After playing in a preliminary final in 2018, Melbourne was touted as one of the teams to beat this season, but have slumped to a 1-4 start.

The Demons were well beaten by St Kilda on Saturday, with one play in particular catching the eye of St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt.

Saints forward Tim Membrey outmarked Melbourne ruck duo Braydon Preuss and Max Gawn quite easily, with Riewoldt suggesting the Demons look a shell of their former selves.

“They look like they’ve lost their edge and their hunger for the contest,” Riewoldt told SEN Breakfast on Tuesday.

“I saw a contest late in the game against St Kilda: Tim Membrey’s about 6’2 and he’s a two-foot jumper.

“He stood on both feet, jumped up in the air next to (Braydon) Preuss and Max Gawn … and he basically marked it uncontested.

“Max Gawn could have stood there, taken his body … it looked like he was allergic to body contact.”

Melbourne now has a quick turnaround when they face Richmond on Wednesday night, in the annual ANZAC Day eve clash.

The Tigers may still be without injured duo Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt as well as the long-term injury of Alex Rance, although Melbourne does have their own injury woes.

Neville Jetta is set for surgery and could miss the next 8-10 weeks, while Steven May is also set to miss out. Jack Viney is touch-and-go for Wednesday night.

1 COMMENT

  1. As a Melbourne Supporter of 67 years to say that I am disappointed is a MAJOR UNDERSTATEMENT
    Consider ince 1968 to April 2019 we have played 1142 games and won 336 games a percenatge 0f 29 per cent
    We then have a Collingwood reject WEIDEMAN requesting $650,000 pa knowing our position he MUST BE DELISTED TODAY
    I look forward to any INTELLIGENT RESPONSE

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