MATT Burgan looks at the stories, stats and surprises in his weekly column.
Summary
If a win over Geelong in the first week of the finals wasn’t enough, then what about winning a semi-final and then advancing through to a preliminary final for the first time in 18 years? You better believe it. Melbourne is now one of four teams left in an 18-team competition striving to win a piece of silverware for the first time in 54 years! That’s right, not since the Beatles toured Melbourne in 1964, Sean Connery starred in Goldfinger and Sir Robert Menzies was prime minister have Melbourne won the flag. It’s a tantalizing prospect and one that’s not only captured the imagination of the red and blue faithful, but the footy community at large. But first thing’s first. The Demons must overcome the West Coast Eagles in Perth, before contending for premiership No.13. Melbourne set it up with a 33-point win over Hawthorn, after holding off a spirited comeback by the Hawks in the final term, when they came from 32 points down at three quarter-time to get within two goals. But when Melbourne kicked four of the last five goals, the red and blue was home. It was a moment Melbourne fans will never forget. The journey continues however …
How’s stat?
Melbourne played in front of a 90,000-plus crowd for the second week in a row. After 91,767 watched Melbourne defeat Geelong Cats in the first elimination final, 90,152 saw the Demons beat the Hawks. It’s now happened three times in Melbourne’s history where it’s played in front of 90,000-plus people twice in a season. The others being 1956 and 1964 – both premiership seasons.
The number
6 – is the amount of preliminary finals Melbourne have now been in since its most recent flag in 1964. The Demons played in 1987-88, 1994, 1998, 2000 and will now play in 2018.
Experience differential
Games: Hawthorn (2744) v Melbourne (2061)
Goals: Hawthorn (2359) v Melbourne (973)
Average age: Hawthorn (26 years, 130 days) v Melbourne (24 years, 290 days)
Did you know …
That was just Melbourne’s second win over Hawthorn in its past 17 matches. But the Demons have now won two of their past four matches against the Hawks.
3 votes: Jack Viney
The co-captain was ferocious and relentless yet again. Given it was just his second match back from a toe injury – he had been sidelined since round 16 – Viney was simply sensational. He had 27 disposals, eight clearances and five tackles – and it was the latter that was particularly evident. Built for finals footy.
2 votes: Neville Jetta
The much-loved Demon played possibly his best match of the season. Like his co-captain Jack Viney, Jetta’s tackling and ferociousness at the footy was brilliant. He ‘only’ laid three tackles, but his pressure and ability to quell the opposition was pivotal in Melbourne’s win. He managed to keep dangerous Hawk Luke Breust in check.
1 vote: Tom McDonald
McDonald continued his outstanding season with four goals – the sixth time he has kicked four or more goals this season. He has now booted 53 majors – the best effort by a Demon in a season since Brad Green’s 55 goals in 2010. McDonald also took 10 marks and was again rock solid in attack. Has been pivotal in Melbourne’s rise.
Apologies to …
Max Gawn, Michael Hibberd, Clayton Oliver, Charlie Spargo, James Harmes and Christian Petracca, who all could’ve been among the votes.
Good to see …
The wave of red and blue fans continuing to lap up a fantastic period for the club. The stories of support, the faces of fans in the crowd and the sheer delight of those young and old relishing Melbourne’s first finals appearance since 2006 is just brilliant to see. And with the job not yet finished, who knows what else will emerge.
Oppo’s best: Jack Gunston
The Hawk forward booted three goals – the most for his side – and was arguably his side’s best. Tom Mitchell (24 disposals) was his team’s leading ball-winner.
Pic of the day
Facebook post of the day
Tweet of the day
Brothers in arms. ❤#RaiseHell #AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/yfuE6TzPPo
— Melbourne FC (@melbournefc) September 14, 2018
Instagram post of the day
Video of the day
In the mix
Melbourne is likely to enter its third successive final unchanged, with no injuries coming from the win over Hawthorn. Bernie Vince pushed his claims in Casey’s preliminary final win over Essendon at North Port Oval, after coming back from an AC joint injury, while Jay Kennedy Harris, Jayden Hunt, Joel Smith, Tim Smith, Cam Pedersen, Jeff Garlett and Tom Bugg are others ready to go – if an opportunity comes up. But again, it’s hard to see any changes.
Next round
Melbourne returns to Perth to play at Optus Stadium for the second time – and the second time in just over a month. The Demons won an epic 17-point contest over the Eagles in round 22 and this looms as another nail-biting encounter. Two major additions from both sides will play in this match – Jack Viney and West Coast’s Josh Kennedy. Both loom as critical to their side’s fortunes. It won’t be easy, it won’t be relaxing to watch, but it won’t be impossible for the Demons. They can do it again and the red and blue faithful that makes the trip across the Nullarbor – or watches it back in Melbourne – will be riding every bump and bruise along the way. A place in the Grand Final is on the line. A win will see Melbourne play the winner of the first preliminary final between Richmond and Collingwood. This Saturday afternoon will be massive and if Melbourne can reach its first Grand Final since 2000 – and dare we say it, win its first flag since 1964 and claim its 13th premiership – it will arguably be the club’s finest, given it’s been 54 years since Melbourne last held aloft the premiership cup. What a time to be a Dee!
In the rooms
A barefoot Vanders walks the rooms pre-game (Photo: Matt Goodrope)
Song to sum up the match
All Fired Up - Pat Benatar
Simon Says …
"I thought Hawthorn had control of the game in a lot of ways, so we had to re-establish ourselves a little bit after half-time, but I thought our response after half-time was exceptional. Our ability to win the clearance and get our contested numbers back the way we think they should be for our footy club, was outstanding. We got a lot of different looks from Hawthorn tonight and had to make some changes on the run, but when they got within 12 points – clearly there are some things we've improved on as a team in those types of situations – so (being able to respond) was pleasing as well." – Simon Goodwin
