Combine Melbourne’s barnstorming final quarter on Sunday with their gorgeous straight-sets AFLW finals exit, it is no surprise coach Mick Stinear calls it “confusing”.
The Demons have been left gutted after the defending premiers’ season of such promise ended with a five-point upset loss to Geelong in a pulsating semi-final on Sunday at Ikon Park.
Melbourne have been the highest-scoring crew this season, routinely thrashing opponents within the early rounds.
But after dropping their final sport earlier than the finals to Brisbane, North Melbourne opened them up in a surprising qualifying last upset.
The Demons regarded rattled within the first half in opposition to Geelong, earlier than storming residence with 5 objectives to at least one within the final time period to simply fall quick.
That last time period showcased every part that was nice about Melbourne. It was additionally too little, too late.
It is the primary time Melbourne have misplaced three AFLW video games in a row.
“It is a little confusing – we were just out of form at the wrong time of year,” Stinear stated.
“We don’t feel like we’ve given ourselves the best chance to perform in finals.
“That’s our actuality, too.
“We don’t want to sit still. It’s not a nice feeling being left behind.”
While Eden Zanker kicked three objectives within the final time period and Tyla Hanks did her finest to pull Melbourne residence, Stinear stated it was one thing extra intangible that primarily sparked their final-quarter fightback.
“The group believed they could win from there, absolutely – belief just probably kicked in,” he stated.
“It’s a bit of mixed emotion, because if we didn’t play like that in the last quarter, then you have a finals series where you didn’t feel like you gave yourself any chance.
“So that final quarter a minimum of confirmed what this group is able to and it is hopefully it is a signal of issues to come back.
“But for now, we’re not where we want to be. We’ll have to learn and evolve and get better.”
Stinear confirmed there was some sickness at Melbourne over the previous couple of weeks, but in addition careworn it was no excuse.
They be a part of Melbourne’s AFL crew in straight-sets exits from the finals.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
