MATT Burgan looks at some of the key stats, moments and stories to emerge from round 10

We love Neale!
Queen’s Birthday became Neale Daniher’s day. The overwhelming support for the former Melbourne coach and Essendon star was unanimous and brought the footy community together like few other campaigns seen. Daniher’s ‘Big Freeze at the ‘G’ campaign raised more than $2 million – an outstanding achievement. All funds will go towards helping fight ‘the beast’ (as Daniher calls it) – motor neurone disease, which Daniher is fighting. His bravery, commitment to the cause and ability to still have a laugh in what must be the most trying of circumstances is an inspiration to all. Well done ‘Rev’. You’re a much-loved Demon. 

Slip ‘n’ slide
It was simple, but effective. The sight of several celebrities, including Melbourne great Garry Lyon, great footy entertainer John ‘Sam’ Newman and comedian Mick Molloy being pushed down a slide into icy water was good fun for a great cause. It was the type of fan experience that worked because it meant something and had a purpose – and it was fun! Well done to all for the ‘Big Freeze at the ‘G’.

Daniher’s last win remains
Melbourne’s 25-point loss to Collingwood at the MCG on Monday means that the Demons still haven’t won a Queen’s Birthday clash since Neale Daniher last guided the Dees to victory in round 11, 2007. Since then, a draw in round 12, 2010 was the closest Melbourne has come to winning. The Pies have now won 10 of those 11 contests since 2007.

Brayshaw’s star rising
Not long after the match, Angus Brayshaw was named the round 10 NAB AFL Rising Star, given it was the last match of the round – and it was on a Monday. Brayshaw again impressed significantly, with his tackling and ability to kick a goal under pressure a highlight of his first Queen’s Birthday performance. His past few matches have gone to another level and he has become an important part of Melbourne’s cog in just 10 matches. Wait until he’s had a few seasons under his belt! As coach Paul Roos said after the match: “Melbourne supporters can see the team taking shape.”

Goal streaks a major positive for Dees
One of the positive aspects to draw from Melbourne’s loss was the fact that it came back from 30 points down, by booting six goals in a row from the 28-minute mark of the opening term until the 10-minute mark of the second quarter. And when Jeff Garlett nailed his second goal – and Melbourne’s sixth in succession – it hit the front by five points. It was an important characteristic to fight back under pressure. When Melbourne was again under the pump in the third quarter, it hit back with four in a row to level the score. This type of play hasn’t been too common by the Dees in recent years and it was impressive to see them answer the challenge – even if it didn’t end up with the four points.

Dees win two quarters
Interestingly, Melbourne won two quarters for the match – the second and third terms, by 10 points and two points respectively. But it was Collingwood’s ability to win the opening term by four goals and its final quarter by 13 points, which ultimately got it over the line.

Vince, Jones notch up 34 each
Nathan Jones and Bernie Vince had outstanding matches for the Demons, winning 34 disposals each – an equal game-high. Some of their key statistics were quite similar. For example, Jones had 11 contested possessions and 24 uncontested possessions; Vince had 13 contested and 20 uncontested. Jones also booted two goals, and had eight clearances and six inside 50s. Vince booted two majors and finished with seven clearances and six inside 50s.

Oops Fitzy!
Poor Jack Fitzpatrick made an unfortunate error, which coach Paul Roos later claimed he had never seen in a match. Fitzpatrick attempted to knock the ball through for a rushed behind, but his scoop between his legs ended up being a fine piece of tunnel balling that definitely would’ve earned him a ribbon at the school sports! The only problem was that his effort was deemed a throw and Collingwood received a free kick straight in front of goal, which was the end result. “Fitzy’s little tunnel ball effort – I’ve never seen it before in a game of footy and I don’t think we’ll see it again,” Roos said post-match.

Cloke wins Neale Daniher Trophy
Travis Cloke played a blinder against the Dees, kicking seven goals straight. He was outstanding from the start, booting the first goal of the match. He landed four majors in the first term, booted two in the third quarter and one in the final stanza. He was duly rewarded with the inaugural Neale Daniher Trophy for the best player in a Queen’s Birthday match between Melbourne and Collingwood. 

And now for the Saints …
Melbourne’s next test is against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The Demons have yet to play at the venue, which it has not won at since round 19, 2007, when Mark Riley took over as coach, after Neale Daniher departed during that season. The Demons also haven’t beaten the Saints since their most recent finals win: the second elimination final in 2006. Melbourne has the opportunity to end two unflattering streaks against St Kilda, which like the red and blue, is a developing team. It’s a great opportunity, but one that mustn’t be taken lightly, given the Saints have played some fine football this year.