Demons' Bailey to go on with experiments
Melbourne will continue with their late-season AFL experiments, regardless of the ongoing controversy or whether they win.
Demons coach Dean Bailey remains publicly unflappable as the speculation mounts with each loss that they are "tanking" to gain a priority draft pick.
They have three wins, or 12 premiership points, with four matches left.
Should they finish the season with 16 points or less, under AFL rules they will gain a priority first-round pick at the November national draft.
The Demons used several players out of their usual positions in Sunday's loss on Sunday, where Richmond utility Jordan McMahon kicked the winning goal after the final siren.
This added fuel to the "tanking" fire, but Bailey says it is essential to his young team's development.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou, who says he does not believe in tanking, has strongly backed Bailey and the club.
"We'll still experiment with some of the players on the weekend, absolutely," Bailey said.
"They certainly ... can grasp playing in a different position and appreciate what it's like to be a midfielder if you're a forward, and the other way around.
"It's important we continue to develop players and that's what we're about.
"If we happen to win by doing it, so be it - the greatest experience you can put in all players is playing the game."
Bailey was also asked if winning was also an important part of his team's development for the rest of this season.
"If we're good enough to win the games, no worries - as part of the development, you want players to experience different positions," he said.
"If we're good enough to win the games, so be it.
"I mean, Jordan McMahon kicks the goal at the end of the game, it's a good kick from Jordan McMahon."
While Bailey added he was unconcerned about the focus on how he is coaching, he admitted the constant speculation was making his team more close-knit.
"It probably does (galvanise them) ... I'm sure the players themselves will feel like they're under the pump to perform," he said.
"It probably gels them a bit closer, they become very loyal, very trusting to each other, to support each other."
Also on Wednesday, Demetriou said Melbourne would deserve a priority pick if they received one.
He revealed he had called Demons chief executive Cameron Schwab on Monday to offer his support.
Bailey again said if the league saw a need, they would review the priority pick system at the end of the season.
"What Andrew was basically saying was that, in essence, the adaptability and versatility of what you're trying to create in your players is an option not just for us, but for every other club," Bailey said.
"It's an external point of view, it carries weight with Andrew Demetriou saying it."
Bailey said Rohan Bail was a chance to make his senior debut in Sunday's Etihad Stadium game against North Melbourne.
He added Matthew Bate, Lynden Dunn and Jake Spencer had all benefited from playing out of their usual positions against the Tigers.
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