Summary

Arguably Melbourne’s most disappointing loss of the season – even though the margin was just 14 points. The Demons started sluggishly, conceding 6.7 to 2.3 – which was the highest opening term kicked against them so far in 2017. Although Melbourne got back in the match – kicking 6.2 to 2.2 in an outstanding second term – it fell away again in the third quarter, losing the period by 20 points. In the end, catch-up football took its toll. And although the red and blue claimed the final term by eight points – and got to within two points at the 13-minute mark, after a Jordan Lewis goal – it wasn’t enough to secure the four points and a fifth win of the season.

The stat

Melbourne has now lost five matches by a total of 61 points at an average losing margin of 12.2 points. Taking away the loss to Geelong by 29 points in round three, four games have been lost by 32 points at an average of eight points per game.  

Leather poisoning

Michael Hibberd had a game-high 33 disposals, as North Melbourne duo Ben Cunnington and Sam Gibson had 26 touches each.   

The number

Thirteen scoring shots were had by North Melbourne in the first quarter, which resulted in a 26-point lead at quarter-time. Although the Kangaroos didn’t fully capitalise on the scoreboard, booting seven behinds, they almost doubled Melbourne’s scoring shots (seven) in the first term.

Experience differential

Games: North Melbourne (2296) v Melbourne (1895)

Goals: North Melbourne (1328) v Melbourne (1100)

Average age: North Melbourne (25 years, 365 days) v Melbourne (24 years, 299 days)

Did you know …

North Melbourne has now won 16 in a row against the Demons, with Melbourne’s most recent win against the Roos coming in round 20, 2006. It equalled North Melbourne’s greatest winning streak against an opposition team. The other time North won 16 in succession against one team was from round 12, 1976 to round five, 1984. The team? Melbourne.

3 votes: Michael Hibberd

Backed up his career-best 34 disposals against Adelaide with one fewer against the Kangaroos, but was again a standout for the Demons. Had a game-high eight rebounds and was excellent with his constant drive from defence. Has played the past five matches, after knee and Achilles injuries interrupted his start to the year, and has been a fine addition.

2 votes: Mitch Hannan

Kicked an equal career-best three goals and was the spark that got Melbourne back into the match. Hannan booted two goals in three minutes to kick-start the second term. Later in the quarter, he got Melbourne going again, when he kicked his third in time-on. He was also involved nine scoring involvements.  

1 vote: Cam Pedersen

Although he again gave away plenty of height in the ruck, Pedersen once again competed, made an impact around the ground and in front of goal. He booted two majors, including Melbourne’s first for the day. Pedersen had an equal game-high nine tackles and was rated Melbourne’s best player, according to Champion Data.

Submit your 3-2-1 votes to the Hertz Fans’ MVP

Apologies to …

Dom Tyson, Jack Viney and Nathan Jones who all could’ve gained a vote.

Good to see …

A crowd of 33,218 attend, which was the biggest between Melbourne and North Melbourne since the 2002 second elimination final (53,967). It was also the sixth highest home and away attendance between the two sides and the 11th best, including finals. For the record, the two teams have played 159 matches since 1925.

Oppo’s best: Ben Brown

The key forward from Tasmania played a critical role in North’s win, booting two goals in the first term, when the Kangas got the early jump. He also stepped up in the third term, booting three goals, giving North Melbourne a 22-point advantage at three quarter-time. In the wash-up, he kicked five goals in an outstanding display.

Matty Goodrope’s pic of the day

Tweet of the day

Instagram of the round

@michaelhibberd gets into match mode #RaiseHell #AFLDeesNorth

A post shared by Melbourne Football Club (@melbournefc) on

Video of the day

In the mix

Jake Melksham and Alex Neal-Bullen were the standouts for Casey and will be right in the mix for a call-up. James Harmes was held over as an emergency and will also be in contention. Billy Stretch is another around the mark and forward Tim Smith could be a sneaky chance, as he looks set to be available after missing the past four matches through injury.

Next round

Melbourne heads to Alice Springs for Saturday’s clash against the Gold Coast Suns at TIO Traeger Park. It will be the red and blue’s fourth AFL match at the venue and its first against the Suns, after three losses to Port Adelaide. Not only will the Demons be eager to win in the Red Centre for the first time, it will be desperate to even the ledger at 5-5 before its mid-season bye. The Suns have won one of their past four matches and have notched up three wins for the year; they too have a crucial match on their hands. Melbourne has won its past three against Gold Coast and will be aiming for four in a row for the first time. It promises to be another intriguing encounter for the Demons.

In the press box …

Timing is everything. And after a spiteful second term, which saw several spot fires break out, and the likes of Bernie Vince leave the field following a punch to the stomach, there was an element of humour when a song soon played around the ‘G at the end of the quarter. It was noted by several journos in the media room that Vince’s favourite song, which flashed up on the MCG screen and played around the ground, was ‘Ring of Fire’ by Johnny Cash. There were more than a few chuckles from the media throng.

Saw in the rooms ...

Former ruckman and 1988 best and fairest winner Steve O’Dwyer was an onlooker in the rooms post-match. A Melbourne player from 1987-91, O’Dwyer was an important part of the club’s first finals period since 1964. He won the Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy in a Grand Final year, although he was suspended for the last day in September.

Song to sum up match

As mentioned above, it has to be ... Ring of Fire – Johnny Cash

Simon Says …

“To have 13 scoring shots against [us] in the first quarter – that’s a big [lead] to try and pull back. To the boys’ credit, they did respond, but North were too good on the day.” – Simon Goodwin