Nick Riewoldt believes Melbourne have lost their “edge” and “hunger” for the contest as they slumped to 1-4 following a dismal showing against St Kilda on Saturday.
Entering 2019 as a premiership contender, the Demons' finals hopes were severely dented after going down to the tenacious Saints by 40 points at the MCG.
One marking contest late in the match caught the attention of the St Kilda great, saying it epitomised the Dees’ lack of stomach for the fight.
“They look like they’ve lost their edge and their hunger for the contest,” Riewoldt told SEN Breakfast.
“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.”
Simon Goodwin’s side face Richmond in the traditional Anzac Day Eve clash at the MCG tomorrow night in a match they simply must win.
Listen to Nick Riewoldt’s chat on SEN Breakfast with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson in the player below