Summary

Sixteen minutes ultimately cost Melbourne any chance of notching up its 11th win of the season. Just eight minutes into the match, Melbourne had the first three goals and a 16-point lead. It was the perfect start and the momentum was clearly with the red and blue. But when Stephen Coniglio kicked GWS’ first at the 12-minute mark, it was the start of a remarkable turnaround by the home side. By the 28-minute mark, the Giants had booted eight in a row and claimed a 36-point lead – a stunning reversal of form. From that point, Melbourne played catch-up football and was never in the hunt, losing by 35 points – even though it outscored GWS by one-point after quarter-time, kicking 7.2 to 6.7.

The stat

During GWS’ remarkable first quarter comeback, the Giants registered 12 consecutive scores in 18 minutes (8.4).

Leather poisoning

Jordan Lewis had a game-high 35 disposals and Callan Ward was GWS’ ball-winner with 29 touches.

The number

The Giants had 27 scores for the match – more than doubling Melbourne’s tally. GWS’ inaccuracy and Melbourne’s accuracy kept the margin to under six goals. But given the Giants had 15 more scores than the Demons, the final margin could’ve been much greater.

Experience differential

Games: GWS Giants (2467) v Melbourne (2138)

Goals: GWS Giants (1417) v Melbourne (1231)

Average age: GWS Giants (25 years, 154 days) v Melbourne (25 years, 116 days)

Did you know …

Nathan Jones overtook Brett Lovett’s 235 games on the weekend to now sit inside the top 10 for the most games played at Melbourne. Only David Neitz (306), Robert Flower (272), Adem Yze (271), Jim Stynes (264), Steven Febey (258), Brad Green (254), Brian Dixon (252) and James McDonald (251) have played more. Jones currently sits on 236 with Jeff White.

3 votes: Max Gawn

Unquestionably Melbourne’s best player on the weekend. He had an outstanding duel with Giant ruckman Shane Mumford, with both players among the best on ground. But Gawn arguably took the points, winning 52 hits outs, 19 disposals (including 15 contested possessions), seven clearances and a goal. No doubt his best game for the season.

2 votes: Jordan Lewis

Has produced some strong form in the past month, averaging almost 30 disposals per match. Against the Giants, Lewis had his best numbers for the season. He has won 68 touches in the past two weeks. Had a team-high seven inside 50s and won five clearances. Won 12 of his 35 touches in the third term.

1 vote: Clayton Oliver

Continued his outstanding season, winning more than 30 disposals for the ninth time this year – and for the third consecutive week, which was the first time he’s achieved this feat. Oliver has won 95 touches in the past three rounds. He had a game-high 19 contested possessions and also laid nine tackles.

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

Apologies to …

Michael Hibberd, Bernie Vince and Neville Jetta, who all could’ve gained a vote.

Good to see …

Corey Maynard make his AFL debut – less than a year after joining the club. It was a mighty effort to play at the highest level, given he hadn’t played a competitive game of football at any level in 10 years, until March this year. The former US college and NBL basketballer impressed on debut, winning 18 touches and kicking a goal. The son of former Melbourne player Peter and older brother of Magpie Brayden, Maynard became the sixth person to play a VFL/AFL game and NBL game, joining Mark Lisle (North Melbourne), Michael Parsons (Sydney Swans), Shane Crothers (Geelong and Port Adelaide), Dean Brogan (Port Adelaide and GWS Giants) and Craig Moller (Fremantle).

Oppo’s best: Josh Kelly

The Giants had several standouts, including Shane Mumford and Stephen Coniglio, but Kelly probably just had the edge. The midfielder continued his excellent season and reinforced why he is a much-sought after player, booting three goals and notching up 27 disposals. He also had nine tackles and five inside 50s.

Pic of the day

Corey Maynard with parents Peter and Donna, after he was presented with his first AFL guernsey

Tweet of the day:

Video of the day:

Instagram of the day:

Wishing Corey Maynard all the best on his AFL debut #raisehell #aflgiantsdees #godees

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

In the mix

Forward Mitch Hannan was rested last round and could return for Sunday’s clash against St Kilda at the MCG. Ball-winners Jay Kennedy-Harris (39 disposals) and Angus Brayshaw (34) starred for Casey in its win over Sandringham and could be chances. Youngster Billy Stretch, tall Sam Weideman and rebounder Josh Wagner were emergencies against the Giants and will be around the mark. Playmaker Christian Salem is expected to play against St Kilda, after injuring his ankle against the Giants. In the VFL, athletic Joel Smith injured his knee and will now miss the rest of the season and ruckman Jake Spencer hurt his ribs. Goalkicker Jesse Hogan remains sidelined with a shoulder injury.

Next round

With three rounds remaining, this weekend’s clash against the Saints is critical in the context of Melbourne’s 2017 campaign. The Demons moved out of the eight for the first time since round 11 and enter round 21 in 10th place. It appears that 13 wins is the number needed to play off in September and Melbourne is jostling for a place in the final eight with several teams, including the Saints. Melbourne won its round one clash against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium this year, ending a losing streak that stretched back to the red and blue’s most recent finals win over the Saints in 2006. It’s a massive week for Melbourne and St Kilda with their seasons on the line.

In the press box …

The local Canberra and Sydney journos were quick to comment on Corey Maynard and his impressive debut. One journo asked “does he always go in that hard?” His commitment and attack on the ball didn’t go unnoticed by the members of the press.

In the rooms ...

It was a fantastic moment in the rooms pre-match when Corey Maynard accepted his first AFL jumper from parents, Peter and Donna. Peter, who played eight matches for Melbourne in 1980-81, gave a touching speech, which added to the presentation. Corey’s godparent Kelly O’Donnell, who played 80 games for Melbourne from 1979-84 and is now part of the club’s recruiting team, was also there to mark the occasion. Aside from playing with Peter at the Demons, they remain great mates today.  

Song to sum up match

Sleeping Giant – Herbie Hancock

Simon Says …

“We won the contested ball and the inside 50s, but we lost the clearances and the tackles, so around the ball they (GWS) got the better of us, even though the numbers suggested we did win the contested ball. There’s no doubt they used the ball better going forward of centre and that was probably the difference in the game – their ability to be efficient going inside 50.” – Simon Goodwin