MATT Burgan looks at the stories, stats and surprises in his weekly column.
Summary
Without doubt Melbourne’s most disappointing loss of the season. It was the one that the red and blue was expected to win and should’ve won – given St Kilda entered the round with just two victories to its name for the season. Still, the Saints came into the game having won before the bye, meaning their confidence was always going to be up. And given Melbourne had dropped its past two matches to Collingwood and Port Adelaide respectively, it was always going to be a ‘danger’ game. In the wash-up, it proved that way, as Melbourne lost its sixth match of the season by two points – and its third in a row. How the Demons rebound from here will be fascinating.
How’s stat?
After notching up 29 more inside 50s than Port Adelaide last round, Melbourne once again had more entries into attack than its opponent. The Demons finished with 62 inside 50s to the Saints’ 50.
The number
19 – points was how many Melbourne had on the board, before St Kilda registered its first score of the match. The Demons booted 3.1 before the Saints posted their opening score – a behind to Josh Battle. It was the start of seven scores posted in succession (4.3), which put the Saints in front by one point at quarter-time. Considering Melbourne’s strong start – and its dominance inside 50 early – it was a missed opportunity.
Experience differential
Games: Melbourne (1851) v St Kilda (1786)
Goals: Melbourne (960) v St Kilda (839)
Average age: St Kilda (24 years, 154 days) v Melbourne (24 years, 125 days)
Did you know …
Although Melbourne has lost six games this season by a total of 170 points at an average of 28.33 points, three of them have been lost by a total of 15 points: Geelong (three), Port Adelaide (10) and St Kilda (two).
3 votes: Max Gawn
Clearly Melbourne’s best player. Gawn had a season-high 25 disposals, including 13 contested possessions. His work-rate around the ground was outstanding, and he also finished with 39 hit outs.
2 votes: Angus Brayshaw
Brayshaw had an equal team-high 27 disposals, kicked two goals (back-to-back in the first term) and took six marks.
2 votes: Bayley Fritsch
Kicked a equal game-high and career-best four goals, including one in the opening term, another in the second and two in the final quarter.
Apologies to …
James Harmes, Jack Viney and Jesse Hogan, who all could’ve been among the votes.
Good to see …
New fans attend ‘The Welcome Game’ – a game for all who are new to the game. Around 13,000 new fans have watched Melbourne and St Kilda play in the past two seasons at the MCG – roughly 7,000 in round 21 last year and about 6,000 in 2018. The initiative is an important one for Melbourne as it seeks to grow its supporter base.
Oppo’s best: Jade Gresham
The St Kilda speedster booted four goals and was pivotal in its win. His burst through the midfield at one stage typified his play. Jake Carlisle, Jack Sinclair, Tim Membrey and Jack Steven also shone for the Saints.
Facebook post of the day
Tweet of the day
Don’t forget to drop your pre-loved scarves to the donation box in Yarra Park (outside Gate 3)!
— Melbourne FC (@melbournefc) July 1, 2018
Thanks for your help in welcoming new fans to the red + blue, @matt_nurse! #TheWelcomeGame #RaiseHell #AFLDeesSaints https://t.co/6WKWWiCEcw
Instagram photo of the day
Video of the day
“Five years ago, you were you the same age as your brother is today, kicking on the front lawn. Today, you get the opportunity to run onto the MCG.”
— Melbourne FC (@melbournefc) July 1, 2018
Go behind-the-scenes of Harry Petty’s jumper presentation in the rooms.
#RaiseHell #TheWelcomeGame #AFLDeesSaints pic.twitter.com/oGr2xr5tbw
Photo of the day
Four goals for Bayley (Photo: Quinn Rooney)
In the mix
Changes are likely to occur following the loss. Declan Keilty, Sam Frost and Cam Pedersen earned strong praise from Casey Demons coach for their performance down back, while Bernie Vince impressed in his first game for Casey. Billy Stretch has been knocking on the door, while small forwards Charlie Spargo and Jeff Garlett are likely to be in the mix. Oskar Baker could be another in the conversation.
Next round
Melbourne heads to Darwin for its second of two matches in the Northern Territory this year. The Demons will host Fremantle, which is coming off a loss to the Brisbane Lions. It’s a must-win match for Melbourne and given two of Fremantle’s best players – Nat Fyfe and Aaron Sandilands – are set to be missing through injury, it will only add to the red and blue’s favouritism. Melbourne defeated Fremantle at TIO Stadium in round 16, 2016 and it will be looking to repeat that result again on Saturday night.
In the rooms
Harry Petty receives his number 25 jumper (Photo: Matt Goodrope)
Song to sum up match
The Saints Go Marching In – Louis Armstrong
Simon Says …
“For the large part of this year, we've played some really strong footy against teams below us on the ladder, so I understand [the fans'] feeling. We are still building ourselves into the team we want to become and we always said there would be little bumps along the way. We've lost three in a row, we need to start playing better, we need to get back into form – it doesn't matter who we play against – and I'm really confident as a playing group and a club, we'll be able to do that.” – Simon Goodwin
