We take a look at Melbourne’s disappointing 2014 season.
MELBOURNE
(17th: 4 wins, 18 losses)
What went right:
The first half of the season.
Just past the halfway mark of the season, it seemed Melbourne had turned the corner and Paul Roos was looking like a genius. The Demons had won four games and stayed competitive against top eight sides.
Much of it came down to its solid defensive structure, which inevitably broke down after the halfway point.
What went wrong:
Everyone wondered how long Melbourne could stay competitive, and unfortunately it all fell to bits at the midway point.
Paul Roos’ side lost the final ten games of the season as the young list began to tire and its defensive structures broke down.
Roos’ emphasis on defence proved costly as the Demons were the worst offensive side in the competition, scoring under 60 points on ten occasions.
Star performer:
Bernie Vince and Daniel Cross helped Melbourne’s midfield become more competitive, but again it was Nathan Jones who shouldered much of the load.
Jones is an exceptional player who deserves much better than to be dwelling near the bottom of the ladder, and without him the Demons would be considerably worse.
He has averaged 14 kicks and 28 disposals this season and looks on track to win his third straight best and fairest.
The future:
It was all looking very bright before the mid-season nosedive, but there’s no doubt Melbourne showed an improvement on its insipid 2013 season.
Though it looks like Demons fans are in for some more pain in the near future, with the club asking the AFL for “special assitance” in the draft, showing club management don’t have much faith in the current list.
Score: 4/10
COMMENTS