Round 13 match preview: Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney

Match details
Sunday, June 24, 3.15 pm (local time), MCG

Broadcast guide

Form
Melbourne: L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, L, W, L, Bye
Greater Western Sydney: L, L, L, L, L, L, W, L, L, L, Bye, L

Ladder position
Melbourne: 16th
Greater Western Sydney: 18th

Head-to-head
Played: Yet to play

Milestones
Melbourne: Jack Watts (50 matches)
Greater Western Sydney:

Coaching record
Mark Neeld: 11 matches, 1 win, 0 draws, 10 losses
Kevin Sheedy: 645 matches, 387 wins, 6 draws, 252 losses

Injury list
Melbourne: Rohan Bail (concussion) - test, Clint Bartram (knee) - season, Michael Evans (back) - 5-7 weeks, Jack Fitzpatrick (diabetes) - test, Max Gawn (knee) - season, Brad Green (hip) - 2 weeks, Neville Jetta (ankle) - 2-4 weeks, Liam Jurrah (ankle) - 2-4 weeks, Ricky Petterd (hamstring) - test, Rory Taggert (back) - indefinite

Greater Western Sydney: Stephen Coniglio (hand) - 3 weeks, Rhys Cooyou (groin) - 2 weeks, Israel Folau (hamstring) - 1 week, Josh Growden (fractured tibia & fibula) - 4 weeks, Anthony Miles (knee) - 2 weeks, Setanta O’hAilpin (knee) - season, Tim Segrave (back) - test, Liam Sumner (stress fracture - foot) - 6-8 weeks, Jacob Townsend (jaw) - 3 weeks, Dom Tyson (shin) - 2 weeks

Players to watch
Melbourne: Jack Watts
Watts has arguably been Melbourne’s best player over the past four rounds. Since his return to the senior side in round eight, Watts has impressed out of defence. His ability to read the play and repel has been a highlight of his play. Against the Giants, he will play his 50th AFL match.

Greater Western Sydney: Tom Scully
The former Demon will confront his ex-teammates for the first time since crossing to GWS at the end of the 2011 season. His move attracted plenty of scrutiny, as has the build-up to this clash. The midfielder is an important cog in GWS’ future and it will be fascinating to see how he fares against the red and blue.

Match-up to watch
Tom McDonald v Jonathon Patton
This could be the start of a long-term battle between two fine young talls. McDonald has shown genuine promise down back this season, particularly since his effort against St Kilda superstar Nick Riewoldt in round five. Patton, the 2011 No.1 NAB AFL Draft pick, made his debut last round after a knee injury halted the start of his season. He has been likened to a young Jonathan Brown. If McDonald doesn’t stand Patton, expect him to stand another exciting young tall in Jeremy Cameron.     

Most disposals
Melbourne: Nathan Jones (259)
Greater Western Sydney: Callan Ward (262)

Most marks
Melbourne: Jeremy Howe (63)
Greater Western Sydney: Chad Cornes (56)

Most tackles
Melbourne: Jordie McKenzie (67)
Greater Western Sydney: Callan Ward (57)

Most goals
Melbourne: Mitch Clark (25)
Greater Western Sydney: Jeremy Cameron (18)

How’s stat?
Melbourne and Greater Western Sydney have won one match each this season.

Foot in both camps
Those who have been involved with both clubs include: Richard Griffiths, James McDonald and Tom Scully

What Mark Neeld says …
“We’ve got some targets we’d like to hit in the second half of the year, beginning on Sunday. That’s all about outcomes and you can’t achieve those outcomes unless you have some actions along the way. [Indicators] are different for different clubs, because everyone is at a different stage of development, trying to achieve different things.”

Key Melbourne question
Although the Demons are favourites for this match, it is a danger match. Can they record their second win of the season?

Key Greater Western Sydney question
The Giants are set to play on the MCG for the first time. Can they too notch up their second win of the season and their first at the home of football?

Summary
This has been one of the most eagerly awaited contests for both Melbourne and GWS supporters. Although they have yet to meet in an official AFL match, the subplots are fascinating. Both teams have recorded just one win for the season. For the Demons, it’s a disappointing result, while the Giants have exceeded external expectations. Although they only have one win to show, they have been competitive and showing plenty of promise. GWS also has a former Melbourne skipper, James McDonald, and its ex-boom recruit, Tom Scully, in its ranks. On top of that, master coach and showman Kevin Sheedy is already whipping up the match in the media. The Demons are ready for the return of Scully, and it will be fascinating to see the reception from all quarters. Melbourne has shown much improved form since its 101-point loss to Sydney Swans in round eight, with its win over the then second placed Essendon, the highlight. For one of the few times this season, Melbourne enters as the team to beat. It should have the edge at home, but it won’t be easy against a team ready for the challenge.