Summary

Despite leading at every change, and notching up its 12th win of the season, Melbourne’s last home match of the season had some nail-biting moments. But in the end, it didn’t matter, because the red and blue got exactly the result it wanted – four points and another massive step towards September. Melbourne has now put itself in a strong position to play finals for the first time since 2006. But first, it must defeat Collingwood next Saturday at the MCG to absolutely lock it in – rather than rely on other results. It’s an exciting opportunity for the club and although the team is hellbent on focusing on the Magpies, for the supporters, it’s hard not to think of September dreaming.  

The stat

Melbourne and Brisbane registered 12 scores each in the second half, but the red and blue’s accuracy proved critical in the finish. The Demons kicked 10.2 to the Lions’ 8.4 after half-time, which gave them a 13-point win. This came after Melbourne booted 6.6 in the first half to Brisbane’s 6.3.

Leather poisoning

Co-captain Nathan Jones had a team-best 32 disposals, as Lions skipper Dayne Beams had a game-high 33 touches.  

The number

Clayton Oliver went past 600 disposals for the season on the weekend. He has now claimed 629 touches for the year. It was also the 11th time he has had 30 touches or more this year. He has also had 30 possessions or more in his past five matches. Only five players have had more disposals than Oliver in the competition this year – a remarkable achievement for a player in his second season. 

Experience differential

Games: Melbourne (1994) v Brisbane Lions (1616)

Goals: Melbourne (1213) v Brisbane Lions (977)

Average age: Melbourne (24 years, 330 days) v Brisbane Lions (23 years, 220 days)

Did you know …

Jake Melksham has kicked at least one goal in his past 11 matches. He has now booted 18 goals for the year. They have all come since round 12. Interestingly, he sits seventh in the competition for having kicked at least one goal in current consecutive matches. West Coast’s Josh Kennedy leads the list, having booted at least one major in his past 39 games, while Joe Daniher is next on 36, followed by Jack Riewoldt (25), Taylor Walker (22), Josh Jenkins (15), Peter Wright (13) and then Melksham.

3 vote: Jesse Hogan

The key forward capped off an outstanding return with a match-winning six goals. In his 50th AFL game, Hogan not only kicked his 100th goal – his first for the match – he finished the day on 105 career majors. It was his second best haul in an AFL game, behind his seven goals against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium in round six, 2016.

2 votes: Cam Pedersen

Backed up his career-best 26 disposals and two goals against St Kilda with another outstanding performance against the Lions. Pedersen won 24 touches and kicked three majors, playing a pivotal role up forward and in the ruck. His third – a brilliant running goal late in the game – helped seal the win.

1 vote: Nathan Jones 

Michael Hibberd and Jake Melksham were outstanding and to miss out, but like Pedersen, the co-captain was one of Melbourne’s best for the second week in a row. Jones had 35 touches against St Kilda in round 21 and backed it up with 32 touches. He had eight clearances and was involved in 12 scoring involvements.

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

Apologies to …

Michael Hibberd, Jake Melksham, Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca … who all could’ve gained a vote.

Good to see …

Jesse Hogan bounce back strongly after a testing year. The 22-year-old couldn’t have asked for a better return, booting half-a-dozen majors, after missing the past two weeks with a shoulder injury. It was a fine effort to come back, after initially he thought his season was done. Given the fact he’s dealt with the passing of his father, Tony, and overcome testicular cancer, it was a big effort indeed.

Oppo’s best: Dayne Beams ….

Not for the first time this year, both Daynes stood tall for the Lions. And although Dayne Zorko shone for the Lions, it was their captain Dayne Beams who was his side’s best. He won 10 of his 33 touches in the first quarter and finished with 16 contested possessions. Beams also kicked three goals, took seven marks and had five clearances.

Matty Goodrope’s pic of the day

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Serious business #RaiseHell #AFLDeesLions

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In the mix

Will co-captain Jack Viney be available this week? At this stage, he remains a week-to-week proposition, after missing the clash against the Lions with a foot injury. It wouldn’t surprise if the tough-as-teak cocaptain returned for the final home and away round, but he could be rested for a potential September campaign. It will be fascinating to see how that plays out. Christian Salem will be available after serving a one-match suspension in the VFL and should come right into contention, and Jack Watts could be close to a call-up after impressing for Casey on the weekend. Sam Frost, who has played most of the season, will also be around the mark. Ben Kennedy, although he has yet to play a match this year, remains on the cusp, while Sam Weideman, Corey Maynard and Jay Kennedy-Harris are thereabouts. Tom Bugg also returned from suspension and produced a strong comeback. The strong form of Casey means several players are waiting in the wings, but two wins in a row from Melbourne means that minimal changes are likely.

Next round

OK, so there is one home and away match to go – and it’s against Melbourne’s greatest rival, Collingwood. It will be a finals-like match for the Demons, given it is somewhat of a test run for what is potentially to come. A win simply means Melbourne will play in its first finals campaign since 2006, which would be a remarkable achievement for coach Simon Goodwin and his team. But the Demons won’t just want to rest there. Still, that’s the furthest thing from Melbourne’s mind. The Magpies are the focus at the moment – and they don’t want to rely on other scenarios, when destiny is in their hands. The Magpies have missed out on September and will want to finish the season on a high. Collingwood has produced some fine wins and form this year and been desperately unlucky in some results. It won’t be a pushover. It will be a genuine contest for Melbourne. The Dees defeated the Magpies by four points in round 12 this year – in the annual Queen’s Birthday clash – and this one could be another nail-biter!

In the press box …

One media type wasn’t sure of one Melbourne player’s form in the first half. But this Demon stepped up in the second half to kick a goal and play his part in the win.

In the rooms ...

Jesse Hogan was a popular man post-match, following his excellent performance. The media gathered around him to hear from the man who played a beauty. Not only was he in good form on the ground, but he was up-and-about in the rooms and it was great to see. Well done Jesse!

Song to sum up match

Almost There – Andy Williams

Simon Says …

"I thought it was a great tussle all day in a number of areas. In the end, I'm really proud of the boys for sticking at it and we come away with a great win for the footy club." – Simon Goodwin