Jack Viney says Melbourne lacked respect for Essendon in shock loss

MELBOURNE has admitted it lacked respect for Essendon on Saturday, as star Bomber midfielder Zach Merrett labelled the Demons performance as “lacklustre”.

Melbourne Demons captain Nathan Jones (centre) led his team from the ground after being defeated by the Essendon Bombers in round two of the AFL at the MCG in Melbourne, Saturday, April 2, 2016. (AAP Image/Julian Smith) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

MELBOURNE has admitted it lacked respect for Essendon on Saturday, as star Bomber midfielder Zach Merrett labelled the Demons performance as “lacklustre”.

Demons coach Paul Roos conceded his side had got ahead of itself, losing to a team many had predicted might not win a game.

Rugged midfielder Jack Viney put that lack of respect in explicit terms on Sunday, saying Melbourne didn’t pay Essendon due respect.

“That could have been a factor, no doubt. We came off a good win against GWS and we didn’t pay Essendon enough respect,’’ he said.

“They are a good outfit and they have really strong players so there is no doubt we didn’t pay them enough respect.”

Asked about Viney’s comments on 3AW on Sunday, Merrett agreed Melbourne’s intensity was down on their Round 1 win.

“I felt like they were a little lacklustre and a little slow compared to the week before when they played well against GWS.

“It was a little surprising. We got a jump on them and got the confidence around the day.

“I don’t know if it was a lack of respect but they were a bit slow to the contest around the footy.”

Melbourne captain Nathan Jones leads his team off the field after the shock loss.

Roos has promised to make changes for the clash against North Melbourne on Sunday, with Christian Petracca collecting 20 possessions on Saturday in the VFL.

In Casey’s last VFL practice match he built on excellent match simulation form from the previous week.

Jack Trengove, returning from yet another cracked navicular, warmed Demons hearts with 18 possessions and two goals in the first half.

He finished 22 possessions and nine marks, and while he will much more VFL time it is a huge step forward.

“They are a good outfit and they have really strong players so there is no doubt we didn’t pay them enough respect.”

Jack Viney

Essendon’s rousing win came on the same day as ex-player Brent Prismall spoke of being let down by the club.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said on Sunday it strengthened his belief Essendon’s banned players were not to blame.

“I saw what the players did and the questions they asked. I have seen the documents and emails and I think fundamentally they were let down.

“I don’t blame them, I never have. I don’t blame them like some have done recently.”