MATT Burgan looks at some of the key stats, moments and stories to emerge from round three
Good efforts at Adelaide Oval continue
Melbourne has now played four matches at the Adelaide Oval, having won last year against the Crows by three points and averaging 12-point losses in the other three encounters. The loss on Saturday by 25 points was Melbourne’s heaviest at the venue.
Bern’s return I
Bernie Vince, once much-loved by the Adelaide fans, was not as well received this time around for his outstanding job on superstar Patrick Dangerfield. Vince niggled, harassed and kept Dangerfield to 16 touches and was lauded for his effort by coach Paul Roos. But even Roos saw the lighter side of Vince’s role on Dangerfield, when asked if there was plenty of chatter out on the ground. “It’s his ex-team. I don’t know what they were saying to him. They were sharing some old stories, but when you’re an experienced player – you don’t worry too much about the opposition.”
Bern’s return II
Vince’s return home also coincided with just his second match for the season after his first full game for 2015, after a disrupted preparation, as he explained. “I was still blowing a little bit. It was a disappointing pre-season for me, because I had a couple of little niggles and a couple of little hammys – and I came off a shoulder reco – so it was really interrupted and not perfect. But I’m working through it and doing a bit extra during the week to catch up, when I’m feeling all right. That was probably my first game back, including VFL as well, so I’m starting to get back, but I want to be involved in more wins.”
McDonald continues to mark (or stop) mark
How’s the form of key defender Tom McDonald? He’s started in red hot form and must be an early All-Australian contender in the backline. He stood Adelaide skipper Taylor Walker, who booted three goals, on top of his eight majors for the season (six and two respectively in the first two rounds). But it was his effort to keep Walker to just one mark for the match – albeit in wet conditions – that was impressive, given the key forward took 15 and 11 grabs in the first two rounds.
Inaccuracy proves costly for Demons
Melbourne’s inaccuracy in front of goal proved costly. From five set shots, the Demons booted five behinds – effectively the match. Had Melbourne converted, its score line of 7.13 could’ve been more akin to Adelaide’s 12.8, given both teams had 20 scoring shots each.
Remember this former Demon?
It seems a long time since Scott Thompson played for Melbourne – and it is. Now in his 15th AFL season, Thompson last played for the Demons in round 13, 2004 – the last of his 39 games in the red and blue. He has since played 226 matches for the Crows and developed into an outstanding AFL player. This was highlighted on Saturday, when the 32-year-old had a game-high 28 disposals, 10 stoppages and 11 tackles.
Déjà vu at Adelaide Oval
Melbourne’s start – three goals in 11 minutes – had some similarities to its effort against the Crows at the Adelaide Oval in round seven last year. The Demons led by 23 points early in the second term last year and when they were up by 21 points in the first quarter, the signs were ominous. Although the result didn’t end up the same, the effort was genuinely there.
Adelaide continues undefeated start
Nothing can be taken away from Adelaide’s strong start to the season. The Crows, under new coach Phil Walsh, have been excellent. They sit on top of the ladder after three rounds and look set to be one of the big improvers in 2015. Time will tell, but so far so good for the Crows.
The quote …
“I’ll do anything I can for the Melbourne footy club to win” – Bernie Vince after being booed by his former team, following his fine performance on Adelaide skipper and former teammate Patrick Dangerfield
… And now for Anzac Day eve
This Friday is a massive clash against Richmond. In their one encounter last year, Melbourne took the points on a big occasion – celebrating the life of the great Tommy Hafey. This time around, it’s another big stage, as both teams pay their respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The Anzac Day eve match is hoped to be the first of an annual event between the two clubs. And the fact that it also falls on a Friday night is extra incentive for both sides to mark the moment with a fitting tribute.
