Top Demons still behind Neeld

Melbourne president Don McLardy says the recent investment in football department spending, recruiting, sports science and development coaching will reap rewards.. Picture: Jon Hargest Source: Herald Sun

Difficult times: Coach Mark Neeld Source: Herald Sun

BESIEGED Melbourne coach Mark Neeld has the backing of the Melbourne board after chief executive Cameron Schwab and president Don McLardy declared his position safe.

As the fallout continued from the Demons' embarrassing 148-point defeat by Essendon on Saturday, the administration threw its support behind 24-game coach Neeld.

There had been speculation the Round 4 battle - potentially to avoid the wooden spoon - between the Demons and Greater Western Sydney could decide his position.

But Schwab, McLardy and director of football Neil Craig went on radio and TV yesterday to back Neeld.

"We're not going to look at sacking coaches and going down that line at all," McLardy said.

"We are certain we have got the right team. But what we don't want is instability in our football club.

"One of the key things in a football club is stability and trust in your people. Now we have that and we are going to support them through."

Schwab was similarly emphatic, despite his horror at a combined 227-point deficit in two rounds.

"I am sure Mark would be struggling with many things at this moment. Today he is looking at white boards and magnets, but the one thing he can be comfortable and confident with is he has our full support," Schwab said.

"What we saw last night and last week is simply not good enough. No one will sugarcoat that in any form.

"There is an enormous amount of work to be done. But we will do it together. The one thing we won't do is fragment. The pressure can have that affect on organisations."

The Demons are $2.50 wooden spoon favourites and no one at Melbourne can make promises about a swift recovery against West Coast next week.

McLardy said recent investment in football department spending, recruiting, sports science and development coaching would reap rewards.

"We think we are on the right track," he said.

"We have got to understand as a club over the past four or five years we have put ourselves in a position where we can compete in ... a really tough competition.

"We don't think that (performance against Essendon) is a true reflection of where we are and we are going to support those people and that team we put in place and we are going to see this through."

Melbourne players said at a recovery session yesterday that the club's culture was not to blame.

"As a group we've really got to stick together and find out who cares about the place," Colin Garland said.

"There's just no excuse for the way blokes are performing out on the ground, it's as simple as that."

Midfielder Sam Blease expressed support for Neeld: "We're 100 per cent behind Neeldy. We're just in a tough spot at the moment. Hopefully we can get out of it."

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Bartel, Cats deny Roos

A controversial free kick and 50m penalty has gifted Geelong another remarkable comeback victory at Etihad Stadium today.

Geelong v North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, Docklands. Jimmy Bartel kicks the winning goal Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

Geelong star Jimmy Bartel works his way through traffic against North Melbourne. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

SELF-BELIEF was Geelong's trademark in three premiership triumphs and continues to deliver the Cats stunning results.

That never-quit work ethic allowed Geelong to steal a four-point win against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium yesterday.

In a remarkable turnaround, the Cats whittled away a deficit that ballooned to 41 points late in the second quarter to hit the front for the second time with only 20 seconds left in the game.

"We weren't really testing them. We just had to try to play our way and see how they handled that," experienced defender Andrew Mackie said.

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"To the boys' credit, we got on top in the middle and that makes a difference, a bit like last week (against Hawthorn)."

In a gripping final term, the Kangaroos lost the lead and then regained it with a goal from Daniel Wells after Mitch Duncan conceded a 50m penalty.

Ironically, it was another 50m penalty that allowed Cat Jimmy Bartel to kick the sealing goal inside the last minute after Nathan Grima fell into his back and then Michael Firrito roosted the ball away.

What would have been a pressure shot for Bartel from 40m became a gift from the goalline. The Cats created two stoppages after the restart to run down the clock.

Geelong v North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, Docklands. Harry Taylor , Trent West and Josh Caddy celebrate on the final siren Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

Another second-half revival left Geelong coach Chris Scott with mixed emotions - while he marvelled at the resilience of his players he was determined to dissect a lacklustre first half.

"I'm exhausted without having to run a metre. It was difficult to watch in the first half and that's what we're going to focus on," he said.

"The things that we went in planning to do weren't implemented and they were a different team than the one that played Round 1. Due credit to their skills and decision-making, but those options shouldn't have been available.

"A lot of the questioning today will be around the competitiveness of our players, their discipline to get back to what we wanted to do pre-game and really fight their way back.

"But we don't accept that, it's not good enough to rely on efforts like that to get back into games of footy because our first half was poor."

North monopolised the ball in the first half, working harder and hitting their targets to rack up nearly double the Cats' possessions.

Geelong v North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, Docklands. Nathan Grima after the loss Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

That control and accuracy inside the forward 50 wasn't reflected on the scoreboard with only a 19-point lead at quarter-time to show for the Roos toil. But it had stretched to 35 at halftime.

Geelong will reflect on two telling moves that fuelled the momentum switch in the second half.

 Almost as telling as Mathew Stokes super-sub performance was defender Harry Taylor's shutdown of dangerous Kangaroo tall target Drew Petrie.

Taylor went back on to Petrie after the big Roo had booted his fourth goal on Tom Lonergan early in the second term and he didn't add to the tally.

It was another example that the game doesn't allow anyone to bathe in glory for long ... Lonergan, who contained Lance Franklin only six days earlier, had his second opponent and four goals against him after just over a quarter.

Like the opening round against Hawthorn, the Cats' daring and run created overlaps and the willingness to risk another handball applied enormous pressure to the Roos defence after halftime.

"We have confidence that we can score quickly, but in my time at Geelong it appears no player ever gives up and that's a really admirable trait," Scott said.

"We're really proud of our guys, but I guess we can't just rely on that experience to get us back into the game when it's slipping away from us. I guess it's slightly intimidating for opposition teams when they know they're playing a team that never gives up. But we have to focus on not putting ourselves in that position in the first place."

Geelong v North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, Docklands. Brad Scott talking with the AFL's ( Graham Finn ? ) ground manger after the loss about the roof policy after the loss. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

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Magpies down Mick's Blues

Nathan Buckley takes bragging rights over old mentor Mick Malthouse as Collingwood defeats old enemy Carlton in a MCG classic.

Sam Dwyer impressed on his MCG debut. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

ALL week it was about Mick versus "Bucks".

In the end an unlikely battle that decided this clash. Forget Pendlebury versus Murphy and Swan versus Judd. This was all about Elliott, Dwyer and Sinclair versus Walker, Yarran and Garlett.

The battle of the small forwards - and in Collingwood's case the inexperienced trio - was the catalyst for a memorable Pies victory.

The work of the little guys was, at times, breathtaking.

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The Collingwood mosquito fleet kicked eight goals between them - led brilliantly by Jamie Elliott with five - while Carlton's contributed nine.

Scott Pendlebury clears by hand during the 3rd qtr of the Collingwood vs Carlton match at the MCG. April 7, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

Elliott, in his 17th game, kicked two goals in the last quarter.When the game was on the line he was in the thick of the action.

With four minutes to go he showed poise beyond his years nailing a crucial set shot to extend the lead to 10 points.

A mongrel floater by Carlton's Kane Lucas a minute later, that somehow scraped over the line, kept the game alive.

Enter Elliott again.

This time a slick handball through a pack opened the door for Steele Sidebottom to kick the goal and seal a stirring victory.

While his heroics earned him the best-on-ground accolade, the performance of second-gamer Sam Dwyer was also eye-opening.

The 26-year-old rookie who was recruited from Port Melbourne played like he'd been on the MCG 100 times.

Before a crowd of 84,000 plus, Dwyer collected 23 possessions including a team-high 14 contested.

Ben Sinclair played his part by kicking two goals, including the first of the final term.

Fittingly, it was a Jeff Garlett special from 55m around the corner - his third for the day - that stopped the Pies' run-on in the early stages of the final term.

Scott Pendlebury clears by hand during the 3rd qtr of the Collingwood vs Carlton match at the MCG. April 7, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

The problem for the Blues was their smalls had done their damage early and went missing at the death.

Andrew Walker, who surprisingly played in defence last week, started it all by kicking the opening three goals of the game inside 14 minutes.

It was then Chris Yarran's turn in the second quarter, kicking two goals and being instrumental in the Blues' 10-point halftime lead.

Unfortunately by the end, Walker was in defence - at one stage he was standing Elliott - and Yarran had run out of steam.

While the two Collingwood kids deserved all the accolades, there was some important cameos from the stars of both sides.

Harry O'Brien continued his career resurrection on the wing and was dominant early, while Heath Shaw sparked the Pies in the third quarter kicking a critical goal after a bad Jeremy Laidler mistake and then hit the post a minute later.

Scott Pendlebury clears by hand during the 3rd qtr of the Collingwood vs Carlton match at the MCG. April 7, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

He finished with 26 possessions, the same as Dane Swan, who got busy in the final quarter.

Irishman Marty Clarke played a good game on the wing.

For the Blues, Marc Murphy (26) and Chris Judd (25) led the way with the skipper, in particular, having a big impact in the final term.

Andrew Carrazzo again did a good job to keep Scott Pendlebury to 23 touches, while Mitch Robinson was energetic as usual and Matthew Kreuzer dominated the ruck - 34 hitouts - thanks to an early injury to Darren Jolly.

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Stokes is best vest yet

A controversial free kick and 50m penalty has gifted Geelong another remarkable comeback victory at Etihad Stadium today.

Geelong coach Chris Scott pulled a masterstroke naming Mathew Stokes as his substitute. Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun

MATHEW Stokes doesn't ever want to be the sub, and he sure doesn't want to be Geelong's super sub.

But after an eye-catching quarter and a bit, where Stokes had nine touches in his first 15 minutes, he's a pretty handy vest-wearer.

Stokes had 29 touches against Hawthorn in Round 1. But Geelong coach Chris Scott refused to reveal why the premiership player had been given the vest.

"No player likes to be the sub," said Stokes, who was subbed in 17 minutes into the third term.

"You don't want to go too well because then you're going to become the (regular) sub. There were a couple of reasons why I was the sub today. You're going to have to ask Scotty about that.

"Being around for eight years, it's a hard pill to swallow. You can either stay positive and come on and try and impact, or you can get negative and be angry."

Scott said Stokes as the sub was "as good as we've seen".

"Stokesy's clearing in our best 21 right at the moment," Scott said.

Stokes said he was disappointed with his 2012 form and hoped to play more in the midfield.

"I had a really good pre-season, but I had a couple of injuries early on. It really put me back a little bit," he said.

 "I had a mindset that it's a privilege to play AFL footy and maybe last year I let a year go.

"It feels at the moment it's all going well. You don't want to pump yourself up too much because footy has a knack of playing well and the next week you struggle."

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Hawks bounce back with big win

Hawk Grant Birchall celebrates a goal. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

HAWTHORN shrugged off the Kennett Curse and the controversy over the future of coach Alastair Clarkson to kick-start its season with a gutsy 50-point belting of West Coast.

With the mercury hitting 32C, the Hawks withstood two determined fightbacks rom the Eagles to triumph.

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Hawthorn outlasted the home side in stifling conditions at Patersons Stadium, powering home with eight goals in the last quarter despite coming off a six-day break compared with the home side's 15 days.

The Hawks also kicked eight of the first nine goals to open up a 39-point advantage early in the second quarter.

AFL Round 2- West Coast Eagles v Hawthorn Hawks at Patersons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Hawk Luke Breust marks. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

Sam Mitchell starred with 31 touches moving between the midfield and defence, while Lance Franklin booted five goals and Cyril Rioli and Luke Breust four apiece.

Skipper Luke Hodge impressed with a full game in his return from injury, gathering 25 touches in defence.

The Eagles, rated in the top bracket of premiership fancies before the season, are now 0-2 and grateful the fixture has presented them with a trip to face Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday.

West Coast's early-season injury crisis has bitten hard, with the team sorely missing first-choice players Nic Naitanui, Daniel Kerr, Mark LeCras, Matt Rosa, Sharrod Wellingham and Eric Mackenzie.

AFL Round 2- West Coast Eagles v Hawthorn Hawks at Patersons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Hawk Luke Breust marks. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

Franklin and Rioli both had two goals by the first change as Hawthorn stunned the Eagles with a six-goal-to-one opening term.

As expected, Mitch Brown was handed the job on Franklin in his first game for West Coast since being denied his request to move to St Kilda in last year's trade period.

The Hawks led by more than six goals early in the second term when Isaac Smith booted their seventh unanswered goal.

Mitchell, Brad Sewell and Shaun Burgoyne were all influential in the midfield as Matt Priddis shouldered the grunt work for the Eagles.

Jamie Cripps finally broke the drought for the home side when he nailed a running goal from the 50m arc, which inspired a revival before halftime.

AFL Round 2- West Coast Eagles v Hawthorn Hawks at Patersons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Hawk Luke Breust marks. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

Josh Kennedy, virtually unsighted to that point, kicked two goals in two minutes as the Eagles added four majors in six minutes to spark the crowd and close to within 14 points.

Breust and Jarryd Roughead each got their second to ensure the Hawks restored a healthy buffer at the main break.

Rioli and Franklin continued their fine double act in attack early in the third, but for the second time the Eagles mounted a challenge just as the game reached a dangerous tipping point.

West Coast wrested control in the packs and Josh Hill was the spark, kicking three goals for the third term as the Eagles positioned themselves for a last-quarter challenge.

Breust missed a huge chance to almost put the tiring Hawks in a safe position when he missed his set shot from directly in front after the three-quarter time siren.

But Grant Birchall kicked his second and David Hale bobbed up for two majors as Hawthorn put the game beyond doubt in the final quarter.

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Satisfied Buckley all praise

Nathan Buckley is satisfied. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: HWT Image Library

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley said the 17-point victory against Carlton at the MCG was the second stage of a planned assault in the first three rounds on clubs the Magpies could not beat last season.

After all the hype of the Buckley and Mick Malthouse clash, the Magpie coach described the win as satisfying and excellent.

The Magpies did not beat North Melbourne last season, but rolled the Roos in Round 1, and lost twice to Carlton in 2012.

Scott Pendlebury clears by hand during the 3rd qtr of the Collingwood vs Carlton match at the MCG. April 7, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

They face Hawthorn, another side they could not beat last season, at the MCG on Sunday but are likely to go into the game without ruckman Darren Jolly, who was taken to hospital with a rib injury.

After a huge build-up since Malthouse was appointed coach of Carlton last year, yesterday's game at the MCG in front of 84,247 fans lived up to the much-anticipated hype.

Asked if the win had any special significance because of the Malthouse factor, Buckley said the "win itself was excellent".

"I enjoyed that win," he said.

Scott Pendlebury clears by hand during the 3rd qtr of the Collingwood vs Carlton match at the MCG. April 7, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

"You can't deny that, losing both games to Carlton last year.

"We identified the first three weeks as opportunities for us at sides that we weren't able to beat in 2012.

"To the players' credit, they have been able to execute the plans.

"We are only two rounds in and that is satisfying.

"It's a moment in time and then we fast forward and look at the Hawks as quickly as we can."

Buckley paid credit to West Coast recruit Quinten Lynch, who was forced to play most of the game in the ruck to cover for Jolly.

The ruckman was hurt in the first few minutes and was substituted when he unsuccessfully tried to return in the second quarter.

"I think he had a couple of cracked ribs," Buckley said.

"We tried to get him up, but he was just unable to get around the ground, let alone compete in the ruck duels, so that was a challenge immediately."

Buckley said Lynch was "huge" to work through 3 1/2 quarters virtually as a sole ruckman.

"We didn't recruit him for that, but he was fantastic and showed a lot of guts," he said.

Buckley also singled out Jamie Elliott, who kicked five goals, for special praise.

"We have seen his marking ability and this is the first game where he has hit the scoreboard and taken most of his chances," he said. "You put all of those little bits together and he is a dangerous proposition for us."

Buckley said if Elliott kept performing, he would stay in the side.

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Scott brothers criticise roof

A controversial free kick and 50m penalty has gifted Geelong another remarkable comeback victory at Etihad Stadium today.

Brad Scott wants the roof closed, as does brother Chris. Picture: Salpigtidis George

THE Scott brothers want the Etihad Stadium roof shut for all AFL games after sun, then rain, affected their four-point heart-stopper.

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott was so angered by the open roof he approached the AFL's match-day official after the siren.

Geelong coach Chris Scott was also scathing about the conditions at the ground, which was drenched in blinding sunshine before the rain came.

Brad Scott said the roof being open had no bearing on the result, with the Kangaroos losing after leading by as many as 41 points.

"It's embarrassing for the competition when it's raining at an indoor stadium," he said.

Kangaroos midfielder Daniel Wells fell foul of both weather conditions - he dropped a mark on the wing after appearing to lose the ball in the sun and later slipped in the wet.

"It is laughable," Brad Scott said.

"There's a policy that when the sun's shining the roof's open, but no one likes it. The fans don't like it, the broadcasters hate it, players hate it. Close it. It's not that hard.

"I just do not understand why we don't close the roof.

"I asked the question of the ground manager after the game and he said 'well, we looked at the forecast and the forecast said it wasn't going to rain'.

"I said 'I'm not too sure how long you've been living in Melbourne'."

Chris Scott said the roof should be closed all the time.

"The only knock I have on this stadium, besides the surface occasionally, is that when the sun's shining, the players can't see," he said.

"Close the roof and then if it does rain you'll be covered ... I'm sure you've all sat in the stands on a hot sunny day - it's an uncomfortable place when the roof's open.

"There might be a really good reason for keeping it open, but I haven't heard it.

"I think the AFL's pretty fluid in their thinking, I don't think they're locked into anything necessarily."
 

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Tiger cubs prove their worth

Richmond recruit Chris Knights had 41 disposals. Picture: Stuart Walmsley Source: Herald Sun

ONLY days after Richmond coach Damian Hardwick lauded the depth of his side, the players vying for senior selection proved their worth in VFL-affiliate Coburg's 32-point win over Sandringham.

It was a mix of youth and experience which inspired the Tigers to victory, the final score reading 18.13 (121) to 13.11 (89).

Ex-Adelaide forward Chris Knights had 41 disposals - 19 of them contested.

Aaron Edwards, who was traded to Richmond after 78 games at North Melbourne, booted four goals and had 17 disposals.

"It was a pretty good all-round effort today with probably four or five guys really standing up,'' Coburg coach Tim Clarke said.

"Chris (Knights) continued to work throughout the day and ended up with over 40 touches, and his work rate was terrific."

The dangerous pair handed the Tigers their first lead of the match early in the second term after trading goals, Knights kicking truly on the tightest of angles.

Youngster Liam McBean, drafted at No.31 by Richmond last year, was also superb up forward finishing with four goals including two consecutive majors in the dying stages of the first half.

Robin Nahas (22 disposals), Matt White (26) and young gun Nick Vlastuin (16) were also lively.

Clarke agreed with the sentiments that Richmonds current depth is a huge benefit for the VFL affiliate.

"Were in a really strong position in that the 18 guys who came down (from Richmond) were in our best 22," Clarke said.

"Its not a preference that theyre on Richmonds list. If theyre in our best 22 well play them."

For Sandringham new Saint Trent Dennis-Lane kicked five goals.

The former Swan bagged four in the first half and was a dangerous target up forward.

Rookie-listed Saint Tom Curren was superb for Sandringham, finishing with 24 touches and two goals.

His second came after a third quarter scuffle saw him awarded with a 100m penalty.

Youngsters Sebastian Ross (19 disposals, 12 kicks) and Tom Ledger (17) were also dangerous.

Demons rookies James Magner (34 disposals) and Tom Couch (32) helped Casey Scorpions to a 23.11 (149) to 12.9 (81) drubbing of Frankston yesterday.

Out-of-favour midfielder Luke Tapscott booted six goals while Jesse Hogan kicked two.

Port Melbourne secured its first win of the season, edging Box Hill by four points.

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Clarko lauds outstanding win

Hawk Luke Hodge bouned back with 100 SuperCoach pts. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson said his side withstood a West Coast onslaught before pulling away for an against-the-odds victory.

Clarkson joked his players had been given "jungle juice" at three-quarter time before they piled on eight goals in the final term to run out 50-point winners in hot conditions after a six-day break.

"The boys really dug in and had a super last quarter," he said.

"We've worked hard over the summer and we're always confident in our ability to push out quarters.

"Both sides were cramping a lot and we just looked a little bit more fatigued. But we handled that West Coast onslaught in the third quarter and just regrouped at three-quarter time."

Midfielder Brad Sewell was substituted in the third term with hamstring tightness but Clarkson hoped he would be available for Sunday's showdown with Collingwood. Forward Jack Gunston was a late withdrawal because of illness but is expected to be available for the MCG clash.

Hawthorn dominated the inside-50 count, 62-37, and refused to wilt despite West Coast appearing well placed for a last-quarter charge.

"It was an outstanding victory," Clarkson said. "We came off a six-day break and came off Easter Monday playing the Cats, which was a pretty torrid affair as well.

"So we knew it was going to be a tough game. Particularly because of the conditions and different size of the oval over here in the west."

Captain Luke Hodge impressed in his first game of the season.

"I'm feeling all right now. Tomorrow, I guess, that will tell me," he said. "I was tired at times throughout the game but felt like I ran out the game OK. I look forward to a lighter week on the track and then Collingwood next week."

Eagles coach John Worsfold refused to panic despite his side losing its first two games.

"We've played two pretty good top teams," he said.

"So it's all there for us to do what we want to do," Worsfold said.

"We're still aiming to show that we're one of the really good teams in the competition and we'll get measured on that over the next 20 weeks."
 

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Mick admits Pies are better

Magpie Scott Pendlebury clears by hand during the third quarter against Carlton at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse before the start of yesterday's blockbuster at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

MICK Malthouse says Collingwood may be the best side in the competition, with the Carlton coach last night moving to ease the pressure on his winless Blues.

Malthouse was keen to give a "little lesson in history" on the recent form line of both clubs after Carlton was run down by the rampant Magpies in the last quarter at the MCG.

The Blues lead by 18 points nine minutes into the third quarter and by 10 points at the last change.

But they were outworked and out-thought by Collingwood in the last half-hour, conceding seven goals to three.

"What went wrong? We played probably one of the best sides in the competition.

"They might even be No.1,'' Malthouse said.

"They were better when it counted most.

"They were smarter with the footy and they just worked a bit harder.''

Collingwood's runners surged into space in an irresistible last quarter assault, racking up 27 uncontested marks to 11.

Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan and Steele Sidebottom all finished strongly.

"They're a very good football side," he said.

"I think sometimes we just need a little lesson in history to say, 'Well, they were on top of the ladder for a long time last year, they finished third or fourth, we finished ninth or 10th or whatever and there's a gap and we've got to close that gap','' Malthouse said.

"We've got to be better and we'll approach every week to get better and smarter and do something about it.

"There's no joy in getting beaten by 17 points, but I know we can match it for periods of time with one the best sides and that's the most encouraging thing about this.

"We will work to lengthen that time from 10 minutes to 11, from 15 to 20.

"In the last two weeks we just haven't been consistent, we haven't been smart enough with the footy at times and we haven't probably been running hard enough."

Chris Yarran shows Ben Johnson a clean pair of heels as he heads towards the goals during the 2nd qtr of the Collingwood vs Carlton match at the MCG. April 7, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

Carlton captain Mark Murphy said: "They're good players got on top ... it's pretty disappointing.

"We played in parts and against good sides you've got to play for the full four quarters to get the win."

Asked if he was happy the match and the momentous build-up was over, Malthouse shrugged his shoulders.

"That's life. I've been in big games before, it's the way it is," he said.

The Blues face Geelong, West Coast (away) and Adelaide in the next three weeks in a daunting opening to the season, but Malthouse strongly believes his side are getting there.

"I'll walk out of here disapppionted and tomorrow ... I'll be as positive as I know I can be with this group of players," he said.

"They are nearing it and we're getting better and we'll get better each week and at some stage that result will click over to a victory and it will give us the confidence to go forward."

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