MATT Burgan looks at some of the key stats, moments and stories to emerge from round eight

Four out of four!

It proved to be an outstanding weekend for the Melbourne Football Club. All four sides had a win. On top of Melbourne’s 39-point win over the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Sunday, its women’s team defeated the Dogs in the curtain-raiser by eight points. On Saturday, Casey defeated Richmond at Casey Fields by 44 points and its Development team smashed the Northern Blues by 88 points.

Three quarters won and two important goal streaks achieved

Melbourne won three of its four quarters against the Bulldogs. It won the opening term by a goal, its second quarter by 14 points and its final quarter by 26 points – a fine effort, given the Bulldogs got to within seven points early in the final term, when Liam Picken booted the first major of the quarter. Although Melbourne dropped the third term by seven points, it had eight scoring shots (3.5) to five (5.0). The other major positive for Melbourne was that it booted six unanswered goals from the 11-minute mark of the second term until the six-minute mark of the third quarter. And when Cam Pedersen booted his third goal at the five-minute mark of the final term, it was the start of five in a row for the Demons and their third win of the season.

Best start in four years

This has been Melbourne’s best start since 2011, when the late Dean Bailey was in his last season as senior coach. Back then, Melbourne had three wins, one draw and four losses from its first nine rounds (note: the Demons had the bye in round five that year). The draw meant it was a slightly better start than this year, but when you consider Melbourne didn’t have a win in its first eight matches in 2012, just one in 2013 and two last year – there is no disputing the improvement.

Jumpin’ Jake

The mountain man played arguably his best match for the club against the Bulldogs. In his 32^nd AFL game, Spencer had 40 hit outs, laid eight tackles and 12 touches. He blocked, used his body and gave a contest – and even hit Cam Pedersen lace out. Big ‘Pencil’ played with heart and earned praise from coach Paul Roos post-match. It was a most encouraging performance from the Queenslander.

What a recruit!

What about this guy? Jason Taylor and his recruiting team continue to smile with one of the best recruits of the season. The mature-age rookie continued his fine year, amassing a career-best 29 disposals. He was arguably Melbourne’s best, as he also had 13 contested possessions, 11 tackles, seven clearances and four inside 50s. It was another fine performance from the ‘Richie’.

Grimes building

Great to see the former co-captain hit back with some strong form. Grimes had 22 disposals, an equal game-high six rebounds and he was an important contributor in the win.

Pedersen continues good form

Since he was a late call-up last round, Pedersen has made the most of his opportunities. He booted three goals against Hawthorn and was one of the few bright spots in a bleak day, and he added another three majors against the Dogs this week. He had 16 touches and continued to pinch-hit in the ruck.

Welcome back Jesse!

After missing last week through soreness, the young-gun produced a fine performance, booting the first goal of the match, just 57 seconds in. He finished with three goals, 21 disposals and nine marks – and flicked off a handball to Cam Pedersen that will talked about for some time. It was crucial timing and resulted in Pedersen’s third goal. Coach Paul Roos said Hogan “looked really fresh” upon his return.

Howey’s hanger

What about Jeremy Howe’s hanger at the 23-minute mark of the third term? It was an absolute beauty, as he launched over Bulldog Michael Talia in front of the Melbourne faithful, Olympic Stand side. It was his best mark for the year so far, but knowing the high-flying Tasmanian, he’ll top it in the coming weeks!

And now for Alice …

It was one of the best games Melbourne played in last year was its clash against Port Adelaide in Alice Springs. From the stunning Traeger Park Oval setting to the highly entertaining encounter last year, this Saturday’s clash should be another intriguing one, particularly with the Power coming off a home loss to the Tigers. It will be yet another big test for the Demons, but also a great opportunity for the red and blue. It’s enough to hop on a plane and head to Central Australia this weekend to find out! It should be a ripper.