Melbourne’s defence has been under the pump since the first ball was bounced in the 2013 season, but it’s not the back six that should cop all the blame.

The Demons’ have just not been able to get enough of the ball in the middle.

Even the greatest backline would struggle to cope with the amount of ball Melbourne’s opposition forwards receive.

Mark Neeld’s side has collected 2393 disposals this season.

That’s 237 less than 17th placed West Coast, 333 behind 15th placed Fremantle, and a whopping 667 in arrears of first placed Essendon.

Fremantle’s midfield, led by Michael Barlow, David Mundy and Nat Fyfe will look to get their hands on the ball and provide their forwardline with ample opportunities to kick a winning score.

One Melbourne midfielder who has been performing at a high level is Nathan Jones.

He’s had 178 disposals, which is an incredible 7.5 per cent of the Demons’ total disposals this season. Huge numbers for one player.

Hello Ryan Crowley.

Jones should get to know the Freo tagger a lot better by late Sunday afternoon, but don’t expect him to add Crowley to his Christmas presents list.

If Crowley can contain Jones, it will put a lot of pressure on Melbourne’s young midfield to step up.