Dees win second third quarter for the season
Third quarters have been a massive problem for the Demons this year, but in the past three rounds, they have produced better showings. In fact, Melbourne has kicked just 20 goals in third terms this year, but has booted 10 in the past three. Last round, the Demons won their first third term for the year, kicking 3.1 to 2.4 against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium, after a poor first half. Again, after Hawthorn booted nine goals to one in the second quarter, Melbourne halted the run, hitting back with 4.3 to 2.4. Although the damage had been done, it at least showed some fight. But a disappointing final quarter undid that, when Hawthorn booted seven goals to one, winning by 95 points.

Dawes takes career-best marks
In just his fourth match for the Demons – his 75th overall – Dawes produced a fine performance up forward, maximising every opportunity. He took a career-best 12 marks and finished with 21 disposals and a goal. It was clearly his best effort yet for the Dees. Dawes’ effort didn’t go unnoticed by coach Mark Neeld post-match. “I reckon he was pretty good in his fourth game. I reckon we saw a leader there. He took a dozen marks,” he said.

Frawley gallant on Franklin
It always loomed as a key match-up and it proved that way, when James Frawley tackled Lance Franklin. ‘Buddy’ booted 2.3, but Frawley never gave up and, given the Hawks had 38 scoring shots to 18, the pressure was constant for Melbourne’s defence. Franklin finished with 17 touches, while Frawley had 12 before he went off in the final term with a hamstring injury. 

Jones and Rodan win game-high contested possessions
Like Dawes, veteran recruit David Rodan also produced his best match for the Demons, after coming back into the side. It was Rodan’s fourth appearance in the red and blue. He was one of Melbourne’s better performers, finishing with 24 disposals. In fact, of Melbourne’s 118 contested possessions against the Hawks, 32 came from two players: Rodan and Nathan Jones. Coach Mark Neeld said the duo made an important contribution under the circumstances. “Between Nathan Jones and David Rodan, we had 32 contested possessions and 20 clearances between two guys. That’s probably a little bit abnormal … but we rely heavily on guys like Michael Evans and Matt Jones to provide us with run and a number of disposals. That’s when you look at it from week to week, but those two in particular are going to be particularly good players.”

Wish you were here
How must coach Mark Neeld wish that he could at least expose young gun Jesse Hogan to a home and away clash this year? Hogan kicked five goals last round in the VFL and booted a goal on the weekend. Neeld said the pre-listed recruit – not eligible to play until 2014 – got him excited when he watched Casey defeat Sandringham at Trevor Barker Oval on Saturday. “We used pick three to get Jesse Hogan, and we know that he can’t play this year,” Neeld said. “I popped down to Sandringham [on Saturday] and watched him play. My emotions, standing with Craigy (Neil Craig) went from absolute excitement to frustration. He was playing pretty well again and we’ll just have to leave him there for another six months.”