MATT Burgan looks at the stories, stats and surprises in his new weekly column 



Summary

Melbourne couldn’t have started better. Despite trailing by 23 points at quarter-time, the Demons hit back with 10 consecutive majors during the second and third terms, and booted 13 goals to three in the same two periods to set up a five-goal win. A 53-point turnaround was an outstanding result, given it was viewed as a 50/50 contest. Unquestionably one of Melbourne’s finest round one wins in years. For hardcore fans, was it up there with the likes of 2005, 1997, 1994, 1992 or 1989?

The stat

Melbourne had 118 more disposals than St Kilda: 454 to 336. This resulted in the Demons having the most disposals in the competition after round one. It was just one of a host of key stats Melbourne dominated in the wash-up.

Leather poisoning

Clayton Oliver had a game-high 36 disposals – also a personal-best.

The number

14 – the number of matches St Kilda won from 2006-16, before Melbourne finally ended an 11-year losing streak. Melbourne’s most recent win before Saturday was the second elimination final against St Kilda – its most recent finals win and back when Neale Daniher was coach.

Experience differential

Games: St Kilda (2009) v Melbourne (1641)

Goals: St Kilda (1414) v Melbourne (1032)

Average age: St Kilda (25 years, 68 days) v Melbourne (23 years, 317 days)

Did you know …

It was Melbourne’s first round one win away from the MCG since 1980. Coincidentally, it was back when the Demons defeated the Saints by 22 points at Waverley Park. Garry Baker and Russell Rowe kicked four each for the Dees, with teammate Graham Gaunt having 31 touches and two goals.

3 votes: Clayton Oliver

Playing just his 14th AFL match, ‘Clarry’ once again belied his age with an outstanding midfield performance. He was instrumental in Melbourne’s second term, where his poise, hands and clearance work were first class. Used the ball brilliantly.

2 votes: Max Gawn

The reigning All-Australian ruckman was emphatic, despite coming from the ground in the first quarter due to a back injury. He notched up 49 hit outs and gave his midfield excellent use. He also won 20 centre hit outs to opponent Tom Hickey’s 10.

1 vote: Bernie Vince

The 2015 best and fairest winner’s composure was critical in the back half, when the team was under the pump in the first term. He led from the front, used the ball efficiently and finished with 30 disposals. Kicked a beautiful goal from just outside 50 metres.

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

Apologies to …

Jordan Lewis, Nathan Jones and Jesse Hogan, who all could’ve easily slipped in the votes.

Good to see …

Alex Neal-Bullen have a genuine impact up forward. After playing just four games in 2016, ‘Nibbler’ started strongly with a personal-best 23 disposals and 1.3. Either that performance or his three goals against Geelong in round 12, 2015 ranks as his best so far.

Oppo’s best: Nick Riewoldt

Sent a major scare throughout Docklands, when he suffered what initially looked like an ACL injury and was taken from the field via a motorised stretcher. The 34-year-old otherwise stood out with four goals in another commanding display.

Matty Goodrope’s pic of the day


Nathan Jones goes through his pre-match boxing routine

Tweet of the day


Instagram of the round


Video

In the mix

Unfortunately, first-gamer Joel Smith, who started impressively, before suffering a shoulder injury, will be sidelined for several weeks. Vince has also been offered a match for striking. Dom Tyson, Dean Kent and James Harmes pushed their claims with strong performances for Casey in a VFL practice match. Big man Jake Spencer was an emergency in round one after a strong JLT Community Series and could be another in the mix.

Next round

Melbourne returns to the home of football on Sunday for its first MCG home game of the year. Taking on Carlton for the second time this year – after Melbourne defeated the Blues at Casey Fields in a JLT Community Series match – the Dees will be brimming with confidence. Still, Carlton has had the wood over Melbourne in recent years and although the Blues went down to Richmond by 43 points in last round’s season opener, the Demons mustn’t take Carlton lightly. Important clash for the Dees.

Heard in the press box …

C.Petracca’s admirers were again out in force – hello, highly-respected AAP senior journo Roger Vaughan, who couldn’t speak highly enough of the talented younger – but the undisputed talking point among the meeja was the revamped press box, which received the big thumbs up! A barista serving great coffees, cookies and a new pie warmer with full-size Four’N Twenties put many a smile on journos!

Saw in the rooms ...

Three sets of father/sons – Joel and Shaun Smith, Billy and Steven Stretch and Jack and Todd Viney – gather for a memorable photo. It was the first time Jack, Billy and Joel (no pun intended with the latter two) have played together in an AFL match. It was very unfortunate to see Joel wearing a sling following his first match. 

Song to sum up match

The Boys are Back in Town, Thin Lizzy

Simon Says …

“We want to play this way every week. This is just a starting point for us. It's a long journey through a season and we have to keep our environment as consistent as we can and continue to educate our players.” – Simon Goodwin