Neale Daniher recaps Melbourne's 17 point victory over the Crows, exclusively on melbournefc.com.au.
Pre Match:
- Have been very competitive over the past month, with three very narrow losses and a disappointing loss in Perth. Needed to continue our focus on playing four quarters of football, with high pressure and intensity throughout the entire match. Keeping belief within the group was a focus, knowing that the reward of a victory would eventually come our way as long as we persisted with a strong work ethic, and knowing that a close game will eventually fall our way.
- We have slowly got close to our best team back on the field and they will improve over the next few weeks with further game time.
- We gave the job to Nathan Brown to play on Andrew McLeod as a defensive forward.
- We brought Paul Wheatley, Matthew Bate, and Colin Sylvia into the team after recovering from injury.
- A strong effort over four quarters was needed against Adelaide, as their confidence was high after winning six of their first nine matches. They would also be lifted by the return of their Captain Mark Ricciuto for his first game of the season.
During the Match:
- Started Aaron Davey on the interchange, which allowed Nathan Brown to play his defensive role on Andrew McLeod.
- We started well, having several shots on goal and taking the ball forward on a number of occasions. We managed just the two goals for the quarter, with Adelaide finishing strongly and leading by four points at the first change.
- Had the ball inside our forward 50 on 57 occasions, which gave us a good chance to kick a winning score. In previous weeks, we have struggled to get the ball into that area often enough, going in less than 50 times.
- The second quarter was one of our best for the season. We kicked eight goals to one, through our ability to pressure Adelaide, with high skill level and quick, direct movement into the forward line. Our defence continued to stand up, led by Nathan Carroll and Daniel Bell. We led by 36 points at half time.
- We wanted to continue with the same pressure and intensity in the second half that had allowed us to reach a six goal lead at half time. The third quarter was a hard fought contest, without either side making a major impact on the scoreboard. The term consisted of high pressure, intense tackling, and both teams trying to control possession of the ball. We kicked two goals to Adelaide’s one for the quarter, and led by 44 points at three quarter time.
- We knew Adelaide would come at us at some stage, and after they initially surged towards us on the scoreboard, kicking five goals for the term, to our boy’s credit we slowed the game down and controlled possession for periods of time. Skipper David Neitz sealed the match with a long goal from outside the 50 metre line. We slowed down the play and held onto the ball.
Post Match:
- Our back line held together strongly for the entire match, restricting Adelaide to ten goals for the second time in as many weeks. Adelaide did miss some chances that would have put them closer to us, but the overall back line group’s pressure was terrific. Daniel Bell displayed the pressure and desperation required, and led the way when he ran down Scott Welsh running into an open goal.
- The pressure to keep the ball inside 50 was also very good over the course of the day.
- Our forwards had more opportunities this week. With the ball entering the forward 50 on 57 occasions, this was well up from last week which only saw it inside 50, 42 times.
- Our leadership group all made solid contributions. Outstanding performances by Brad Green (37 possessions) and Cameron Bruce (30 possessions), who worked tirelessly for four quarters.
- I was pleased for the playing group to get some reward for what has been a tough first half of the year, and a well deserved win after some close matches over previous weeks.
- We have a nine day turnaround; it will give us a chance to freshen up and at the same time get some solid training sessions in before our match on Monday, Queen’s Birthday weekend
