In a wide-ranging 45-minute interview broadcast on Tuesday morning, Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin and CEO Gary Pert moved to address a number of issues surrounding the club.
The Demons’ culture has been blasted in recent weeks following a number of off-field issues that followed a second consecutive straight sets exit from finals.
Goodwin also moved to address rumours surrounding himself.
In a lengthy analysis of the chat, Whateley concluded by saying that ultimately, Melbourne will be judged by its actions rather that its words.
“The truest words spoken were Goodwin’s assessment that they won’t convince us of anything, it will be seen not spoken,” Whateley said on SEN in the minutes following the interview airing.
“Melbourne is a good team that thinks it’s capable of being great and most would agree. If that progression occurs, these moments of confrontation with (Clayton) Oliver and (Joel) Smith will be emblematic of reestablishing the standards that they seek.
“But if not, they’ll be accused of failing to recognise that a set of individual incidents were, in fact, markers of critical erosion.
“It all ensures that no team will be under greater trial in the fresh season than Melbourne.”
Listen to Whateley's full editorial below
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“INCREDIBLY ANGRY AND FRUSTRATED”: WHY DEMONS COACH HAS NOT YET MADE CONTACT WITH SMITH
“I’M NOT BUYING IT”: LYON AND DEMONS CEO CLASH OVER CLUB CULTURE CONCERNS