After a sluggish start to the post-bye period, Melbourne overcame a horror first half to secure a hard-fought victory against Richmond. However, the game was marred by an avalanche of skill errors, particularly in the opening two quarters. The Demons, in particular, struggled to hit targets during the first half due to both poor skill execution and overly aggressive decision-making.
Dual premiership Kangaroo David King questioned whether Melbourne’s new aggressive ball movement suits its playing list but insists the Dees still have ample time to finetune it. He pointed out that Melbourne scored seven goals from Tigers turnovers in the second half alone, indicating the team’s potential.
Melbourne skipper Max Gawn acknowledged the team’s shortcomings in the first half, particularly their inability to capitalize on momentum and overcompensation in executing aggressive kicking instructions. However, Gawn believes the team found a better balance in the second half and is confident in their ability to improve.
Hawthorn legend Jason Dunstall cautioned that while the Demons made adjustments in the second half, they are still a long way off from the level they need to be to compete with top teams. Upcoming games against Geelong and Carlton will provide a clearer indication of Melbourne’s progress and where they truly sit in the competition.
Despite the concerns raised by experts, Melbourne’s resilience and ability to adapt are encouraging signs. The team remains committed to their new approach and is confident in their ability to refine it and emerge as a formidable force in the competition.
