MATT Burgan looks at the stories, stats and surprises in his new weekly column
Summary
It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t one for the archives. But Melbourne’s 22-point win over Carlton was critical in the team’s progression. In the past, the Dees have dropped games like that, but this time when challenged by the Blues – Carlton led by three points at three quarter-time – Melbourne hit back in the final term to make it two from two. The Demons haven’t won their first two rounds in 12 years – for the record it started the 2005 season with three in a row – so it was another significant hurdle.
The stat
Of Melbourne’s 13 goals, six came in the last quarter. The Demons turned their form around in the final term, booting 6.3 to 2.2 to set up their win.
Leather poisoning
For the second round running, Clayton Oliver topped the disposals for the match. After his 36 possessions in round one against St Kilda, Oliver had another 35 touches against the Blues.
The number
2 – Is the number of wins Melbourne have now had over Carlton since round 22, 2007, back when Mark Riley was caretaker coach. Melbourne’s only other victory over the Blues in the past 10 years was in Paul Roos’ first season at the club in round four, 2014. It was also Roos’ first win at Melbourne.
Experience differential
Games: Carlton (1889) v Melbourne (1566)
Goals: Melbourne (986) v Carlton (973)
Average age: Carlton (24 years, 352 days) v Melbourne (23 years, 204 days)
Did you know …
Co-captain Nathan Jones moved into Melbourne’s top 15 VFL/AFL games record holders. He has now played 225, passing Cameron Bruce and Greg Wells, who both played 224 games for the Demons. Next round, he will equal Stan Alves and Garry Lyon on 226 Melbourne games. Jones will also play his 100th consecutive AFL match against Geelong.
3 votes: Christian Salem
Salem played his best for the club. Not only did he win a career-best 31 disposals, his offensive and defensive game was a highlight. Stepping up in the absence of the suspended Bernie Vince, Salem was a shining light for the Demons across half-back. He had a game-high seven rebounds.
2 votes: Clayton Oliver
It would not be out of the question to suggest that Oliver could have six Brownlow Medal votes after the first two rounds. Having won 71 touches in his first two games of the year, the 15-gamer was again outstanding. His clearance work and tackling were again features.
1 vote: Jeff Garlett
Garlett kicked a team-high three goals – all at critical times. He started a three-goal chain to open the second term, kicked Melbourne’s only major at the 21-minute mark of the third quarter, and brilliantly ran down Blue Sam Docherty, before converting at the 23-minute mark of the final stanza to ice the game. A top small forward’s game.
Submit your 3-2-1 votes to the Hertz Fans’ MVP
Apologies to …
Max Gawn, James Harmes and Dom Tyson, who all could’ve gained a vote.
Good to see …
Dom Tyson return strongly after a pre-season knee injury. The classy midfielder had 32 disposals to highlight his importance to the side. It was his fourth game back, after playing in Melbourne’s final JLT Community Series match against West Coast at Domain Stadium and two practice matches for Casey.
Oppo’s best: Matthew Wright
Now in his second season with Carlton, the former Crow continued his strong start to 2017, with three goals, giving him six for the year. He kicked the Blues’ first for the match and bobbed up with two in a row in the third term to put Carlton in front for the first time. Wright also had 21 touches to be arguably his side’s best.
Matty Goodrope’s pic of the day
Jordan Lewis speaks with senior coach Simon Goodwin and Bernie Vince after the win
From social
You could say our @aflwomens team were just a tad excited before their half time lap of honour at @MCG today! #DreamBigger pic.twitter.com/lYzi7lBBqq
— Melbourne FC (@melbournefc) April 2, 2017
#AFLDeesBlues #RaiseHell pic.twitter.com/PD0xqBklc0
— Melbourne FC (@melbournefc) April 2, 2017
In the mix
Angus Brayshaw was given the OK by coach Simon Goodwin after he came off under the blood rule. Jesse Hogan and Jordan Lewis could be looked at by the MRP. But Bernie Vince, who was one of Melbourne’s best in round one, will be available after being suspended for one match. Dean Kent, who was an emergency against the Blues, will be right in contention for a recall after winning 25 touches in a VFL practice match. Tom Bugg, an emergency in the opening round, also put his hand up with 32 disposals for Casey.
Next round
Melbourne takes on Geelong at Etihad Stadium for the first time (remarkably seven of their past eight encounters have been at Kardinia Park). It will be another test for the Demons, but one they will relish. Ruckman Max Gawn said post-match that he enjoys playing at Docklands, and after their round one win against the Saints, there is confidence among the red and blue camp. The Cats produced a stunning come-from-behind one-point win over the Kangaroos at Etihad in round two, and like Melbourne has two wins for the year. Big clash.
Heard in the press box …
Herald Sun journo Jay Clark was right on the ball with his analysis of Christian Salem. He made the call in the press box well before half-time that it was already Salem’s best performance for the club. By the end of the match, ‘Jay-Z’ was well and truly on the money.
Saw in the rooms ...
Great to see the women’s team in the rooms afterwards, following its best and fairest event held in the Harrison Room at the MCG earlier in the day. Overall, it was a quieter mood in the rooms compared to Melbourne’s first round win over the Saints at Etihad. The atmosphere was very much a ‘get the job done’ approach.
Song to sum up match
Winning Ugly, The Rolling Stones
Simon Says …
“It's nice to be two-zip, but it's still very early in the year and we've got a lot of work to do, as you saw [against Carlton]. We're still evolving and developing.” – Simon Goodwin