MATT Burgan and Darcy O'Loghlen look at the stories, stats and surprises in his weekly column.
Summary
Sunday’s loss was a tough one to endure. Melbourne faced a genuine test against one of the best and most experienced teams in the business. An opportunity to edge closer to a top four position was on the line, and another win would’ve gone a long way to claiming a finals berth. But a nine-point loss to the Swans eventuated, and although it was a frustrating result for all who bleed red and blue, perspective must come to the fore. The Demons remain inside the top eight – seventh on the ladder – and have two more opportunities to set-up their September. No question, it’s in Melbourne’s hands. But the Demons must believe – and they have two more opportunities to prove it.
How’s stat?
Melbourne has lost five matches by a total of 26 points. The Demons have dropped matches to Geelong (three points), Port Adelaide (10), St Kilda (two), Geelong (two) and now Sydney Swans (nine).
The number
6 – more scores were registered by Melbourne against the Swans. The Demons posted 28 scores (10.18) to Sydney’s 13.9. Melbourne’s inaccuracy proved critical in the wash-up.
Experience differential
Games: Sydney Swans (2491) v Melbourne (1975)
Goals: Sydney Swans (2077) v Melbourne (1287)
Average age: Sydney Swans (25 years, 160 days) v Melbourne (24 years, 343 days)
3 votes: Clayton Oliver
The midfielder played another superb contested game on Sunday, recording 12 tackles and 13 contested possessions. Oliver’s tackle count was the highest of his career and the most by any Demon in 2018.
2 votes: Angus Brayshaw
Firming as an outside Best and Fairest chance, ‘Gus’ notched up 25 touches, including 15 contested, at a disposal efficiency of 80%.
1 vote: James Harmes
Harmes was among Melbourne’s most impactful, recording 26 touches, two goal assists and six inside 50s.
Apologies to …
Dom Tyson, Christian Salem and Tom McDonald, who all could’ve been among the votes.
Good to see …
In his second game back from a long-term injury, it was great to see Aaron vandenBerg hit the score sheet with three majors. As he gets back into the rhythm of the game, ‘vanders’ will be an important asset for Melbourne in the run home.
Oppo’s best: Isaac Heeney
As Melbourne surged into attack late in the game, Heeney took a soaring intercept mark to turn the ball around. All up, the Newcastle product had 26 touches for the game.
A breast cancer survivor proudly joins others in the Field of Women (Photo: Adam Trafford)
Facebook post of the day
Tweet of the day
Thoughts are with Sydney's Alex Johnson, who was helped off the ground with a knee injury in the first quarter.
— Melbourne FC (@melbournefc) August 12, 2018
Fingers crossed it isn't too serious. #AFLDeesSwans
Instagram photo of the day
Video of the day
In the mix
After injury lay-offs, Jake Melksham and Michael Hibberd are expected to be fit and ready to go for the trip to Perth. In the VFL, Dean Kent pressed his claims for a call-up with three goals and 21 disposals. Tom Bugg, Josh Wagner and Declan Keilty also put in good performances for Casey.
Next round
Melbourne faces a trip across the Nullarbor to take on the West Coast Eagles at Perth's brand-new Optus Stadium. This will be Melbourne's first game at the venue, however the Dees' last match in Perth - the round 17 win last season - will provide belief that the team can win in foreign territory.
In the rooms
Allen Jakovich was a special guest in the rooms, along with Rod Grinter and Paul Hopgood (Photo: Matt Burgan)
Song to sum up the match
Beautiful Trauma - P!nk
Simon Says …
“It's probably why we sit where we sit. We've had opportunities and we haven't been able to take them. We've lost another close game. We've just got to keep forging ahead. This group keeps putting itself out there and we've got to look for ways to get better and those results will change.” – Simon Goodwin
