GWS first win for season
The Giants broke their 2013 drought against the Demons, recording the third win of their history. GWS kicked six goals in a row at one stage – the last three of the first term, and the opening trio in the second quarter. The Giants sealed the win in the final quarter, when they kicked seven goals to three. Jeremy Cameron and Callan Ward booted their fourth goal each in the final term; Devon Smith landed three in last stanza. It was a disappointing result for the Demons, losing by 37 points, when it was a winnable opportunity.
Dees gain unenviable VFL/AFL record
The loss against the Giants has given the Demons an unenviable record. Melbourne has become the first team to lose to every club to have played in VFL/AFL history. The Demons have lost once to next round’s opponent Gold Coast Suns, while they lost on three occasions to the long defunct University, five matches to the Brisbane Bears and 88 times to Fitzroy. Port Adelaide is the only other team to have lost to both Gold Coast and GWS.
Jones keeps on keeping on
The vice captain racked up 29 disposals against the Giants – his second best effort for the season. In a difficult year, Jones has continued to play with consistency and give his all. The reigning best and fairest winner will be right up there again in this year’s Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy.
Clisby continues to impress
Returning to his native state of New South Wales, Mitch Clisby continued to build on his emerging career on the weekend. Since making his debut in Neil Craig’s first match as Melbourne coach in round 13, Clisby has impressed consistently. He started with 24 disposals against the Saints in his first appearance, while against Greater Western Sydney, he was one of Melbourne’s better players with 22 touches. He also kicked his first AFL goal. Given he was the club’s final pick in last year’s draft activities – Clisby was selected at No. 19 in the NAB AFL Rookie Draft – he has taken his opportunity in his first year. It’s a good emerging story for Clisby and the Demons.
Dees must salvage something in final four matches
With just two wins from a miserable season, Melbourne now has four matches to go against the Gold Coast Suns, Fremantle, Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs. Neil Craig is hell bent on not letting the season peter out. He wants to make the most of every opportunity. But how will the team respond? It’s a challenging period. The end of the season is nigh for the Demons, but they must salvage something from a dismal year. None of the remaining matches will be easy – two are on the road and just one more is at the ‘G. The final match of the year is at Etihad Stadium. Melbourne must make some progress, even if the end of 2013 is within reach.