WHEN a team has lost its opening three matches of the season by an average margin of 107 points, any win to end that streak was always going to be a good one.
In Melbourne’s case, it didn’t come easily when it broke the drought at the MCG on Sunday.
In fact, at three quarter time, its opponent, Greater Western Sydney, had the edge. The Giants were up by 19 points and a critical 30 minutes loomed.
What followed was unimaginable.
To suggest Melbourne would not only come from behind, but produce its greatest ever quarter since it joined the competition in 1897 was unfathomable.
The Demons booted 12.2 to 2.2, setting up a 41 point win and a 60 point turnaround.
Although it will be rarely the case this year, Melbourne’s experience shone through, along with some youthful zest. The reward for effort – and the relief that followed – was enough for anyone with a tinge of red and blue running through their veins to enjoy.
Coach Mark Neeld even let his guard down to enjoy the moment. He had to, given the scrutiny the club has endured from all and sundry in recent times, particularly in the past three weeks. Statistically and objectively, Melbourne should’ve defeated GWS based on several key measurements, including games and age experience, but it was never going to just happen. GWS showed plenty of spunk – albeit in a match that had plenty of errors – but the effort from the Demons when genuinely challenged would’ve brought a smile to the face of even the most hardened cynic. Moments like these, particularly in intense pressure cooker times, need to be savored.
Still, Neeld didn’t get caught up in the outside speculation and commentary about his side. He remained steadfast in his belief in his players and coaches. But he also stayed true to where his team currently sits in the scheme of the competition.
“[There is] external perception versus the internal reality … what we’re after is consistent improvement over time, and there are going to be ups and downs,” he said.
“We know exactly where we are. The people at our footy club, at the moment, are part of a massive rebuild.”
From the win came several moments.
One was when Neeld, the players, coaches, board and staff belted out the club theme song behind closed doors. It was an important moment for those at the coalface, as he explained.
“That was [for the] whole club, when we closed the doors and it was pretty much the whole player list, the board and as many staff as we could fit in there,” Neeld said post-match.
“[The players have put in] a lot of hard work, so the club song – wasn’t for, in my opinion, public viewing – that was something that I enjoyed for 30 seconds.
“Then I had to remind the assistant coaches that Brisbane was playing North Melbourne at Etihad [Stadium], so [I told them] ‘get in your cars and get there, because we’ve got them next week’ – that’s the way it works.”
Within the story of the win, there were some exciting chapters.
Neeld was particularly pleased with two of them, particularly the comeback of ruckman Max Gawn, who played his fifth AFL match and his first since round 20, 2011.
“That bit I did enjoy. Everyone has a story and it’s a great story. He’s come back from two knee recos. Just before we went away to Darwin, he was going along really well from his knee reco and [then] he ripped his hamstring off his bone,” he said.
“When you’re 208cm, it’s a relatively large hamstring, so that has to get attached.
“The fact that he has now played five games of footy in a row is a great result.”
Neeld highlighted Gawn’s character as an integral part of his comeback, not to mention his ability to make an impact that included two last quarter goals.
“He’s not your 2013, normal prototype footballer. He’s a bit of a lad, Max,” Neeld said.
“The impact he had on these blokes, when they knew earlier in the week that he was playing, was terrific. At the end of the game, if you’re 208 cm, you don’t shrink and that was evident. It was great for him. He’s got to go well next week – that would be the coach line.
The other part Neeld enjoyed was the second match back from Michael Evans, who made a significant impact in the final term, kicking three goals. Evans, like Gawn, has endured a tough run with injury, having made his return in round three, after his previous appearance was in round 12, 2011.
“He was good. He’s a fit little fella, Michael. He’s another one who’s got another good story. He’s had a long term injury – he’s only had six games,” Neeld said.
“I thought that he was good. He’s a good athlete and he can run, so if he wants to kick three goals in a quarter again – that’d be helpful.”
The efforts of Gawn and Evans were not lost on Jack Grimes either, when he reflected on their performances.
“It really is a great story. Those guys have been through a lot and really, until now, they haven’t had a chance to show what they’ve got,” the co-captain said.
“They’re both coming off very long term injuries and for both, at times, there were doubts over their bodies’ ability to play AFL football. The way they’ve stuck at it, they’re both really professional with the way they went about their rehab.
“In amongst the group, we were rapt to see them get the rewards on the weekend. Gawny was taking some big dukes and Evans kicked some goals at the end, so it was a reward they got for all their hard work.”
As it was for the Demons.
It might’ve been against the least experienced side in the competition, but the Giants took it right up to the Demons, and the fact they fought back and turned it into a comfortable win – and in the process, produced their greatest term – was a genuine reward for effort.
Melbourne’s challenge now is to back it up again this week with a competitive performance against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba. If the Demons can maintain their effort over four quarters, who knows what rewards will come from their efforts?
