Understandably, Daniher was finding it difficult to practise what he preached. Perhaps he was still galled by a couple of appalling umpiring decisions early in the game. They would not have changed the result, but they dented any hopes Melbourne had of being competitive. Mark Mercuri was caught red-handed in front of goal but the ball was allowed to spill free for the Bombers to score. Captain David Neitz also needed to kick the two goals from two opportunities early in the game when the Demons had some momentum.
Leadership is about setting standards.
But the skipper needed to seize those early chances for Melbourne to have any hope. As well, the young Demons allowed themselves to be bullied early. It was a good tactic by the Bombers defence led by Dean Wallis, Damien Hardwick and the Johnsons, Mark and Jason. They earmarked young Brad Green for some special treatment. Perhaps he, too, could have been afforded some more protection by the umpires.