Melbourne’s seek for AFL perfection is over, changed by a extra achievable stepping stone in direction of the final word aim of one other premiership.
A 12 months in the past, the Demons have been unbeaten of their defence of the 2021 flag, however ultimately fell brief in a straight-sets finals exit.
Now they’re buzzing once more – with a brand new focus and mindset – as they gear as much as tackle Port Adelaide in a fourth-versus-second conflict at Adelaide Oval on Friday evening.
“I shouldn’t even bring up last year, but (this time) last year we were a bit baked out,” Melbourne midfielder Angus Brayshaw advised AAP.
“We’d been up for a very long time.
“Now our mindset has modified and we’re seeking to enhance every week, versus searching for perfection. That’s what we have been searching for (final 12 months).
“It’s a great place to be in as a group and there will be challenges throughout the year … but the team that improves the most is the one that goes the furthest.”
Melbourne’s 7-2 begin to the season on the again of a top-ranked assault and third-ranked defence would counsel there may be not an excessive amount of room for enchancment.
But there are some changes to be made.
Brayshaw famous the Demons coughed up 5 objectives in a 17-minute droop after half-time in opposition to lowly Hawthorn final week earlier than shifting momentum again their means, and mentioned there have been areas his facet may enhance.
“I wouldn’t say there’s one glaring place but you saw it was the consistency over four quarters,” he mentioned.
“We’re a good team but then when you think about the games we’ve lost, we haven’t shown up against Brisbane and Essendon.
“In that third quarter (in opposition to Hawthorn), we are able to see fairly rapidly what occurs if we’re not on and never bringing our greatest contest and defence.
“For us, it’s not massive improvements, it’s respecting the game and respecting the opposition and trying to play four quarters.
“If we are able to do this, then we’ll be alright.”
A similar dip in form against Port Adelaide, who are on a six-match winning streak, could spell disaster.
“They’re in good type and it will be a giant recreation,” Brayshaw mentioned.
“It’s Friday evening footy, our complete group loves these large phases, so we’re excited for that.
“We know that we’re going to have to be really on our game and we can’t have lapses like we had (against Hawthorn) for those longer periods.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
