The easy-beats of the past two seasons are no longer; Paul Roos’ troops demand respect, and their results are the greatest illustration of that.
A one-point win against Essendon on Sunday was perhaps the Demons’ greatest scalp yet, particularly when you consider the numbers.
If stats mean anything, the Bombers should have registered a big win.
40 clearances to 26, 151 contested possessions to 119, and perhaps the most damning stat of all, 69 inside 50’s to 36.
But remarkably, Melbourne got over the line by a solitary point.
Mark Thompson’s side butchered opportunities in front of the big sticks, but it wasn’t all in their control. The Demons’ are in fact the hardest team to score against once teams go inside 50.
Polish in front of goals late was also vital.
A revitalized list has perhaps been most important to Melbourne though. Recognising a need to strengthen his midfield, Roos made wholesale changes at the end of last year.
In came Daniel Cross, Bernie Vince and Dom Tyson, and finally the Demons have able support for inspirational leader Nathan Jones.
With Chris Dawes getting on the park more regularly, Jack Watts finding his feet, and emerging youngsters Jack Viney and Dean Kent having an impact, the future looks bright.
North’s 11 game streak means nothing against the ‘new’ Demons.
