IT WAS a tale of two halves when Melbourne met Sydney for the AFL’s season-opening clash on Thursday night. 

The SCG saw a sold-out stadium, with over 40,000 fans eager to witness the first match of the 2024 Toyota AFL Season and first game of the newly introduced Opening Round.  

The Demons sought victory in wet and slippery conditions in Sydney, but despite their first-half efforts, Melbourne fell short of victory by 22 points.

Vice-captain Jack Viney reflected on the game’s contrasting halves, touching on his team’s ineffective adaption to the strenuous ground conditions. 

“We probably could have prepared a bit better for it,” Viney told Melbourne Media.  

“They definitely handled [the conditions] better than we did. 

“The first half, we were doing well in a lot of the areas we pride ourselves on and then we dropped away in the second half. 

“We got smashed in the second half in the contested footy in that area."

Three-quarter time showed promise, with Melbourne taking the lead for the first time in the match, after Bayley Fritsch kicked three of his four total goals for the game.  

The high pressure and contested style of game play saw contributions from all players, with Viney standing out with 31 disposals (14 contested), seven clearances, seven tackles and two goals.  

The first game of Opening Round also saw the Dees debut three new players, Caleb Windsor, Jack Billings and Blake Howes.  

Howes stood out for the debut players with 17 disposals, 12 intercepts, nine contested possessions, and nine uncontested possessions. 

Viney praised the debutants’ game, taking into account factors of the conditions and playing away from home.  

“I thought [it was] a tough game to debut,” Viney said. 

“Super excited to have those boys in the team and I'm sure they’ll be better for the run.”