Demons coach Mark Neeld addresses his players at three-quarter time. Source: Getty Images
MELBOURNE have given their coach Mark Neeld a stay of execution after coming from behind to defeat the Giants by 41 points at the MCG.
Trailing by 19 points at three-quarter-time, the unconvincing and sporadic Dees avoided becoming the train wreck many feared they would.
After perhaps the worst period in the club's history, the Demons produced their best onfield quarter ever, booting 12.2 to run out 22.12 (144) to 15.13 (103) winners.
Melbourne's record final-quarter haul was five more than they had managed in all of their second halves combined this season.
The Giants ran out of legs in the final term as the wide open spaces of the MCG took their toll on the young team. But GWS coach Kevin Sheedy refused to blame a lack of fitness for the disappointing fade-out.
"You could read the riot act on them (the players) but I don't think that's still the right way to go yet," Sheedy said.
"The last quarter was very disappointing. We didn't have enough players to get their hands on the footy at the centre bounce.
"I don't think it's a fitness issue. We need to make sure these bodies get trained gradually. If you rush it and break them down, you ask for trouble.
"We played just about our best three quarters (this season) and we kicked our highest score in the first three quarters."
Setanta O'hAilpin was the brightest light for the Giants, booting five goals in his first match since rupturing his ACL in round six against his former team Carlton last year.
Dejected Giants players trudge off the MCG after the 41-point loss to Melbourne. Source: Herald Sun
After losing key forward Jonathon Patton for the season with a ruptured ACL in last week's match against St Kilda, O'hAilpin provided a real physical presence in front of goals.
Three first-quarter majors from the Irishman set GWS off to a flying start.
As well as the big man played, Sheedy is keen to see other players fill the role at full forward in the coming weeks.
"We've got other players we've got to bring in, young players as well," Sheedy said.
"We don't want to see a 30-year-old taking over the game.
"He'll play quite a few games because Jonathon Patton is out, but we've got Adam Tomlinson and those sort of boys to come in and Bret Thornton kicked eight goals five in the NEAFL."
Like his last visit to the MCG to play the Demons, Tom Scully was booed by the Melbourne fans every time he gathered the ball.
The boos were frequent because Scully put on a very good display, gathering 26 possessions and kicking a 50m goal on the run.
"Tom played very well," Sheedy said. "Put him in a Hawthorn or an Essendon and he would be one of their best players."
Scully had plenty of mates who performed well in the GWS midfield. Adam Treloar, Dylan Shiel, Callan Ward and Lachie Whitfield were all very effective.
GWS youngster Lachie Whitfield (right) puts Melbourne's Rohan Bail under pressure. Source: Getty Images
Whitfield in particular showed a liking for the open spaces of the MCG.
His burst through the middle of the ground in the second quarter was a match highlight and his poise under pressure was remarkable for someone who was playing in just his fourth AFL match.
Whitfield also showed plenty of courage when he put himself straight back into the action after taking a late hit from Neville Jetta during the third quarter.
Jetta was reported for the incident, which led to a Rhys Palmer goal.
While the Giants are disappointed in the result, Neeld will be breathing a sigh of relief.
Losing to the Giants has been bad for opposition coaches.
Port Adelaide's Matthew Primus was sacked after losing by 34 points to GWS in round 19 last year.
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Neeld has giant reason to smile
Dengan url
http://sudahterlupakan.blogspot.com/2013/04/neeld-has-giant-reason-to-smile.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Neeld has giant reason to smile
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
Neeld has giant reason to smile
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar