MATT Burgan looks at the key stats, moments and stories to emerge from round 20

Condolences to the Ratten family

Sunday started horribly, when the news came through that Brett Ratten had tragically lost his 16-year-old son Cooper in a car accident at Yarra Glen. A Carlton great and former coach of the navy Blues, Ratten has since become an integral part of Hawthorn’s coaching staff. But he is also a past member of the red and blue army, having impressed greatly when he was an assistant coach with Melbourne in 2004, before his coaching pathway took shape. Our hearts go out a much-admired figure in the AFL industry. And our condolences and thoughts are with Ratten and his family and friends.

Women’s team wins four in a row

One of the good news stories of the day was the women’s match between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. It was the fourth time the two teams have played an AFL sanctioned match. Again, it was a cracking contest. The talent was exceptional. And if that wasn’t the most physical, hard-at-it match yet between the women, then I’m not sure which one was. The skills were also fantastic and when the Bulldogs made a fine comeback, it was a tense finish. Well done to all involved and congratulations to Daisy Pearce, who starred yet again and was named best-on-ground in Melbourne’s fourth consecutive win. And as for new recruit, Sabrina Frederick-Traub – what a pick-up for the Dees!

Credit to the Dogs

The Dogs were brilliant. The made the Demons look second rate for three of the four quarters and showed they had come a long way since losing to Melbourne in the pre-season in Ballarat and in round eight at the MCG, when they went down by 39 points. The Bulldogs kicked 24 goals from 12 goalkickers to produce a 98-point thrashing of Melbourne.

Poor record continues

Melbourne lost its 22nd consecutive match at Etihad Stadium – a shocking statistic that stretches back to when Mark Riley was coach and guided the Demons to their most recent victory at the venue in round 19, 2007. In fact, from its past 31 matches, Melbourne has won just two games at Docklands. Can the Dees finally break the drought in round 23, when they host the Giants?

12 goals to zip

The Bulldogs were so emphatic that they booted the first 12 goals of the match. It wasn’t until Jeff Garlett kicked his first at the 15-minute mark of the second quarter. Interestingly, Melbourne booted seven of the next nine goals, but the damage had already been done.

Three shocking quarters …

Melbourne had three dismal quarters. The Bulldogs kicked eight goals to nil in the first term, six goals to two in the second quarter and 10 goals to one in the final stanza. In total, the Bulldogs kicked 24 goals to three goals in those three quarters.

… And one outstanding term

Frustratingly for Melbourne, it dominated the third term with five goals to zip, highlighting the type of football it was capable of playing – but certainly not for long enough on this occasion.

McDonald a shining light on a miserable day

McDonald started the 2015 in blistering form. So much so, that the football fraternity had him as a lock for All-Australian selection. Although his form hasn’t been at the level he played at early in the year, he was the standout player on an otherwise bleak day for the Demons. McDonald finished with a team-high 29 disposals and 13 marks.

Now for Carlton …

The quirk of the fixture means that the Demons will meet the Blues for the first time this year, next Sunday at the MCG. It is a must win game for the Demons. The Blues are on the bottom of the ladder and the Dees simply must bounce back hard against the 18th placed Carlton.

… And then the rest

After the Blues, Melbourne has Fremantle at Domain Stadium and Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium – both massive tests for different reasons. The Demons will be up against it in the west, but must be brave and throw everything against a genuine premier. It will be a significant test and a competitive showing must be displayed. The clash against the Giants won’t be easy. GWS has come a long way this year and it must give its all in the final round. It’s a fascinating final three rounds for the Demons, starting with the Blues this weekend.