AFLNewsSport
Freo flat times give Demons hope
Craig O'Donoghue MelbourneThe West Australian
Thu, 23 May 2013 9:08AM
Melbourne assistant coach Leigh Brown says the experience of playing in Fremantle's wooden-spoon team in 2001 has given him the confidence to believe that the Demons can find form quicker than most people predict.
The Demons have endured a nightmare season with one win in eight games - and five of their losses have been by more than 10 goals.
Only Greater Western Sydney have experienced a worse record, but Brown said other clubs had been through similar hardships and risen back up the ladder.
He was a 19-year-old key defender in 2001 when Fremantle won just two matches, but the Dockers made the finals in 2003.
"To look back and understand what the players are going through and some of the things they are feeling and need to work through has been good," Brown said.
"For us as a team, we just need to stick at it on the track.
"We know we're on the right track and are doing the right things.
"It can turn very quickly and we just need to continually compete and bring our effort."
Melbourne face a herculean task this weekend.
Not only are they travelling to Patersons Stadium - a venue they haven't won at since 2004 - they must also find a way to combat Fremantle's stifling defence.
The Dockers have the second-best record for preventing their opponents going inside the forward 50m, while Melbourne are ranked last for getting the ball into their forward line.
The Demons could be strengthened by the return from injury of Jack Watts (hamstring) and Shannon Byrnes (wrist), which Brown said would bring valuable experience to the squad.
He said despite their poor travel record, the players were looking forward to the trip because it would get them out of the negative environment they have been stuck in.
Melbourne have played seven of their eight games at the MCG and some of their better efforts in 2013 have come after bonding as a group.
The team spent a night in Sorrento before producing a strong first half against West Coast and they were competitive against Brisbane at the Gabba.
"You can get into a routine which can be good but there's also areas that bring you down at times when you're going to the same place day in and day out," Brown said.
"So getting away is important.
"The Sorrento trip was really good for the guys to get away together, and the Brisbane trip was our first interstate game.
"We performed reasonably well and we had our chances in that game. Any time you can get away interstate it is good for your team.
"It provides an opportunity to just focus on your footy and have the chance to bond with the guys and understand them more.
"It's something the coach really drives. He enjoys getting away as a group as well."
While Brown was upbeat, bookmakers don't hold out much prospect of the Demons causing what would be one of the boilovers of the season.
Player has installed Fremantle red-hot favourites at $1.01, with Melbourne at $15.
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