Good starts, poor finish continue
For the past two rounds, Melbourne has started promisingly. Against Fremantle in round 16, the Demons booted six goals to three in the first term, and that encouraging start continued against Port Adelaide, when the Dees registered five goals to two. But the second, third and final quarters were poor from the Demons. Just three more goals eventuated from the Dees, as the Power booted 10 majors after quarter time. Despite this, Melbourne was still in the contest at three quarter time, trailing by 11 points, before Port Adelaide kicked 4.2 to 1.3, winning by 28 points.
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Monday analysis: This one hurt
Captain Jack continues to emerge
Grimes’ leadership and form has been building strongly throughout the season. He has managed to play all but one match this season - he missed round four through suspension - and against Port Adelaide, Grimes notched up a season high 32 disposals. He also had a team high 11 marks and six inside 50s. Remembering he entered the season with 32 matches to his name, Grimes has been one of the positive stories in a trying season. On Saturday, he played his 15th match for the season, which is his best effort yet in a season - a good effort, given his history with injury.
Jumping Jeremy does it again
Just when you think Jeremy Howe had reached - pardon the pun - new heights in his aerial skills, he usurps what is generally considered his best mark. Entering this match, Howe believed - along with most pundits - that his hanger against Sydney Swans in round eight was his finest mark AFL yet, and arguably the mark of the year. But his effort in the top end against Port Adelaide was something else. And it was beautifully captured by AFL media’s Lachlan Cunningham, whose pic will surely head for the AFL annuals. Howe’s grab was something else. He launched high above teammate Stef Martin and in front of Power duo Troy Chaplin and Alipate Carlile, to haul in arguably the mark of the year so far. It’s hard to imagine him topping this one, but it’d be a brave person to suggest he couldn’t.
Jetta returns with promise
The last time Neville Jetta wore a Melbourne jumper before Saturday was also against Port Adelaide - but that was round 24 at Adelaide Oval last year - the final round of 2011. Jetta missed the opening 13 rounds of 2012 with an ankle injury, before playing three matches in the VFL. His first match back for the season was encouraging. He finished with 18 disposals and six inside 50s. But his ability to pressure was also evident upon return. Jetta’s versatility is one of the features of his game, and with six rounds remaining he will be determined to make the most of his opportunities in the latter part of the season. He is a small player Melbourne could certainly use - whether it’s up forward, down back or even in the midfield.
Paul Stewart proves the difference
Coach Mark Neeld spoke of his frustration at Melbourne’s lack of goals scores from its inside 50 entries. Although former skipper Brad Green and defender-cum-forward Jared Rivers battled hard and booted two goals each, it was the Power’s Paul Stewart who proved the difference in the wash up. Stewart booted a match high five goals, including two in the first quarter and a couple during the third term. And when he nailed his fifth at the 18 minute mark of the last stanza - it was also Port Adelaide’s fourth in a row - it was game over for the Demons. Stewart has kicked 10 goals in the past three matches - including a haul of four in round 15. He may not be well known to the red and blue faithful, but Stewart is an impressive player and his impact was telling in the end.
