McDonald continues to shine
No Melbourne player has had a better start to the home and away season than Tom McDonald. Perhaps Jack Viney could lay claims, but McDonald received 10 votes from Paul Roos and Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade respectively in the round one AFLCA votes, and on Saturday he was arguably Melbourne’s best again against GWS.
A fine first-half
Melbourne’s first half – in particular its opening term – was very good. The Demons booted four goals to zip in the first quarter and three goals to two in the second term. In fact, the Dees were up by 33 points after Ben Newton kicked truly at the 27-minute mark of the second quarter. But when Giant Cam McCarthy kicked the first of his three goals two minutes later, it was the start of a remarkable comeback by GWS.
A 78-point turnaround
GWS’ 45-point win equated to a remarkable 78-point turnaround – resulting in a stunning capitulation by Melbourne. The win came about after the Giants booted 13.5 to 1.5 in the second half.
GWS’ incredible 14 goals straight
From Cam McCarthy’s goal at the 29-minute mark of the second term until Stephen Coniglio’s major at the 12-minute of the final quarter, GWS booted 14 goals to zip. It was a stunning comeback after Melbourne booted seven of the first nine goals of the match.
The clash in the capital
Melbourne’s sixth match for premiership points in Canberra looked set to produce its third win at the ground – and its second over the Giants – early on. Instead, the Demons lost their fourth match at StarTrack Oval (Manuka Oval), as GWS recorded its second win from 10 matches at the venue.
Round two blues continue
After ending a 10-year round one losing streak in its season opener against Gold Coast, Melbourne couldn’t end its recent round two losing streak. The loss means the Demons haven’t won a round two clash since 2005, when they defeated the Western Bulldogs at Docklands. And while the loss against GWS was bitterly disappointing, it was far from the losses sustained against West Coast Eagles (93 points, 2014 and 108 points, 2012) and Essendon (148 points, 2013) in recent years.
Shiel super for the Giants
The GWS midfielder was outstanding across the four quarters, collecting 26 disposals, including 11 contested and nine clearances. He also booted three goals and was a major reason for GWS’ win.
The quote …
“It was just a really poor performance and not enough effort there.” – Tom McDonald
Selection issue of a different kind?
Melbourne’s first two rounds have been fascinating at the selection table. Some good players have missed out on the first two rounds, having to further their craft at Casey in the VFL practice match series. It will be fascinating to see if several changes happen this week or whether the bulk of the team remains the same, after Melbourne’s dramatic second half fadeout.
Return to Adelaide Oval
A fascinating encounter looms at Adelaide Oval next Saturday, where Melbourne has notched up one win from three appearances at the picturesque venue. Both losses have been narrow to Port Adelaide – eight points in round 24, 2011 and three points in round 18, 2014. It’s only meeting against Adelaide was a stirring three-point victory in round seven last year. No doubt the Demons will draw from that performance, but an undefeated and rejuvenated Adelaide under new coach Phil Walsh will be a massive task – but it will be another great test for Melbourne.
