Demons Face Character Test

The Age

Friday June 6, 2008

Karen Lyon

MELBOURNE coach Dean Bailey has thrown down the challenge to his young side, declaring Monday's clash against an in-form Collingwood will be a true test of the team's character.

With the Demons' stocks depleted by injury and after a woeful performance against St Kilda last week, Bailey sees the Queen's Birthday match as a chance for his team to soak up the atmosphere of a large crowd and show the intensity it lacked last week.

"Our players are really excited about playing on this day in front of 70,000 people, it's going to be a fantastic opportunity to see who stands up," Bailey said.

"We've been inconsistent, there's no doubt about that . . . at the end of the day their actions speak louder than any words. And last week it was poor."

With David Neitz retired, experienced forward Russell Robertson out for the season with a ruptured Achilles tendon and Aaron Davey unlikely to return from a hamstring strain, the pressure to kick goals has fallen to an inexperienced forward line to take on the Pies.

"It will give us an opportunity to be a bit flexible up there," Bailey said.

© 2008 The Age

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