Damning two-way running statistics provide rocket for winless Melbourne’s midfield

Melbourne’s midfield has received a wake-up call, with damning statistics revealing the extent of the two-way running and accountability issues which have plagued the Demons early performances.

Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn laments a free kick given away during the club’s loss to Essendon on Friday. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images.

This was the rocket Melbourne’s midfield needed.

All summer we had talked up how talented and how hungry Clayton Oliver and Angus Brayshaw and co were coming into the season as one of the premiership frontrunners.

But as the Melbourne players gathered in a circle at the club on Sunday, the heat was turned up.

There are many facets to the Demons’ poor start to the season leading into their crunch clash against Sydney Swans at the SCG on Friday night.

Their delivery inside 50m, their aerial contest, their ability to lock the ball in the forward half are all headaches for Simon Goodwin.

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But the message that really hit home was about the two-way running; or more specifically the lack of accountability from some of their young gun ball-winners so far this season.

It’s seems remarkable for a group as talented as Melbourne’s, but they are being belted in the outside midfield stakes after the clearance.

According to Champion Data, the Dees rank last for post-clearance ground ball (-8.3) and contested possession (-14) differential, and second-last for disposal differential (-64).

Post-clearance means after the ball is won at the clearance and is in general play. That is the run and spread. Or, again, lack thereof. It’s a towelling on the outside.

Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn laments a free kick given away during the club’s loss to Essendon on Friday. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images.

Yes, it’s OK to rack up massive numbers, so long as you run just as hard the other way.

And three rounds in, Melbourne’s midfield has failed the defensive transition test, big-time.

Oliver, 21, and his mate Brayshaw, 23, weren’t spared in the searing honesty session after letting some of their Essendon midfielders slip through the net on Friday night.

Oliver (four votes), Brayshaw (three) and Christian Salem (two) are the only Melbourne players to have received coaches’ votes over the first three games, but the message was blunt from the senior leaders.

In a nutshell, they need to get on their bike when the opposition has the ball. No one can be anchored to the centre square.

Declan Keilty reels in a contested mark during the JLT Series. Picture: Michael Klein

Co-captain Nathan Jones has played on the wing since the start of last season and performs a crucial role, according to coach Goodwin.

“For Nathan, a lot of his career he’s been judged on possessions, he doesn’t get judged on that anymore,” Goodwin said.

“He gets judged on how he plays his role for the team and how he helps us function.”

Melbourne could turn to back-up ruckman Braydon Preuss to play his first game for the club against the Swans, while wingman Billy Stretch and defenders Marty Hore, Harry Petty and Declan Keilty are also in the mix to play the Swans.

AFL legend Wayne Carey backed the blunt player meeting and was adamant the Demons would turn their season around over the next month.

“Most clubs in their position would do that (honesty session),” Carey said on Triple M.

“But that said I have looked at their next five games, and they will win their next five on the trot.”