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Demons Rising by Matt Harrington, Radio Sport 927 July 18, 2002 Melbourne is surging. The Demons are just a few per cent off a top four spot after 15 rounds, and are looking ominous. Two strong wins in succession has confidence sky high for the blue and red army. However just four rounds ago, the Dees looked fragile. Coming off a 51-point belting at the hands of arch-rival Collingwood, the Demons sat seventh having lost four out of their past six - with the two wins by three and four points against lowly opposition. However, fast track to the present and Melbourne is red hot. Beating reigning premier Brisbane at the Gabba, and having Carlton finished by half-time at the weekend, the Dees are in sparkling form. This resurgence into a dangerously good-looking outfit can be put down to one thing - David Neitz. Two best on ground performances from the captain has led Melbourne into premiership calculations. Neitz has been unstoppable kicking 16 goals in the past two rounds to lead the AFL goal-kicking tally by four goals, with 47 for the season. Whenever Melbourne fails much of the blame is directed at Neitz, and possibly unfairly, but he has answered his critics in the best possible way. His leading, marking and relentless attack on the footy has lead the way for his Demons team-mates to follow, and follow they have. A top-four berth beckons. Neitz's sudden match winning form has coincided with one vital event at Melbourne. The retirement of forward David Schwarz. Since the Ox announced an end to his playing days, Neitz has catapulted to the type of player, he has promised to be for years. It was unknown what impact No.5's retirement would have on the Dees, given he was club leader and champion competitor, who added much needed presence to the Demons. He was an inspiration to team-mates, having returned from three knee reconstructions to play quality football at the highest level. But perhaps Schwarz's presence on the Demons forward line hindered the development of the captain? Neitz has relished the open space in a Schwarz-less forward line. With the extra space to lead in, Neitz has ripped two defences apart in consecutive weeks, something he has failed to do regularly in recent years. Working in tandem with Schwarz, Neitz would be forced into a pack-marking situation against two or three defenders regularly. It has become clear in the past two weeks that he is almost unstoppable one-on-one with space Some players improve playing alongside superstars, but it appears Neitz relishes the chance to be the major focal point. Being one-out inside the forward 50m suits his mix of strength and speed, which makes him a difficult match-up for opposition coaches. Questions where asked how the Demons forward line would cope without Schwarz, but 41 goals later (from just two games) and the question is well truly answered. It is tough to say the Demons are better off without Schwarz, but the Demons have played their best footy since making it to the 2000 Grand Final in the past two weeks. It could be that, or it could be a mixture of the new look forward line and inspiration factor gained from the Ox's retirement. Whatever the reason for the Demons' improvement, Neitz has the responsibility, and opportunity, to lead the club back into finals football and if his form continues to spiral skywards, he could add to his legend. Possibly with a Norm Smith medal on Grand Final day. Balls and All.....this month • Light at the end of the tunnel Matt Harrington, 11 July 2002 • Northerly blows a change Matt Harrington, 11 July 2002 • Are we too precious Matt Harrington, 11 July 2002 • Double Trouble Matt Harrington, 3 July 2002 • Using the popularity Matt Harrington, 3 July 2002 • Index of all stories |
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