SEASON to date:
One win in 12 sees the battling Demons firmly on the bottom of the ladder. But last week's encouraging performance against Richmond shows that the side isn't too far off. And their only victory of the season was a bottler – a 14-goal second-half charge that stunned Fremantle in round seven. This was the only occasion Dean Bailey's men have kicked over 100 points in a game this season, although they've come close in the last two rounds with 94 and 95 points respectively.
Recent form:
Round eight – Melbourne 11.8 (74) lost to Adelaide 22.18 (150)
Round nine – Melbourne 12.6 (78) lost to Hawthorn 14.13 (97)
Round 10 – Melbourne 7.8 (50) lost to St Kilda 19.15 (129)
Round 11– Melbourne 13.17 (95) lost to Collingwood 17.14 (116)
Round 12 – Melbourne 14.19 (94) lost to Richmond 16.20 (116)
Last time out:
Melbourne 9.10 (64) lost to Sydney Swans 17.10 (112), round 18, 2007 at Manuka Oval
A finals-bound Swans were simply too good for the Demons with a five goals to zip first quarter setting up the comfortable win.
Despite outscoring the Swans in the final term, Melbourne lacked the quality and consistency of their opposition across the four quarters.
Ben Holland with three goals and Paul Wheatley with 22 possessions shone for the Dees while Mark Jamar and Jeff White edged the hitouts (30-26). These were the positives to come out of the side's 15th loss of the season.
The Swans had seven players – Malceski, O'Keefe, Everitt, Schneider, Fosdike, Goodes and Buchanan – grabbing 20 or more possessions for the game.
The venue: Manuka Oval, Canberra
These two sides have only met once at Manuka; last season's 48-point win to the Swans. However the Demons triumphed over North in their most recent appearance on the ground, a 36-point victory in round 11, 2005.
The coach: Dean Bailey
It's been a baptism of fire for first-year coach Bailey, who cut his teeth with the Bombers and Port Adelaide before stepping into the hot seat at Melbourne. Bailey is a smart coach who hopes that persisting with his young list will reap dividends later.
Strengths:
Cameron Bruce is quality. Averaging 23 possessions a game, the midfielder has shone alongside James McDonald. Midfielder Brad Green has also had a busy season, chipping in with 14 goals, while veteran Jeff White in his 13th season at the club is a consistent ruckman. This core group has shown the value of experience in a youthful list that features ball-winning midfielder Brock McLean, Nathan Jones, Austin Wonaeamirri and Aaron Davey, the latter two lively across the forward line.
Missing in action:
Out for the season are Brent Moloney (shoulder) and Russell Robertson (achilles). Jared Rivers (abdominal) should return in 4-6 weeks and Jack Grimes (back) in 2-3 weeks. Addam Maric's groin will be tested this week and Nathan Carroll is out for a week with suspension.
The key: Four consistent quarters
Last week in the second quarter the Tigers booted eight unanswered goals in 16 minutes of carnage. If the Demons lose their grip and stop getting their hands on the footy they'll again find themselves behind on the scoreboard very quickly. It's about a consistent effort for four quarters while matching the Swans in the clearances and pressure on the ball carrier. Also, the White v Darren Jolly ruck duel will be key – two in-form ruckmen and former teammates at Melbourne.
The young gun: Austin Wonaeamirri
With Russell Robertson out for the season, 19-year-old Wonaeamirri has stepped up this season with 16 goals. The small forward was recruited from the SANFL and looks to be one of the buys of the season after starting on the rookie list.
The questions:
How can the Demons stop the Swans momentum after four wins on the trot for Paul Roos' men? Will Barry Hall make the Demons pay even more after his encouraging return last week? Can the Demons win the contested ball for four quarters against one of the best contested-footy sides in the league?
Did you know?
The Demons' fourth highest score ever came against the Swans in 1991 when Melbourne visited the SCG in round 15 and demolished the Bloods 26.21 (177) to 14.10 (94).
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
