Viney stems Ablett flow

Jack Viney played an outstanding game on Gary Ablett, keeping him to just 19 disposals. Granted, Ablett was coming back from a serious shoulder injury and had moments where it seemed to still be an issue – particularly after one bone-jarring Viney tackle. Yet interestingly – and remarkably – Ablett’s dominance and brilliance in the game has seen him register 19 disposals or less on just five occasions. Two of them have come against Melbourne – Jordie McKenzie kept Ablett to 19 touches in round 20, 2013 – and a couple came against Fremantle in 2008. He also had three disposals against the Sydney Swans in round 16, 2011, when he suffered an injury early in the match. Viney’s effort on one of the game’s greatest ever players was first-class, but it also highlights the incredible standard, which Ablett plays the game.

McDonald’s one with the lot

With several new Demons and the likes of Jack Watts and Jack Viney gaining plaudits for their strong games, Tom McDonald’s performance was somewhat underrated. He vied for best-on-ground honours and the coaches certainly voted it that way – both Paul Roos and Rodney Eade gave him five votes each for the perfect 10 in the AFLCA votes. McDonald had an equal career-best 26 disposals and started the season with a bang.

Well done Jack!

I really liked Jack Watts’ ability to kick a crucial final quarter goal from the boundary. It was from a tough set-shot and it resulted in an 18-point lead to the Demons. It was also his third major for the day in a fine display. Watts’ presence and body shape – he really has matured over the summer – was another tick towards his game and a rejuvenated Melbourne side.

Welcome Jesse!

Wasn’t it great to see Jesse Hogan’s teammates run from everywhere to congratulate him on his first AFL goal – after such a long wait and build up! Quite simply, patience was forced upon Jesse Hogan. He came to the club for the 2013 season as an under-age player and had to bide his time – with success – in the VFL, before he was officially on Melbourne’s list in 2014. But a back injury ruined his season last year, after suffering an injury in Alice Springs during last year’s NAB Challenge. Fast forward to Saturday and Hogan’s dream was finally realised. His debut performance caught the eye, particularly his strong clunk in the final term, which resulted in his second goal. His contested marking was a feature and was a taste of things to come … we can’t wait!

The number … 7

Effectively a third of Melbourne’s side was new in round one, with Heritier Lumumba, Jeff Garlett, Sam Frost and Ben Newton – all players with AFL experience – and debutants Jesse Hogan, Angus Brayshaw and Aaron vandenBerg playing their first game for Melbourne. It continued a recent trend for Melbourne of at least six players donning the red and blue for the first time in round one. It was one more than 2014, when Melbourne had six players represent the Demons for the first time: Daniel Cross, Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince and Viv Michie, plus AFL debutants Jay Kennedy-Harris and Alex Georgiou. In 2013, Cam Pedersen, David Rodan, Shannon Byrnes and Tom Gillies played their first match for Melbourne and Jack Viney, Jimmy Toumpas and Matt Jones made their AFL debut. It also highlights the changing list in such a short space of time.

Finally … the round one drought breaks

Melbourne’s win was its first round one victory since 2005, when it defeated Essendon in the Troy Broadbridge tribute match. Mark Jamar was the only Demon to play in both those 2005 and 2015 round one matches. Some miserable performances have happened in between – most notably against Hawthorn (twice), Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide – reinforcing why this one was a win to savour.

‘H’ creates new VFL/AFL record; Angus equals another

Heritier Lumumba created a new record by becoming the first player in VFL/AFL history to make his debut with a new club in his 200^th AFL match – after 199 games with Collingwood. The closest before Lumumba was Josh Hunt, who played 198 matches with Geelong, before reaching his 200^th AFL match in his second game with Greater Western Sydney. Meanwhile, Champion Data confirmed that youngster Angus Brayshaw’s nine tackles on debut was a record since 2001 – equal with Nathan Djerrkura (Geelong, 2009), Jaxson Barham (Collingwood, 2009) and Tom Couch (Melbourne, 2012).

The ton is cracked again

Melbourne’s 17.13 (115) was its highest score since round four, 2013 against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG, when it booted 22.12 (144). The Demons also had 11 goalkickers, including five multiple goalscorers: Jack Watts (three goals) and two each to Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Ben Newton and Dom Tyson.

Hells Bells

The classic Acca Dacca track was a great introduction for the Melbourne team. Skipper Nathan Jones said the 1980 AC/DC track was the most pumped he had been entering the MCG. The bells are pretty ace, aren’t they?

The quote …

“It’s (the win) hard to rank – I’ll have to wait until the end of my career to reflect and rank this – but it’s certainly up there as one of the happiest moments I’ve ever experienced in AFL football.” – Heritier Lumumba on his 200^th AFL game and first for Melbourne