The same old problems are standing in the way of a grand new flag for Melbourne.
Simon Goodwin and his coaches could chuckle at how his Demons butchered the ball against Richmond, but it will be no laughing matter should there be a repeat in the next fortnight against Geelong and Carlton.
Simon Goodwin described Melbourne’s turnovers as “extraordinary”, and their forward play as a work in progress.Credit: Getty Images
Except for a glorious final fortnight in Perth in 2021, the Dees’ woes in attack have been an issue throughout Goodwin’s reign in the red and the blue, and remain so in 2024.
Their defence, led by Steven May and Jake Lever, remains the cornerstone of their game, as they showed by keeping a keen but undermanned Richmond to just five goals on a perfect night for football, and their midfield is the envy of 17 other clubs.
But it’s in the final third where their problems lie. Some of their entries inside 50 in the first half were nothing short of horrendous. The Tigers were just as bad though understandable given they are at six o’clock on the premiership clock. The Dees, however, have much loftier ambitions.
Goodwin described the Dees’ turnovers as “extraordinary”, and their forward play as a work in progress. Perhaps, he was more robust behind closed doors.
Take this sample in the second term when they could muster just one goal from 15 entries inside 50. Worryingly, some of their best players were at fault.
From a free kick in the centre square, Christian Petracca held the ball, allowing Richmond to set up defensively, then dumped it in long and high, asking Max Gawn to mark like Warwick Capper.
The ‘boggy’ issue Dees need to address to smoke them in September
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24.04.2024
The same old problems are standing in the way of a grand new flag for Melbourne.
Simon Goodwin and his coaches could chuckle at how his Demons butchered the ball against Richmond, but it will be no laughing matter should there be a repeat in the next fortnight against Geelong and Carlton.
Simon Goodwin described Melbourne’s turnovers as “extraordinary”, and their forward play as a work in........
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