MATT Burgan looks at the talking points, facts and moments from Melbourne’s 63-point win against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Sunday …
1 – Best start in 10 years
Melbourne’s 5-4 win/loss record after nine rounds was its best start since 2006. And considering Melbourne’s best effort since then is eight wins in a season (2010 and 2011), the club is on track to also have its best season in 10 years.
2 – Another ton cracked
For the fifth time this season, Melbourne booted 100 points or more in a match. It hasn’t done that since 2011, when it kicked 100 points or more nine times.
3 – Big score at the ‘G
Melbourne kicked its highest score – 19.17 (131) – at the MCG since round four 2013, when it defeated Greater Western Sydney by 41 points. For the record, that was also 41 matches ago at the ‘G.
4 – Billy’s best two weeks in a row …
If Billy Stretch’s 25-disposal performance against the Bulldogs wasn’t his breakout game last round, then his 31 possessions against the Brisbane Lions was. In just his 15th AFL match and fourth appearance for the year, Stretch was one of Melbourne’s best. His run and spread (21 uncontested possessions), plus his improved contested ball-winning ability (nine contested possessions) was a highlight of his game.
5 – Bugg’s best game for Melbourne
Tomas Bugg notched up 31 disposals against the Lions – his best effort so far this season for Melbourne and the second best of his 74 AFL game career.
6 – Petracca continues to impress
In just his fourth AFL match, Christian Petracca notched up 21 disposals – the third time he has claimed 20 touches or more in a match. He has averaged 20.25 in his four games. Coach Paul Roos said the youngster was improving each week. “When he’s at and around the contest, he’s very good at winning it. The last couple of weeks, he’s starting to get to more contests, which means he’s starting to understand the running patterns more and the roles more. I thought his decisions were a lot simpler today. Last week, he made harder decisions and turned the ball over, so there are definitely signs every week that he’s improving,” he said.
7 – The Jess and Jesse show
It was the Jess Cameron and Jesse Hogan show at the home of football on Sunday. Gun cricketer-turned-footballer Jess Cameron starred with six goals for Melbourne in the women’s match, before Jesse Hogan bagged five majors against the Lions. Hogan played down his outstanding performance, when he spoke about his performance post-match. “It was one of those days, where it was a bit easier with the mids. I didn’t actually think I played that well. I got beaten a few times, but I was lucky enough to get on the end of a few. Jeffy [Garlett] handed off about five or six [goals] and Wattsy (Jack Watts) was a crucial link. Our mids were running forward and it made it so much easier for us as forwards to get those opportunities.”
8 – Inclusions play part
Melbourne’s four inclusions all made contributions. Dean Kent slotted straight back in after he missed the previous round with a back injury, while Oscar McDonald showed some good signs down back after playing his first match since round one this year. Alex Neal-Bullen and Ben Newton played their first match of the season and claimed 18 touches and 20 respectively, highlighting the depth that the club is building.
9 – Three wins for the club
The club couldn’t have asked for a better weekend, with all three teams winning. On Saturday night, Casey defeated Box Hill Hawks by seven points at Casey Fields and on Sunday morning, Melbourne’s women team thrashed the Brisbane Lions by 71 points at the MCG. The men’s team then easily accounted for the Lions by 63 points at the ‘G, capping off a top couple of days for the club.
10 – Now for Central Australia
Melbourne will now head to Alice Springs for its third home and away clash against Port Adelaide at TIO Traeger Park. The majestic ground produced an absolute beauty in 2014, when Melbourne put up a fine effort, before falling 20 points short. Last year, the red and blue had a disappointing day, when it went down to the Power by 61 points. This week’s clash looms as the best match yet between the two sides in Central Australia. It should be a beauty.
