Robbo jumps at new Dees deal
By Bruce Matthews
October 02, 2007 HIGH-leaping Melbourne forward Russell Robertson has re-signed with the club for the next two seasons.
New senior coach Dean Bailey announced Robertson was staying during his speech at the Demons' best-and-fairest count at Crown casino last night.
"I think that's sincerely terrific that a player who has spent most of his career at Melbourne, that he's going to be a one-team, one-club player," Bailey said.
Robertson, who turns 29 next month, will saddle up for his 12th season with Melbourne to add to his 205 senior games.
It was welcome news for the Demons faithful after a dismal season as Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade made a late pitch to Robertson as late as Sunday night.
Bailey also announced he was bringing premiership forward Josh Mahoney with him from Port Adelaide as an assistant coach.
"Josh's history is one of a battle, of being delisted, playing VFL and then becoming a premiership player," Bailey told the 600 guests.
"He's a very smart, very intelligent young man and he's going to be a very, very good coach."
Mahoney, a member of Port Adelaide's 2004 flag team, failed to force his way into the Power team that lost to Geelong in Saturday's grand final.
The Demons must find another assistant coach. Mark Riley has crossed to Carlton, while Peter Curran has left the club.
Bailey issued a stern warning to the players at the start of the night as he reminded them that pre-season training would start on October 31.
"To the players who are in the room, I put this challenge to them," Bailey said. "In 30 days' time, pre-season starts. The reality is that it actually starts tomorrow.
"It has been four to five weeks off now. The greatest challenge will be when you walk in that door on the 31st of October, will you be in the best condition that you've been for a pre-season?
"Because if you are, you will certainly show me and your teammates and everyone else who's involved in football, that you're seriously committed to next year."
Bailey made mention of the Junction Oval, the spartan conditions that were a factor in West Coast ace Chris Judd's decision yesterday to reject a move to the Demons.
"One of the first things I've been asked is about the Junction Oval. It smells like a footy club," he said. "There's sweat and anger in the rooms. That's what a football club is about."
Bailey noted how Melbourne had blooded six youngsters this season and the continued development of four others, including Nathan Jones, Matthew Bate and Daniel Bell.
"That's 10, nearly half a team. It's that youth and enthusiasm that will drive this club. We're going to gain a little respect," Bailey said.
Never had a doubt anyhow, but good news none the less 
