MATT Burgan looks at the key stats, moments and stories to emerge from round 23

Seven wins for the season

In isolation, seven wins is hardly something to write home about. But in the context of where Melbourne has been, it is a big effort. Remember, just two years ago, the Demons won two matches, coming off their fifth worst season since 1897. It almost doubled its wins from last year and given it should’ve beaten St Kilda and Essendon during the season, Melbourne could’ve pushed for 10 wins. Throw in matches against Adelaide, Carlton and Collingwood, when it was in winnable positions, and the season could’ve been even better. But from the position it was in back in 2013, Melbourne has made progress – there is no two ways about it. The challenge will be to build on that again in 2016. It’s also interesting to note that Melbourne won its first and last home and away matches for the first time since 1997.

Etihad hoodoo ends

AFL commentator Darren Parkin saved everyone the trouble when he tweeted how long it had been since Melbourne won at Docklands: “11th of August 2007 the last time the Dees won at Etihad stadium. 2,948 days ago”. It was a remarkable losing streak, which finally ended. Not since Mark Riley was coach had Melbourne won at the venue. But after 22 matches, the hoodoo ended. And for Nathan Jones and Lynden Dunn, they were able to experience another win there – as they were the only Demons to have done so previously. Coach Paul Roos said:  “We’ve broken a few hoodoos this year, which is good. We’ve played some reasonable footy here, but we’ve lost at a lot of venues over the last five, six, seven and eight years, so to play well here and to kick 100 points [is really good].”

Boyd a special guest for Cross’ big day

Daniel Cross’ outstanding 249-game career came to a close against the Giants – and it turned out to be quite an event. Although he finished with a win, he also knocked himself out when he hit the Etihad Stadium turf hard early in the final term.      Not surprisingly, he put his body on the line – yet again – and was forced from the field via a motorised stretcher. He returned to walk around the boundary line late in the match – much to the applause of the crowd. But he also celebrated his moment with one of his dearest friends: former Bulldog teammate Matthew Boyd. The former Bulldogs skipper spoke glowingly about Cross to the Melbourne players before the game and Roos said it was a fantastic tribute. “I really appreciate what Boydy said and I know the players did and they took a lot out of it. It had a significant impact on the outcome,” he said.

Bernie’s burning season

Bernie Vince capped off a magnificent season with another high quality performance, winning 38 disposals and 14 clearances. It was the third time this season he has notched up 38 touches in a match and his effort will put him right up there for this year’s Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy. 

Captain courageous

In his 201^st match, the skipper played another top game, finishing with 36 disposals. It was a fine effort, given he returned from Perth – where he played his 200^th game against Fremantle – having suffered an ankle injury. But the tenacious skipper bounced back to have a major input.

Howe’s hanger in his 100th

What about Jeremy Howe’s hanger over Lachie Whitfield in his 100^th game? It was an absolute beauty, arguably his best for the year and right up there with his collection of classics. But what will the future be for Howe? Roos said the out-of-contract utility was still yet to make up his mind: “With Jeremy, we’ll see what happens.”

Harmes’ rest does wonders

James Harmes looked to benefit greatly from his rest in the west – he traveled with the team but did not play in round 22 – when he bounced back strongly to play his best game yet. He was physical, skillful and buzzing as he kicked a couple of goals and took a fine mark. It was a strong effort from the second year rookie who made inroads this season. “I thought Harmes really benefitted from last week’s rest. He took some critical marks and kicked a couple of really critical goals,” Roos said.

Well done Mitch!

Speaking of rookies, it was great to see Mitch White make his AFL debut. He became the 12^th player to represent Melbourne for the first time this season – and became the club’s eighth player to make his AFL debut. White had 16 disposals and showed some encouraging signs. It means every Melbourne recruit made his AFL debut this year, except Christian Petracca, due to a season-ending knee injury sustained before the start of the season.

The quote …

“It’s really important for the footy club going into the off-season with a little bit of hope,” coach Paul Roos

Now for assessing and next year

Roos didn’t mess around when he said the club would be active in the upcoming trade period. He said list management would be a strong focus for the next few weeks and the Demons were determined to build the list for 2016 and beyond. “We’ve got to work out why we’ve had such big down periods and thankfully our good footy is very, very good, but we’ve got to make sure we do that week in, week out. The real serious discussions will happen now over the next month or so,” he said. Watch this space!