Summary

Given three of Melbourne’s past four wins have been won by eight points or less, you’d be forgiven for having heart flutters, chewed nails or the odd character-building wrinkle appear across the face. But when your team is winning – it doesn’t matter, you’ll take all that! And that was the scenario that occurred on the weekend, when Melbourne won a hard-fought contest against a gritty Carlton. On the back of its first loss in more than a month last round, Melbourne faced a genuine challenge against the Blues. Entering with a host of key players missing, the Demons were always going to have a scrap it out – if they were to secure the four points, which they did! After a poor opening term, when Carlton kicked 4.3 to 1.2, Melbourne hit back with 13.4 to 8.7 after quarter-time to notch up its ninth win of the season.

The stat

Tom McDonald has produced Tony Lockett-like accuracy in front of goal this year, booting 18.4 for the season. He kicked 4.0 on the weekend in another outstanding display.

Leather poisoning

Clayton Oliver had a team-high 29 disposals, as Carlton trio Sam Kerridge, Marc Murphy and Kade Simpson had an equal game-best 35 disposals each.

The number

Seven matches, that the Demons have been involved in this year, have now been decided by 14 points or less. In fact, five of them have been decided by eight points or less, and four by four points or less.

Experience differential

Games: Carlton (1903) v Melbourne (1644)

Goals: Carlton (1114) v Melbourne (1039)

Average age: Carlton (24 years, 233 days) v Melbourne (24 years, 180 days)

Did you know …

Melbourne has now won seven of its past 10 matches, and five of its previous six games. With seven rounds remaining, and nine wins under its belt so far, this season, Melbourne is on track for its best season since 2006 – its most recent finals appearance. Back then, Melbourne won 13 home and away matches and 14 in total, including the second elimination final against St Kilda.

3 votes: Tom McDonald

McDonald’s past four matches, especially his most recent three games, have been outstanding. He has kicked 14 of his 18 goals for the season in his past five matches, including 11 in his past three outings. His accuracy in front of goal has been first-class, and he again produced a crucial performance. His ability to become a key target in attack has added another integral string to Melbourne’s bow.  

2 votes: Clayton Oliver

Oliver’s incident with a spectator might’ve gained some attention in the media, but it was his work on the field that caught the eye – yet again – among the red and blue faithful. He finished with 15 contested possessions and an equal game-highs in tackles (nine) and clearances (six). He is remarkably averaging 29.67 disposals after 15 games this season.

1 vote: Alex Neal-Bullen

His 27th AFL game was possibly his best yet, as he had a team-high 10 disposals in the final quarter, finishing with 24 for the match. Kicked two goals for the game and played a crucial hand in the dying stages of the game, when he helped run down the clock to all but ice the match for the Demons. A lively, energetic player who keeps building and making strides this season.

Submit your 3-2-1 votes to the Hertz Fans’ MVP

Apologies to …

Neville Jetta, Christian Petracca and Sam Frost, who all could’ve gained a vote.

Good to see …

Jesse Hogan and Joel Smith back out playing. Hogan has endured plenty away from the game this year and it was great to see the big man out on the ‘G. Smith, too, has had to contend with ankle, toe and shoulder injuries this year – the latter keeping him sidelined from rounds two to 14 – but he managed to return for his second AFL game. Both could play important roles in the second half of the season.

Oppo’s best: Marc Murphy

Despite falling short, the Blues had several fine players, including three players – Sam Kerridge, Marc Murphy and Kade Simpson – who amassed 105 disposals between them. Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer was also influential, particularly early in the game, as was youngster Charlie Curnow, who impressed with 19 touches, 10 marks and two goals. But Murphy just got the nod for his 35 touches and two goals.

Matty Goodrope’s pic of the day

 

Jade Rawlings speaks to the backline group in the rooms pre-match

Tweet of the round:

Video of the round:


Instagram of the round:

Welcome back, Hoges! #AFLBluesDees #RaiseHell

A post shared by Melbourne Football Club (@melbournefc) on

In the mix

The good news for Melbourne is that no further injuries came out of the match against the Blues, and the even better prospect is that midfielder Dom Tyson (knee) and forward Jack Watts (hamstring) could be right to play. Again, the Demons will be without co-captains Nathan Jones (quadriceps) and Jack Viney (plantar fascia), while the likes of Christian Salem (hamstring), Angus Brayshaw (concussion) and Tom Bugg (suspension) are still not ready. Jack Trengove, Corey Maynard and Ben Kennedy all impressed again for Casey and could come into calculations, while Jay Kennedy-Harris will again be around the mark, after being held over as the carryover player against the Blues. Youngsters Sam Weideman and Dion Johnstone are slim chances for a call-up.

Next round

After making it two from two against Carlton this year, Melbourne has the chance to record consecutive wins against Adelaide, when it hosts the Crows in Darwin at TIO Stadium on Saturday night. The Demons produced a brilliant 41-point victory over the Crows at Adelaide Oval in round eight – a 69-point turnaround, after trailing by 28 points – but this looms as another significant challenge, against the top of the table Adelaide. The Crows started the season with six straight wins, and have won five of their past nine, while Melbourne will be aiming to go back-to-back in the NT this year, after defeating the Gold Coast Suns in Alice Springs in round 10. The Demons defeated Freo in Darwin last year and will be also be looking to notch up successive wins in NT capital.

In the press box …

Perhaps he had a big night or was preparing for the big game, but one member of the media throng enjoyed a kip in the media box pre-match. With arms folded on the table, and head resting on them, this person seemed to bounce back later on, but at one point he was almost snoring – such was his peaceful rest!

In the rooms ...

It was hardly a scene out of a Richard Simmons exercise video, but the sight of Neville Jetta’s kids stretching with him after a nail-biting win was a lovely moment. Jetta, who played a fantastic game, particularly in the last quarter, had Nalani and Kyree stretching their glutes – just like he was! Great memories for the kids – and Dad, Nev, who is just a beauty in every way!

Song to sum up match

Clocks – Coldplay

Simon Says …

“The character of the playing group that we’re starting to develop is through culture and that’s why we’re able to win some of those close games and there’s a belief around that that’s really growing at this footy club.” – Simon Goodwin