McDONALD’S long week in footy, the loss of the durable Jones, Brown stars again, Spencer receives a nod for hard work and Martin reemerging are among the points raised from Melbourne’s loss against Brisbane Lions at the Gabba

McDonald discovers the meaning of a long week in footy

The young defender has been a bright spot in a tough season. He has played all but one match this season and every match since round two. Last round, he received a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination after gaining a career-best 26 disposals against Greater Western Sydney. It was also recognition for his season to date, which has included some strong performances on some of the competition’s best key forwards, notably St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt in round five. But, against the Lions, McDonald hardly got started. During the opening term, he copped an accidental knee in the ribs from Lion strong man Daniel Merrett, resulting in bleeding on the lung. He was immediately substituted by Sam Blease and taken to hospital. It was a tough blow for the youngster, who will now be driven back to Melbourne from Brisbane by player welfare manager Craig Lees. His week highlighted the ups and downs of the brutal game.

Durable Jones’ rare miss

When you think of words to describe Nathan Jones, one of the first that springs to mind is durability. The midfielder has been a constant for Melbourne since he made his AFL debut in round 17, 2006. When he withdrew from Sunday’s clash against the Lions, due to a calf injury, it was just the fifth time he has missed a match since donning the red and blue for the first time. Not only was he a loss for the Demons, given he has been one of the team’s most consistent and best performers in 2012, it also ended a 57-game consecutive streak for Jones.

Brown stars yet again

The superstar, triple premiership player produced one of his best games for the season, winning 24 disposals, taking 12 marks and kicking four goals, including three in the first quarter. Melbourne coach Mark Neeld praised the efforts of Brown post-match, after he had the better of the Demon defence. Youngster Tom McDonald started on the Lions’ skipper before he was forced out of the game due to bleeding on the lung from a collision. Jack Watts and James Frawley then spent time on him. But few could stop the 30 year-old in his tracks. Although his battle-wearied body has taken some punishment over an outstanding career, he showed there was plenty of life left in the Lion.  

Spencer rewarded for hard work

It hasn’t all been easy for ruckman Jake Spencer since he was drafted by Melbourne as a rookie in December 2007. Selected at No. 35 in that rookie draft, Spencer has had his share of injuries and had to overcome a knee reconstruction after sustaining it in May last year. On Sunday, Spencer played his first match since the corresponding round in 2010, after he was a late call-up for the injured Mark Jamar. The 203 cm big man showed plenty of heart to overcome his injury, according to co-captain teammate Jack Grimes. “It’s always a long way back from a knee injury, and his attitude the whole time has been really good,” he told melbournefc.com.au. “He’s been really diligent with his rehab and he no doubt had some frustration early on with his form, which can often happen when you don’t play for 12 months. He’s put in a couple of good performances at Casey in the last few weeks, so he jumped at the opportunity when big Russian pulled up a bit sore. Jake did his job and exactly what we asked of him, and he competed well.”

Martin impresses on return

Among Melbourne’s injuries this year, one player who has missed the majority of the season is versatile big man Stef Martin. After taking significant steps last year - he was widely regarded as one of the competition’s most improved last season and shone in the middle part of 2011 - he has battled hip/quadriceps injuries and had to work his way back through the VFL. Martin had not played since round three against Richmond, but returned to be one of Melbourne’s best against the Lions. Champion Data rated Martin as the red and blue’s best. Martin remains a genuine x-factor at Melbourne and has the ability to become one of its most integral players. He has the second half of the season to make his mark.