RD 1 | GAME FILM

A behind the scenes look at game day at the 'G, Rd 1 against St Kilda. In front of 44,577 fans, a new-look Melbourne held off a brave Saints outfit to kick off the season with a 13-point win, 18.12 (120) to 15.17 (107) but it wasn't without a fight. It was a see-sawing contest with multiple lead changes, and we were right there for all of it. Four club debutants received their guernseys from club icons before the game, Christian Salem hit 200 games, and Demons draftee Latrelle Pickett shone in his first game, showing he will provide plenty of highlights for fans in the years to come. Captain Max Gawn wound back the clock with 22 disposals, 35 hit outs and a goal in a true captain's performance, while Jacob van Rooyen played the match of his short career, kicking six goals. The Demons kicked four final-quarter goals to St Kilda's one, proving the difference in the tightly fought contest, with Bayley Fritsch kicking the sealer and new coach Steven King celebrated passionately in the box. Follow us behind the locked doors, from the rooms to the race to the final siren, this is what a Round 1 win at the 'G looks like from the inside.

AFL