MATT Burgan looks at some of the key stats, moments and stories to emerge from round nine

A fine start … before capitulation

Melbourne couldn’t have asked for a better start. It booted the opening three goals of the match and led by 19 points entering time-on. It wasn’t until Jay Schulz converted after the quarter-time siren that Port Adelaide had registered its first major. In the second term, the Demons were up by 24 points after booting three of the first four goals. But from there, it quite simply turned into a shocker for the Dees.  

Power spree: six goals in 12 minutes

Port Adelaide started its remarkable turnaround with six goals in 12 minutes, during the second term. From that 17-minute mark of the second term until the end of the match, the Power booted 16 goals to two – a remarkable 85-point turnaround, resulting in a 61-point victory.

Dees boot just two goals in second half

Matt Jones and Jack Fitzpatrick booted one goal each in the second half – as Melbourne’s only goalkickers in this period. Jones’ major actually reduced the deficit to just eight points at the 14-minute mark of the third term. But when Port Adelaide followed up with four goals in eight minutes it led by 33 points at three quarter-time. Fitzpatrick’s goal brought the margin back to 42 points at the 17-minute mark of the final term, but it was too late for the Demons. In the end, the Power booted 10.3 to 2.4 in the second half.

Horrible 50s strike again

Melbourne’s final score was 8.6 (54), meaning it was the sixth time it has finished with a score in the 50s this year. Not surprisingly, it has lost each time. On the other three occasions it has gone past the 50s, Melbourne has won with scores of 17.13 (115) against the Gold Coast Suns in round one, 12.11 (83) against Richmond in round four and 15.13 (103) against the Western Bulldogs. Interestingly, Melbourne scored 50 points against Fremantle (6.14), Sydney Swans (7.8) and Hawthorn (7.8).

Col stands out

Coach Paul Roos found it difficult to come up with any standouts for Melbourne in his post-match media conference. But without being asked, he had no hesitation in saying defender Colin Garland was Melbourne’s best. “I thought Col Garland was exceptional.” When pressed further, Roos said: Hoges (Jesse Hogan) was really good early and he (Spencer) was OK. He battled hard and [Jeff Garlett] early on.”

Brayshaw continues to shine

One player that Roos would’ve also been pleased with was the continued progression of eight-gamer Angus Brayshaw. Rated Melbourne’s best player by Champion Data, Brayshaw finished with 21 possessions – a PB and one better than last round against the Western Bulldogs.

Garlett cracks 200 career goals

Jeff Garlett achieved a personal milestone against the Power when he booted his 200^th AFL goal. His first major of the day brought up his double century and by the end of the match he had 201 goals to his name. Both goals came within two minutes during the second term and put the Demons up by 24 points – the most they led by in the game. Garlett has been one of Melbourne’s most impressive performers this year – his first at the club, since joining from Carlton – booting 18.20 from 38 scoring shots.

Boak, Ebert, Wines and R.Gray

Port Adelaide had several standouts across the board, but four players in particular were critical in the result: Travis Boak (31 disposals), Brad Ebert (31), Ollie Wines (29) and Robbie Gray (26). The quartet combined for 117 disposals and was outstanding with their contested and uncontested ball-winning ability. The four players also combined brilliantly with their stoppage work and inside 50 entries, which also proved telling in the result.

The quote …

“They (Port Adelaide) got confidence by moving the ball on the outside, but they started just winning inside. They tackled harder – we’d done that for 45 minutes and then they did that for the rest of the game. It was obviously very lopsided after that.” – Paul Roos

And now for Collingwood …

Melbourne now takes on its greatest rival: Collingwood. The two will clash next Monday on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. The Magpies came back from a 39-point deficit against North Melbourne on Sunday to produce a memorable 17-point win. The Demons must regroup significantly and bounce back hard against the in form Pies, which sits fourth on the ladder. It’s yet another massive test for the Dees, yet they must perform on the big stage on an important day for the club.