Glen Bartlett
The new Melbourne president spoke publicly for the first time since being appointed on Friday. The former West Coast forward – he played four matches in its inaugural season in 1987 – spoke about his vision for the club. One of the key messages he relayed was that he would offer a “steady hand” for the club. He is also passionate about taking the club into the future. “If ever a club is a sleeping giant in this area, it is the Melbourne Football Club," Bartlett said. "We have so many resources, so many connections in business to actually develop our players. We have to make development and opportunity a core of our business.”

Jack Viney
The young gun did his NAB AFL Rising Star nomination chances no harm when he gave his all and claimed a career best (so far) 28 disposals against Fremantle. It was a fine effort against an outstanding opposition, and only reinforced the potential this beauty is for the Demons. Coach Neil Craig also praised the 19 year-old. “It was a good day for Jack to go through that, because they (Fremantle) are a serious footy club,” he said. “The sooner Jack can experience the highest level of AFL footy available and play against the better [teams] – he did that today. He did that today and I thought he did it with great merit. He was a tenacious, fearless, hard player, and he’s going to get better and better and better and better. He’s going to bring a lot of people a lot of joy at this footy club.”

Craig added that Viney was also contributing to Melbourne’s leadership, by leading by example. And it was no surprise to Craig.

“We got him at pick No. 26 [as a father/son selection] in the [NAB AFL] Draft, but realistically he’s in the top two or three in the draft,” he said.

Hat-trick of 40 points or fewer against Freo
Melbourne lost its fourth match in a row against Fremantle, but it was the third time in succession where the Demons were unable to score more than 40 points against the Dockers. The Demons kicked 5.10 (40) in round 23, 2012 and 6.4 (40) in round nine, 2013 – both at Patersons Stadium – and for this round at the MCG, finished with 5.8 (38). It reinforced Fremantle’s miserly defence, but also highlighted Melbourne’s inability to kick winning scores against one of the competition’s genuine contenders in recent times.

Injuries hit Dees hard
A lack of manpower played its part in the massive loss for the Demons. During the third term, Sam Blease was out of the game and subbed out for Aaron Davey. Rebounding defender James Strauss was sidelined with a shoulder injury, while Shannon Byrnes battled a foot injury. Defender Tom McDonald also spent time in the rooms.

Dees suffer six 95-point plus losses this season
The loss against Fremantle was the 11^th loss of the season by 10 goals (60 points) or more. It was also Melbourne’s sixth defeat by 90 points or more in 2013. It further emphasised the dismal season by the red and blue. Fremantle was also the second side to inflict two 90-point plus losses against the Demons this year. In round nine this year, Freo smashed the Dees by 90 points.