EVERY heart beats true, stats galore, Jack Watts’ form, Colin Garland’s exploits up forward and backing up for Queen’s Birthday are among the points raised from Melbourne’s thrilling win over Essendon at the MCG

Every heart does beat true
For anyone with any ounce of red and blue running through their veins, Saturday night’s win over Essendon left you shaking. Even the most hardened was stirred by Melbourne’s six-point win. For Mark Neeld, experiencing his first win as coach, it was a moment to saviour. And for the club’s third oldest player on its list, Mark Jamar, it was a timely reinforcement of what the result meant. “It was that feeling you get when you walk off with all of the boys arm-in-arm and you get to sing the song together - nothing beats that.” It was a long time coming and a rare moment to relish in what has been an otherwise bloody tough season for the Demons. To record a victory over the second placed Essendon, only separated by West Coast Eagles on percentage for top spot, made it even sweeter. For every Melbourne supporter - and every lover of the game who adopted the Demons momentarily - it was an anxious, nail-biting experience, which made the heart pump at an irregularity not recommended. But for the red and blue faithful, it was a timely reminder that the passion for the game’s oldest football club is still well and truly alive.

Stats, stats and more stats
It might come as a surprise to some, but Melbourne continued its recent streak over Essendon. The Demons have now won their past three against the Bombers, and have not lost to the Dons since round 12, 2009. In fact, since round 13, 2004, Melbourne has won seven of its past 11 matches against Essendon. From a historical perspective, Melbourne’s win averted a damning statistic. If it went down to Essendon, it would’ve been its second worst start to a season since 1919. Back then, Melbourne went through the season winless, losing all 16 matches. But the nine match losing streak to open a season was also equal with 2007 and 1974. From the match, the stats were particularly pertinent. The Demons had just one player who did not gain double figures in disposals (Lynden Dunn, who started as a substitute), while the Dees, when compared to Essendon, had more clearances, tackles and fell short in contested possessions by just three. These three areas were all pivotal in the result. 

Watts makes it a hat-trick
Coach Mark Neeld said at his weekly media conference in the lead-up to round 10 that Jack Watts’ challenge was to string three strong games together. From there, the aim is consistent performances. Watts ticked that box yet again, as he vied to be Melbourne’s best player. Neeld was again impressed with Watts, saying “he’s going to be all right”. “I thought Jack was pretty good. Like everyone, he’s still got some areas of his game to go, but he’s played three consistent games, which is really pleasing. He’s doing a lot of hard work during the week. I also said that when you’re seeing someone working really hard at their craft and you can begin to see some of their rewards - that’s pleasing. I think at the end of his career, in probably 10 years’ time, you’ll find that he may have played a whole heap of roles. Footy the way it is at the moment - there’s almost a player in every team who has their own role and you don’t actually know where they play. Perhaps that’s headed for Jack?” Neeld said.

Colin Garland goes back to the future
Two goals from a tall forward are hardly Tony Lockett-like, but in the context of the game and from a tactical sense, Colin Garland’s move into attack proved a pivotal play from coach Mark Neeld. The reliable defender has become an integral and important member of Melbourne’s team, but when he became another leading target to help Mitch Clark out in attack, he became a key part of its win. Garland booted back-to-back goals in the final term and helped give Melbourne an 11-point lead at the 17-minute mark. Although it might’ve been foreign to see Garland play in attack, it wasn’t for the Tasmanian, who was drafted to the club by former recruiting manger Craig Cameron as a forward. Coach Mark Neeld harked back to Garland’s junior days to work out the tactic. “Over the past nine weeks, Mitch has been our lone forward in terms of kicking goals and taking marks, and we needed someone to go there. I read some past draft papers during the week from quite a long time ago, and went through everyone on our list to see if I was missing something - and Colin Garland was drafted as a forward. So I thought ‘Oh well, why not’.” Well done coach and Col.

Now for the Queen’s Birthday clash
If Melbourne’s win on the weekend wasn’t big enough, then this round’s clash against its greatest rival Collingwood certainly is. Emotion has played a big part in Melbourne’s first win of the season, but it will need to back up with another four quarter effort against another top quality side. It’s the red and blue’s biggest home and away clash for the season - and one of its greatest challenges - and the subplots to this game add an even greater focus. How will the Demons fare against the Pies on the back of their first win? Will the fact that Melbourne defeated Collingwood in the pre-season give the Dees some additional confidence - or will it hold no relevance? And, of course, Mark Neeld will be coaching against his former side for the first time for premiership points. Assistant and 2010 Collingwood premiership player Leigh Brown will also have intimate knowledge of his former teammates. The AFL’s one match on the Queen’s Birthday has already got some extra intrigue. Who says a week is a long time in football?