Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney says his players will be encouraged to keep putting themselves in harm’s way after Sunday’s breakthrough AFL win over Melbourne at the MCG.
For the winless Demons, after their best opportunity so far this year slipped away with the 13.10 (88) to 9.13 (67) defeat, coach Mark Neeld admits he doesn’t know if the losing streak will make it harder for players to accept the changes he is implementing.
The Bulldogs will fancy their chances of two in a row when they play Greater Western Sydney in Canberra on Saturday.
It is hard to see where Melbourne’s first win of the year will come from, as every side they play from now until their round 12 bye is one of last year’s finalists.
The Demons came from 21 points down early in the second half to close to within one point late in Sunday’s third term, before the Dogs pulled away, Melbourne hurting their cause with costly errors.
But Neeld said to view Sunday’s defeat as an opportunity missed was “short-term” thinking.
“We’re trying to put in some building blocks in the way that we play, some standards at training, teaching basic defensive principles, that’s where we’re at, we’re certainly looking at long-term,” Neeld said.
The Demons coach saw progress in the four-quarter effort of his team, pointing out the “one-percenters” tally – of small, unselfish acts – was at its highest under his reign.
“We all like to win, it’s not nice losing,” Neeld said.
“What we’re saying, though, is that the last thing that you see is consistent scoreboard pressure. It’s all the things that come before that.”
Asked whether it was harder to demand players keep making those small steps, without the reward of wins, Neeld said: “The honest answer is I don’t know.”
But he said Sunday’s effort level was a good sign.
McCartney also emphasised steady long-term progress, but acknowledged the morale-boosting effect of a win.
“Trust is often based on results,” McCartney said.
“Most of us, if we’re being asked to put our head down the hole and risk a bit of injury, you sort of like to know that the benefits outweigh the costs sometimes too.”
Livewire half-forward Luke Dahlhaus was outstanding for the winners, with his attack on the ball and classy disposal to set up numerous goals.
Adam Cooney kicked two goals and had 25 disposals, while running defender Bob Murphy had a huge first half.
Melbourne’s midfield ball-winner Brent Moloney made a good return from a injury, starting slowly, but inspiring the Demons’ third-term charge.
Melbourne will add another experienced player next round, Colin Sylvia set to return from injury and a club-imposed suspension.
They also hope Mitch Clark can play St Kilda on Saturday night, after the big forward fell on his head in a third-term marking contest and was taken to hospital for scans.