TIME FOR DEES’
1990 MAGPIES PREMIERSHIP STAR
WHAT TO EXPECT
THE Demons to back their brand, which has got them this far.
They are tough and uncompromising starting at the coalface with Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca, Jack Viney and James Harmes.
The start of this grand final will be brutal. The Demons will try to create a strong territory game. They will look to get the game on their terms on the back of their clearance-winning ability, a high kick-to-handball ratio and ruthless forward-half pressure. Melbourne will be out to assault the Western
Bulldogs ball carriers in a manic and physical way.
THE KEY
Stifle the Bulldogs’ strength at stoppages. Win the contested ball and clearances but, most importantly, post-clearance contested ball wins must be a priority.
The Demons need to “hunt with grunt” and they have players who do that well – Oliver, Petracca and Viney. But keeping good shape and width off the ball is equally important. It adds vital defensive layers off the contest which must exist against the Bulldogs so they just can’t flick the ball around to get their offensive ball movement into gear.
THE CHALLENGE
Can the key forwards stand up? You’ve got Tom McDonald, who was almost traded last year, and Ben Brown, who wasn’t given a contract at North Melbourne before finding a new home.
Here’s a chance for both to solidify the reasons why they are on Melbourne’s list. In grand finals, key forwards simply impose themselves in the air as well as hit the scoreboard – think Jack Riewoldt, Tom Lynch, Tom Boyd and Josh Kennedy.
THE CONCERN
The finals preparation. As good as the Demons have been all year, the league’s pregrand final bye adds an element of concern.
Entering the grand final, the Demons would have only played one game in 28 days.
That’s not ideal. The Demons won’t want to be five per cent off.
The other concern is Steven May’s hamstring. If it pops early in the game, Melbourne is in strife.
THE THEME
Stay the course and believe in what has got you here.
Melbourne has had a team-first attitude this year and I’ve always been a believer individuals can contribute, but teams win grand finals.
Players like Angus Brayshaw, Ed Langdon, Harrison Petty,
Alex Neal
Bullen, James Jordan and James Harmes all understand the roles they play.
The Demons will need to be flexible defensively and potentially sacrifice their own games for the benefit of the team.
X-FACTOR
Bayley Fritsch. The 188cm forward might be a left-field choice, but I’ve got question marks over whether the small-to-medium size Bulldogs defenders can keep the small-to-medium Melbourne forwards quiet.
In his two games against the Bulldogs this year, Fritsch has kicked a combined five goals out of a team total of 22.
He is the type of player who can have five kicks but kick four goals.
IF I WERE DEMONS
Steven May picks up Aaron Naughton.
Harrison Petty goes to Tim English. A combination of Trent Rivers and Michael Hibberd goes to Cody Weightman.
Then Jake Lever takes his pick of who he needs to play on for his creative intercepting game to thrive. Keeping Bailey Smith quiet will be a huge consideration given his out-ofthis-world finals series. You can’t afford to let him roam free and must ensure his disposals are under pressure.
I’d start James Harmes as a high half-forward but then have him roll up to engage Tom Liberatore in general play. Max Gawn (pictured) must spend some time out of the goalsquare when Luke Jackson rucks.