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

Summary
After leading at each change, Melbourne went down to the Power by 10 points in a fierce contest. Although the Demons jumped out to a 20-point lead in the opening term, much of the night was a close encounter, which really could’ve gone either way. However, a 3.2 to 0.2 final term was enough for Port Adelaide to hit the front and claim the four points. Although frustrating to lose its past two in a row, it must be noted that Melbourne has gone down to other quality teams: Collingwood (fourth) and Port Adelaide (fifth) on the ladder. Melbourne now enters round 15 with an 8-5 win/loss record and an important period, with the second half of the season well and truly underway.

How’s stat?
Melbourne had 68 inside 50s, as opposed to Port Adelaide’s 39 – a staggering 29 more.

The number
20 – scoring shots were registered by both sides. The only difference was that Port Adelaide kicked 11.9 to Melbourne’s 9.11. 

Experience differential
Games: Port Adelaide (2624) v Melbourne (2046)
Goals: Port Adelaide (2212) v Melbourne (1051)
Average age: Port Adelaide (25 years, 352 days) v Melbourne (25 years, 90 days)

Did you know …
That was the highest attendance (40,751) between the two sides. It eclipsed the previous best of 37,894, when Port Adelaide and Melbourne played at Adelaide Oval in round 18, 2014. The Power won that match by three points.

3 votes: Jack Viney
The co-captain had a game-high 31 disposals, including 20 contested possessions and 14 clearances. His ferocious style of play was once again evident.

2 votes: Tom McDonald
Outstanding yet again, with three goals in attack and involved in several scoring opportunities. He suffered a nasty knock to the chest and showed great courage to play on. 

1 vote: Max Gawn
The ruckman continued his brilliant season with 53 hit outs and 16 disposals.  

Apologies to …
Michael Hibberd, Neville Jetta, Clayton Oliver and Angus Brayshaw, who all could’ve been among the votes.

Good to see …
Melbourne on Friday night. Both teams produced a hard-at-it contest and one that was worthy of being on the big stage.

Oppo’s best: Tom Jonas
Jonas was outstanding for the Power, cutting off many of Melbourne’s forward thrusts. His intercept work was critical for his side. Jonas also had 20 disposals.

Facebook post of the day

Tweet of the day

Instagram photo of the day

Friday night footy feels ☺️ #RaiseHell

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

Video of the day

Photo of the day


Tim Smith celebrates a goal (Photo: AFL Media)

In the mix
A bruising encounter will have resulted in some sore players, most notably Tom McDonald, who suffered a heavy knock to the chest and will be assessed this week. Sam Weideman will come right into the mix, after booting seven goals for Casey on the weekend. Fellow talls Cam Pedersen and Harry Petty will be in contention, along with speedy duo Jeff Garlett and Billy Stretch.

Next round
Melbourne takes on St Kilda for the second time this season, with this round’s encounter at the MCG on Sunday. The Saints have had a tough season, winning just two matches, but one was before last round’s bye, so they will enter round 15 with confidence. A game Melbourne should win, but with no easy games any more, the red and blue must be on its game to take the four points.

In the rooms ...


Nathan Jones prepares his boots (Photo: Matt Goodrope)

Song to sum up match
The Power And The Passion – Midnight Oil

Simon Says …
“I thought our performance was strong. The two sides knew the way each other played and they went at it for four quarters. Our behaviours tonight were outstanding, that game could've gone either way." – Simon Goodwin