First quarter: Melb 4.0 (24) to Ade 1.1 (7)
Melbourne produced its best opening term for the season, leading by 17 points at quarter-time.
Although the Crows had the first on the board just 50 seconds into the match – via acting Adelaide skipper Patrick Dangerfield – the Demons answered with arguably their most impressive period under new coach Paul Roos, booting four in a row.
Rohan Bail, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Christian Salem and Jack Watts all kicked truly as the Demons started in excellent fashion.
Second quarter: Melb 7.2 (44) to Ade 2.4 (16)
The Demonscontinued their outstanding form in the second term, booting the firstthree goals of the quarter to gain a 28-point lead at half-time.
Chris Dawesbooted two for the term and after nailing his second, the Demons led by36 points. Jack Viney was Melbourne’s other goalkicker during thisperiod.It wasn’t untilthe 21-minute mark when Adelaide added its second major for the matchthrough Scott Thompson, ending Melbourne’s seven-goal streak.
Third quarter: Melb 8.4 (52) to Ade 5.10 (40)
After anoutstanding first half, the Demons almost went goalless in the thirdterm until Dawes added his third at the 30-minute mark – just momentsbefore the three quarter-time siren.
In return, the Crows managed three majors – including two in a row to Josh Jenkins.
Although Adelaidegot back to within a goal, Dawes’ critical goal helped the Demons gain a12-point breather heading into the final change.
Final quarter: Melbourne 11.4 (70) d Adelaide Crows 9.13 (67)
The final term was an absolute nail-biter.
It was goal forgoal early, but when Mark Jamar and Dom Tyson kicked consecutive goalsfor the Demons, they gained a 16-point lead at the 23-minute mark to setup the victory.
Although Adelaidekicked the final two goals of the match, Melbourne held on for amemorable three-point win – and its first in South Australia since roundtwo, 2001.