the MCG.Essendon's 78 inside-50s equalled its best effort since that stat wasfirst counted.
2. Where to for Melbourne?
Melbourne is in massive strife as it appears to have lost all confidencein its ability to match its opposition. The Demons can't win the ball enough and donot have marquee players of substance in their line-up. Melbourne hasinvested its hopes in a young group turning things around but thefrustration is evident as the tale has an all-too-familiar ring to it.It can't get the ball inside 50, having 28 inside 50s to itsopposition's 78. Melbourne's effort early was good but it has just 10 to12 players capable of matching it on the big stage. It's hard to knowhow Melbourne will salvage the season from here and the club faces amassive fight to restore respectability.
3. Dee fans feel the pain
Melbourne supporters are almostbeyond finding voice to express their anger, and many appear to havegiven up hope. Beyond Jack Watts getting the Bronx jeers and the oddnote of derision, there was none of the animosity that was on show lastweek. Saturday's prevailing mood among fans was more disappointment andsadness that their team was so far off the pace. Coach Mark Neeld said he did nothear the crowd but he was hurting as much as the supporters. "I feelwhat they are feeling. I don't feel great either. That is no consolationto our supporters. I am aware of what our supporters have been throughin the past," Neeld said.
Demon fans have their say as the players leave the MCG after Saturday night's huge defeat. Picture: AFL Media
4. What to do with Jack Watts?
Watts' confidence looks shot and he received the Bronx cheers late in the first half when he took a mark inside the forward 50. He had been moved forward because he had struggled to have an impact in defence. The football gods conspired to ensure his shot for goal hit the post. He started forward again in the second half but could not have an impact, up against Dustin Fletcher. He was subbed off midway through the third quarter bereft of confidence. One wonders how many chances Watts would have got if he wasn't 2008's No.1 draft pick. "Jack Watts was ill and subbed out for form," Neeld said after the game. "He didn't feel great, he was sick, and his performance was also one that we thought 'that was enough'. [But] when you take the field you're 100 per cent fit. That's how it works."
5. The Dons look finals-bound
Essendon dominated with 78 inside 50s to 28 - and the 184-point scoreline was among the 10 highest in the club's history. The Bombers look strong with a three-pronged forward line of Stewart Crameri, who kicked six, Michael Hurley and the versatile Jobe Watson, Tom Bellchambers and Brendon Goddard. With Jake Carlisle emerging to take over from Dustin Fletcher the future looks bright. Club president David Evans acknowledged the difficulties of the past few months when he spoke pre-game and thanked the members for sticking with them. "Our club will get through this, we will be better, we'll be stronger and we'll be a better organisation for the experience," Evans said. While Melbourne wonders where its next win is coming from, the Bombers might be headed for the finals.
