Demons promise no head start for Freo - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Demons promise no head start for Freo

By Robert Grant 15/07/2008 07:30:54 PM Comments (0)

Melbourne have no intention of trying to repeat their round-seven heroics against Fremantle when the two sides clash at Subiaco on Sunday.

In fact, coach Dean Bailey believes it would be impossible.

Melbourne produced the greatest comeback in their 150-year history to record their first win of the season - fighting back from a 51-point deficit in the second quarter to seal a six-point victory.

This time the side intends to take an easier route, which includes leaving early, on Friday, for a better preparation and seizing the initiative at the opening bounce.

"Last time we played Fremantle they played a very good first half and we can't afford to allow them to get off to that start and be in front by that much in Perth," Bailey said.

"We'd be struggling, really, to try and get back again from where we were in the first game, so we've got to start really well.

"It's really important when you do travel interstate and in particular to Perth, that you try and get in front, you stay in front.

"We've got to play well to win but we're going over a little bit earlier, we're going to prepare and go in with all guns blazing to win the game."

While Melbourne remains at the bottom of the ladder with only two wins - behind Fremantle and West Coast on percentage - Bailey believes the team is slowly improving.

He says the players are not despondent because of the lack of wins but have been supportive of his game plan which he feels is beginning to work.

"They feel confident in what we're doing," he said.

"They're accepting more responsibility as the weeks go on in what we're trying to do as a group rather than as individuals.

"They're enjoying that because the feedback and the vision is showing more what we're trying to do and if you continue to use that I think they can develop quicker.

"They can see what we're trying to do, their attitude's been good and I'd like to think they'll see a reward on Sunday because they're working hard and moving forward."

Bailey says it's unlikely the Dockers will be able to skip away to such a big lead this weekend, in part because of the development of the club's younger players, called up in the absence of retirement, injuries and the poor form of a number of senior players.

"A lot of things have changed since then, luckily our younger players have had more game time put into them and they're growing with every game, gaining valuable minutes and that will be the same this week," Bailey said.

"We'll have young guys playing on some pretty good players at Fremantle - Matthew Pavlich is still an elite player, Jeff Farmer's record of kicking goals per game is still very good so underestimate them and you're going to pay the price."

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