I DON’T think anyone saw that coming. Did they?
Sure, the Western Bulldogs have been one of the outstanding stories of the season, but did we expect to see that performance at Etihad Stadium on Sunday?
Credit to the Bulldogs. They were scintillating for most of the match.
But if you only saw Melbourne’s dominant third quarter, you would’ve thought: how far the Demons?
There were some Jekyll and Hyde moments in that match. But ultimately, it was a horror day for the Demons, losing by 98 points.
The Bulldogs kicked 24 goals to three in three quarters: the first, second and fourth – a dreadful statistic for the Demons. Only the third term, when Melbourne booted five goals to nil, was the day’s storyline out of synch.
But what was perhaps even more remarkable was the fact that Melbourne reeled in a 74-point deficit, at the eight-minute mark of the second quarter, to 42 points at three quarter-time.
Given the Demons won the third quarter by 31 points, it was not unreasonable to think that the margin could’ve been closer in the finish – or dare we say it, even a remote chance of victory.
After all, the Dogs did squander a 49-point half-time lead against the Saints in round six this year to fall short by seven points.
In the end, Melbourne didn’t even get close to reeling in the 42-point margin – which would’ve been the third greatest three quarter-time comeback in VFL/AFL history.
Instead, the Western Bulldogs blew the Demons apart – even more than the first term – kicking 10 goals to one to win the term by 56 points.
It proved to be the Bulldogs’ sixth greatest final term since it joined the competition in 1925. It has also happened to be the Dogs’ 15th best quarter in its VFL/AFL history. It was also the red, white and blue’s ninth biggest win.
So the potential fairytale became a nightmare for the Demons – and almost a three-figure loss.
So where to from here?
Quite simply, Melbourne must respond.
And it has proven it is capable of that on several occasions this year.
The Demons beat the Bulldogs – yes, the Bulldogs – in round eight by 39 points after being hammered by Hawthorn the previous week. They Dees also fluffed their biggest miss of the season against St Kilda in round 11, when they lost the match with 41 seconds remaining. Yet, Melbourne bounced back with its most impressive win of the season – a victory over Geelong at the Cattery.
And as recent as round 18, the red and blue hit back against Collingwood, having produced a disappointing performance against St Kilda the previous round.
It’s far from ideal how this has played out, but Melbourne has shown it can rebound. And it must against the bottom-placed Carlton – the only team the Demons have yet to meet in 2015.
Melbourne cannot afford to think this match is an automatic tick next to the winning column. But they must respond strongly throughout the week and on game day.
A massive challenge then confronts Melbourne against Fremantle at Domain Stadium. The Demons must be up for it and fight like hell to give a highly competitive contest against a ruthless football team.
Rounding out the season will be against Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium. Again, Melbourne must perform and finish the year strongly against a vastly-improved outfit.
It reinforces that there are opportunities for Melbourne wins this season – even though they won’t be easy.
The Demons must not give up on the season. They must keep fighting. They must keep pushing for victories. At the moment, the Demons have six on the board – their best effort since 2011. But they must strive for more.
Seven to eight wins would be a considerable effort, given just two years ago, the Demons had two victories to their name at the season’s end, after coming off their fifth worst season in VFL/AFL history.
That’s a timely reminder of how low Melbourne was. Progress has been made and the season upon reflection will show that – even if there are frustrations along the way. But the show must go on.
The journey was never going to go in a straight line, but it continues in the right direction.
