MATT Burgan looks at the key stats, moments and stories to emerge from round 19

Streak still remains

Melbourne has managed to end several losing streaks this year against Geelong (dating back to 2006), Collingwood (2007) and the Brisbane Lions (2011). But it still hasn’t defeated three teams since 2006: Hawthorn, St Kilda and North Melbourne. On Sunday, the Kangaroos inflicted their 14th consecutive win against the Demons after notching up a 35-point win at the MCG. It means Melbourne has not had a win over North Melbourne since round 20, 2006 at the MCG.

Five in a row for the Kangaroos

On top of North Melbourne’s streak over Melbourne, it also recorded its fifth consecutive win, making it the most in-form team in the competition over the past five rounds. No other team in the AFL has won its past five matches from rounds 15 to 19. Interestingly, the Kangaroos won 10 of their first 18 matches last year and finished the season in fourth position, after losing to the Sydney Swans in the first preliminary final. Now, after 18 matches, they have claimed 11 victories and are sitting sixth on the ladder, making North Melbourne a fascinating team to watch in the run home.

Another ton against the Dees

North Melbourne’s score of 19.13 (127) was the 10th successive time it’s booted 100 points or more against Melbourne. In fact, the Roos have cracked the ton from 12 of their previous 13 encounters against the Dees. For Melbourne, its score of 14.8 (92) was its fourth highest score of the season - and its best from a losing margin in 2015.

First and final terms prove frustrating

Melbourne’s first and final terms were frustrating periods. The Kangaroos booted 7.4 to 2.0 in the opening term and 7.3 to 3.2 in the last quarter. Overall in these two terms, North Melbourne booted a total of 14.7 to 5.2 set up its win.

Dees hit back in second and third quarters

Although North Melbourne won the opening term by 34 points and the final quarter by 25 points, Melbourne won the second term by 16 points and third quarter by eight points. Combining these two terms, the Demons booted 9.6 to 5.6.

Hogan again a hero

Jesse Hogan has had an outstanding debut season. He now has 36 goals to his name and continues to stake his claim for this year’s NAB AFL Rising Star award. He finished with four majors, nine marks and 15 touches against the Roos. “I thought I played my role and had an impact on the game, but you can’t say too much more than that. We had a loss and there is always more that you can do. I missed a couple of goals and ones I’d like to kick,” Hogan told Dee TV.

Dawes shines

Combining strongly with Hogan, Dawes produced his best game for the season – and among his best for the Demons. It could be argued his round seven performance against Adelaide last year was his only better game for the Dees.  He had six scoring shots and booted three goals, including two in a row to start the second term. Dawes was one of a few to keep Melbourne within reach early. He finished with 19 disposals, including 11 contested and seven marks. It reinforced his importance to the side’s structure.

Viney continues fine form

Jack Viney’s excellent form continued with 23 disposals and nine clearances, after a season which has included some key scalps. The hard-at-it midfielder has been outstanding since returning from a fractured fibula, which sidelined him for six matches early in the season. It will be fascinating to see where he finishes in this year’s Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy, given most of his performances have been at a high level this year. 

Tyson reaches half-century

Congratulations to midfielder Dom Tyson, who chalked up his 50th AFL match against the Roos. After playing 13 matches with the Giants from 2012-13, Tyson has played 37 matches in almost two seasons with the Dees. He has been a fine performer for the club so far, finishing second in the best and fairest last year. Although a knee problem troubled him in the first half of this season, he looms a key part of the club’s long-term plans. He capped off his half-century milestone with a team-high 24 disposals.

And then there were four …

Just four matches remain for Melbourne in 2015. The Demons take on the Western Bulldogs next round, for the second time this season (the Dees also beat the Dogs in the NAB Challenge), before it finishes with Carlton, Fremantle and Greater Western Sydney. The Demons have played all teams except Carlton this year and will be quietly confident against the much-improved and very impressive Bulldogs, given the Demons defeated them by 39 points at the MCG. Of course, the Dogs have raised the bar since then – and this encounter will be on Bulldogs’ home turf at Etihad Stadium, a venue Melbourne has not won at since round 19, 2007, when Mark Riley was coach. But it makes for a fascinating clash next Sunday at Docklands.