MATT Burgan looks at the talking points, facts and moments from Melbourne’s six-point loss to the West Coast Eagles at Domain Stadium on Saturday …
1 – Streak continues
Subiaco remains a tough ground to conquer for Melbourne – and most teams for that matter – with the red and blue going down for the 17th time in a row. Interestingly, all of Melbourne’s eight wins at the ground came in its first 17 matches. Its most recent win remains round 11, 2004 when it defeated Fremantle. The last time Melbourne defeated West Coast at the venue was round 19, 2002.
2 – Closest since 2004
Melbourne’s one-goal loss was the closest it has been to winning in Perth since its most recent win in 2004. An eight-point loss against West Coast in round seven, 2009 was the closest it’s been otherwise.
3 – Inaccuracy proves costly
Melbourne’s inaccurate goalkicking proved the difference in the end, as it registered 8.12 from its 20 scoring shots. West Coast had four fewer scoring shots and managed 10.6 to win by six points.
4 – Dees lead at each break, except …
Melbourne led at every change, except when it was needed most. The Dees led by one-point at quarter-time, two points at half-time and six points at three quarter-time.
5 – Third quarter: a missed opportunity
Unquestionably, Melbourne’s third quarter proved costly in the loss. Nine of its 20 scoring shots were notched up during this period, yet it booted 3.6.
6 – Melbourne dominates stats
Melbourne dominated the stats. It had 66 inside 50s to 37 – a remarkable statistic for a losing side. It also had 401 disposals to 311, 66 marks to 57, 160 contested possessions to 143, 241 uncontested possessions to 168 and 98 tackles to 83. It just lost the clearances 39 to 42, but in the end, it lost the most important stat on the scoreboard.
7 – Out of bounds
Coach Paul Roos wasn’t going near some of the controversial free kicks and decisions paid in the match, particularly the last quarter, when asked about them post-match. “I’ll say this – I’m not going to miss the rules when I finish at the end of the year – enough said,” he said.
8 – Jones continues fine season
Nathan Jones had a game-high 34 disposals, continuing his outstanding season. It’s the seventh time this season he has had 30 touches or more.
9 – What the coach says …
“It’s a frustrating game at the end. We won in every category, but their experience at times [won out] … and there were key moments in the game. Inaccuracy – 3.6 the third quarter – makes it really difficult. But we’re a young team and to come over here on a six-day break and play against a team like that and win in every category – we should’ve won the game. From our point of view, it’s a harsh lesson for the guys and hopefully they learn from it.” – Paul Roos
10 – Five to go and back at the ‘G
With just five rounds remaining, Melbourne is back at the ‘G for the first time since July 3, when it takes on the Gold Coast Suns. The Demons then play Hawthorn (MCG), Port Adelaide (Adelaide Oval), Carlton (MCG) and Geelong Cats (Simonds Stadium).
