We won't experiment, say the Demons
Melbourne has declared it will resist the temptation to spend the remainder of its season in experimentation.
While the Demons are stuck at the bottom of the ladder with just one win from 11 rounds, coach Dean Bailey says the main aim still is to win matches.
Melbourne faces Richmond at Telstra Dome on Sunday and Bailey says the focus will remain on competitiveness and playing out four quarters.
"We've all got expectations - we believe we will go out on Sunday and expect to be competitive.
"We still think and we still believe that we can win the game. You've still got to have that focus.
"Our members and supporters are going to the game with the same expectations that we have so we're all in it together.
"We've got deliver and we've got to be competitive longer than what we have been," he said.
"Our emphasis will always be to win games but I think we need to persist with some of our young guys. An extra game or two will give them a chance to develop and play at AFL level."
His intention comes just days after a new administration swept to power at Melbourne, led by former star player and Irish recruit Jim Stynes, who was at the Junction Oval watching training on Saturday.
"He's now president of our club and he wants the players to know that he's in it with them and we all want the same thing.
"He's a very successful person and I'm sure he'll be doing everything like we are to not only win on Sunday but to put in place a structure that's going to see Melbourne get back to being not only a very competitive club but a very well run club.
"There's probably a little bit of wait and see but I thought the seamless transition from the old board to the new board was fantastic," Bailey said.
"The new board are hopefully going to take us forward so there's a bit of momentum."
While the Demons have lost key forward Russell Robertson, Brent Moloney and Jared Rivers, they will be boosted by lively forward Aaron Davey.
Bailey said Melbourne would need to be especially wary of Richmond's speed through the centre of the ground as well as their ruckmen.
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