Only twice in more than three decades have Melbourne come away from Kardinia Park with four points, a fact which must be considered before making rash judgments about this result.
But with the Demons demolished by Geelong at their wet fortress on Saturday night, its hard not to re-evaluate expectations for these two sides in 2019.
Geelong's Patrick Dangerfield breaks free of Melbourne's Alex Neal-Bullen.Credit:AAP
The Cats looked to have reached a crossroads after their early finals exit last year, but the off-season tinkering seems to have done the trick. With several of their recent acquisitions making an impact, Chris Scotts side has begun the season with wins over two of last years preliminary finalists.
Meanwhile Melbourne, after their thrilling ride through August and September last year, had hinted that they might be slow starters this year following a raft of off-season operations. However if the Demons dont turn things around soon, they stand to leave themselves too great a task to contend for a premiership.
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One could understand Melbourne being beaten for run after so many of their prime movers endured interrupted pre-seasons. It also didnt entirely surprise that Melbourne – with three men playing their first games for the club – looked disorganised at times, being warned for a starting positions infringement early in the game.
What was galling for the Dees was that having been hammered for not being tough enough in last weekends loss to Port Adelaide, Melbourne were thrashed in the clinches when the game was alive.
Contested ball has been Simon Goodwin sides 1-wood but at quarter-time they trailed 63-39 for contested possessions, and unsurprisingly by 23 points on the scoreboard.
After a tight second quarter, the Demons remained alive – albeit just – at half-time, and made most of the play early in the third quarter. However Melbourne squandered their chances, going goalless from 20 inside 50s for the term, while the Cats kicked 6.0 from 10 entries.
Playing his first game for the Dees, defender Steven May was hampered by a leg issue and didnt play out the game. And after a week in the headlines, Max Gawn rucked well but had limited impact around the ground.
Cat Mitch Duncan after booting a goal.Credit:AAP
But things look rosy for Geelong, notwithstanding an injury to backman Jack Henry. Patrick Dangerfield had 22 disposals to half-time, prompting the Dees to send tagger James Harmes to the Brownlow Medallist, who in turn headed forward and kicked two second-half goals.
Joel Selwood and Mitch Duncans sublime finishing capped off industrious performances, recruits Luke Dahlhaus and Gary Rohan were both lively up forward, and second-gamer Charlie Constable found a stack of the ball.
Way to go, Dees
Its unlikely to live in infamy like Ricky Pontings decision to bowl first at Edgbaston in 2005, but Melbournes decision at the coin toss was a head-scratcher. The Dees decided to kick towards the Players Stand end in the first term. However it was clear within minRead More – Source
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