Demons still need to improve, says Bailey - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Demons still need to improve, says Bailey

Melissa Woods 06/06/2011 03:09:31 PM Comments (0)

Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says his AFL side needs to keep its foot to the floor despite Collingwood looming as a very large roadblock.

The Demons broke a three-match losing run when they upset Essendon by 33 points last Friday night at the MCG.

Bailey rated the victory as one of the sweetest of his time at the club.

"We haven't had a lot of wins in the last three or four years so it's certainly up there in regards to the effort.

"They took on board the criticism the only way they could which was out on the field," said Bailey, referring to a taunt that Melbourne played a bruise-free style of football.

But Bailey said his team needed to continue to improve, and not be content with the much-needed win against the Bombers.

They face the reigning premiers on Monday in the annual Queen's Birthday blockbuster at the MCG.

"Never, ever should you take the foot off the accelerator," Bailey said on Monday as his players enjoyed a two-day break.

"We'll attack this game with the same effort and spirit that we did Friday night.

"You can't just turn up to the game and switch the on and off and if you think you can that's where the inconsistency comes.

"We'll be expecting and demanding a better effort on Monday."

Consistency has been the young side's bug-bear with Bailey saying the gap between their best and worst performances was still too great.

Collingwood have sent four of their players including midfielder Dane Swan to a high-altitude training camp in Arizona.

Bailey said he admired Collingwood's decision to rest Swan.

"They've always been a club that has been well planned and been prepared to invest in their players and they've got the resources to do it.

"I think they're, again, setting a benchmark and if you've got the resources available to assist your players then why wouldn't you?"

The Demons could have midfielder Colin Sylvia (cork) available to face the Magpies, who last season they drew one clash with and then lost the other by a point.

Bailey said All Australian ruckman Mark Jamar (knee) was unlikely to return.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news