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

Pretty in pink

The Breast Cancer Network Australia game – or Pink Lady match – as it’s also become known was again on show for 2015. The MCG was blanketed with pink and it was a timely reminder – particularly on the eve of Mother’s Day – at what an important message it sends. This year, there was a real emphasis on celebrating hero Mums and it only added to the event. It’s become one of the genuine, positive themed events throughout the season – and that continued again this time around. Once again, Melbourne’s pink jumpers looked a treat!

First half belongs to Sydney

The first half was all Sydney. The Swans simply dominated proceedings and showed why they remain one of the top few teams to beat in 2015. The visitors kicked 7.7 to Melbourne’s 1.3 by half-time, resulting in a 40-point lead – and effectively the match.

Second half belongs to Melbourne

Although Sydney set up the victory with a telling first half, the Demons hit back hard in the second half, winning that period by two points. Although it wasn’t an emphatic result like Sydney’s – it was a credit to the Dees, given Melbourne coach Paul Roos said a 100-point loss looked likely at the main break. For the record, the Swans did have more scoring shots, but Melbourne converted better with 6.5 to 5.9.

Franklin held goalless

It’s not often Lance Franklin doesn’t register a goal in an AFL match, but that’s exactly what happened – for the first time since round four, 2014. Franklin still had 22 disposals, but he certainly wasn’t as dominant as what he normally is – that was Kurt Tippett this time. For the record, Franklin has gone goalless in just 16 of his 210 games. Eight of those came in his first 23 matches. Interestingly, Franklin averages 2.90 goals against Melbourne, considering both his Hawthorn and Sydney days, which is the fewest against any team in the competition. 

Garlett’s goalkicking opportunities

Jeff Garlett has already proven to be a fine recruit, yet the former Blue could’ve made an even greater impact, had he converted. Garlett booted 2.2 against the Swans, giving him 12.15 from his 27 scoring shots for the season He is averaging 4.5 scoring shots per game.

Almost the same margin

For the third straight match, the margin looked set to be the same: a 31-point win by Sydney over Melbourne. Before Saturday night’s clash, that had been the margin in round 15, 2013 and round six, 2014. And at the 23-minute mark of the final term, this time around, it was again 31 points. But that changed when Swan Mike Pyke kicked a behind at the 25-minute mark and teammate Adam Goodes followed up with a goal at the 27-minute mark. In the end, the Swans prevailed by 38 points.

Salem’s best yet

Christian Salem played arguably his best match yet for the Demons. He had a career-best 24 disposals and continued to show his emergence as an AFL player. It must be remembered that he has just 18 games to his name, but he is becoming one of the club’s most important long-term prospects.

Chip off the old block

For Melbourne fans who witnessed Steven Stretch from the mid 1980s to early 1990s, it was a great to watch his son Billy play his first match for the Demons. The fact that Billy laid an early tackle and kicked a goal with his first kick in the AFL added to the moment. His father was a star for Melbourne in his day, winning the 1987 best and fairest with Melbourne in its preliminary final year. And it will be great watching Billy’s career build and evolve over the coming years.

Demons of the past … return

Speaking of Steven Stretch, it was great to see him and his wife Leona, in the rooms post-match. They have been a great support to Billy and it was one of those touching moments seeing the parents share a moment with their son. Former Demon and Swan Kevin Dyson was also in the rooms to congratulate Billy, as were the Febey twins, Steven and Matthew. And was that Jamie Duursma in the rooms also? It certainly was. Some fine servants of the club around Steven Stretch’s era.

Almost 118 years to the day …

And one for the history/quirky buffs! It was 118 years and one day since Melbourne and South Melbourne (now of course the Sydney Swans) met in round one, 1897 – the very first time both teams played in a VFL/AFL match. Sure, it’s now vastly different times – and a different result happened on this occasion (Melbourne won by 17 points at the Lake Oval) – but it’s remarkable to ponder how long this competition and game has been going. Just a thought …