Melbourne coach Neil Craig hasn't bothered asking his players about the 186-point drubbing at the Cattery in 2011. Picture: Wayne Ludbe
The Demons will try to draw inspiration from Ashton Agar. Picture: Jon Super/AP Source: AP
MELBOURNE coach Neil Craig says Ashton Agar's outstanding Ashes debut is a great example for his struggling AFL team.
No-one will give the Demons a chance on Saturday when they play Geelong at Simonds Stadium.
The game comes two years after one of the darkest moments in Melbourne's history - a 186-point loss that cost coach Dean Bailey his job.
Craig says the Melbourne coaching group had already spoken on Friday morning about Agar, who hours before had batted at No.11 and top-scored with 98 in Australia's first innings.
"That's a young kid coming into international-level sport, no limitations, no-one is putting any limitations on him, that you're not allowed to be any good until your fifth Test or 20th Test," Craig said.
"I love that sort of thing, where he comes in and just takes the world stage by the scruff of the neck.
"It's just another great example of what's available to anyone who has a really fierce mindset.
"Similar concepts operate in the AFL, absolutely, and it's always good to take it from another sport."
Craig has dismissed the 2011 Geelong debacle, saying he is only interested in what his team does now.
Melbourne have shown improvement in the last few weeks since Craig took over from sacked coach Mark Neeld.
They beat the Western Bulldogs and last weekend were competitive against Sydney.
Asked about whether his players still carried mental scars from the 2011 loss in Geelong, Craig said: "I haven't asked them and I'm not really that interested.
"What I do know is this group is a very resilient group.
"Unless they (tough experiences) can help you, get rid of it.
"If they help you, hang onto it.
"But my experience says forget about it - get on with what we're doing."
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