Having won just one of their last 24 AFL matches at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne coach Paul Roos admits they might have to look at not picking certain players for matches at the ground while they are still working on their game style.
After a 20.15 (135) to 15.6 (96) loss to St Kilda on Saturday, Roos says the different reqirements for different grounds is something his team will have to take into consideration more strongly.
“We need to make sure these things are discussed going into games – that might be Subiaco, it might be the SCG,” Roos said.
“Certainly, overall, we’re trying to play a game style that it doesn’t matter where you play.
“But this is a different venue – we need to continue to educate ourselves as coaches.
“Again, it’s a very, very difficult thing to do.”
The loss takes Melbourne’s losing streak against the Saints up to 13, but Roos said effort was not an issue and he was also adamant that the players were not complacent after a week of good publicity about their form.
Even when they led by 17 points in the first quarter, Roos just felt they were not playing well.
“I don’t think it was a lack of effort, we just couldn’t get our structures right and they played really well,” he said.
“We know the reality – even during the week I was saying that, after a couple of wins.”
Roos said Jesse Hogan, who kicked seven goals, deserved his big day out after several weeks of solid work.
The Rising Star winner was criticised for poor body language in the round two loss to Essendon.
But Roos said Saturday’s performance showed how far Hogan has come as a player.
“He’s really worked hard over the last month,” Roos said.
“Today was a reward for that three-week effort that he’s really put in on the training track and he’s put in (during) games.
“It’s great when you see a young kid working really well at his craft and then getting some reward for it.”