2011 Overview.
2011 really was a shocking season for Melbourne, both on and off the field. The Demons continued their inconsistent trend, with injuries and poor form, meaning they were unable to capitalize on their talent often enough to make a claim for the top eight.
Then there was ‘that’ game against Geelong in round 19, which was one of the lowest points in Melbourne’s history, and consequently led to the sacking of coach Dean Bailey. They ended the season in 13th place, only managing eight wins and a draw.
Recently deceased club legend Jim Stynes was forced to step down as president late in the 2011 season due to his ongoing battle with cancer, placing yet another dampener on the clubs year.
However as strange as it sounds there were some positives to come out of last year’s season. Several of Melbourne’s younger players improved significantly, the most notable being Jack Trengove, resulting in the young on-baller replacing veteran Brad Green as club captain this season.
High-flying Jeremy Howe also provided another option up forward, and number one draft pick Jack Watts made big strides towards becoming the player he is touted to be.
Key players.
Easily the most important player in the Melbourne line-up is the 2010 All Australian ruckman Mark Jamar. After an injury interrupted his 2011 season, he should return to his best with a solid pre season. One of the most able bodied ruckman in the league, with a beautiful ruck technique, Jamar should provide Melbourne’s talented midfield with plenty of opportunities in 2012.
Mitch Clark’s high profile transition from Brisbane at the end of the 2011 season means he will immediately become one of Melbourne’s key players. A powerful marking forward and backup ruckman, Clark will become the focal point for the Melbourne forward line, as well as provide some much needed relief for Jamar. If Clark can bag between 40- 60 goals this year, his return will be deemed more than acceptable.
Most Important Matches.
The key matches for Melbourne this year are all against teams who finished alongside them in the 11-14 bracket of the ladder in the 2011 season. 2012 is one of the most anticipated seasons in many years, with an even spread throughout the competition making it almost impossible to predict who will fill the bottom half of the eight.
However if Melbourne can defeat the teams closest to them who are also on the up, then they will go a long way to securing a finals berth.
First up is Richmond, who the Demons play in rounds three and fifteen. Both these teams are fairly evenly matched at full strength, and the ensuing battles should be enthralling and could be telling in the finals race.
Fremantle may also play a pivotal part in the Demons campaign. All indications point to a vast improvement of the Dockers under Ross Lyon, and they are almost certain to climb back into the eight this year. Matches against Fremantle in rounds 16 and 23 will be crucial for Melbourne.
Other important matches include North Melbourne in round 18, and Adelaide in round 22, both teams are in a similar position to Melbourne and expect to play finals footy, these are Melbourne’s most important eight point games.
What to expect in 2012.
Season 2012 could be the turn of the tide for Melbourne, as they look play finals for the first time since 2006.
The appointment of Mark Neeld as coach is a welcome change for the Demons in 2012. Finally they can settle down, and devise an effective game strategy.
Neeld, a former Collingwood midfield coach under Mick Malthouse, has vowed to incorporate a much needed hardness to the Demons game plan.
Evidence of this has already been evident in the NAB Cup. Expect a significant increase in tackles and contested possessions this year.
Melbourne have long had the required base to build a premiership side. They are probably the most talented team outside the eight, and have been for some time. Any improvement will now come from inside development, rather than outside recruitment. Provided that the playing list remains fit, and injury free, the Demons are a huge finals prospect in 2012.
This year Melbourne have a lot to play for. Quality on-field performances will help reduce their off-field debt, allowing them to become consistently competitive once again.
They will be keen to finally start delivering on their talent, they have fresh blood both in the playing group and on the coaching panel, and they will want to honour the memory of one of their inspirational leaders in Jim Stynes.
Mark Neeld, along with some of the key senior players in Jamar, Clark, Frawley and Moloney should finally be able to drag the Demons from the depths into the top eight.
Prediction: 7 – 10
Michael Pollock is a third year Bachelor of Journalism student at La Trobe University.
