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

Summary
Melbourne snapped a three-game losing streak with a 54-point win over Fremantle in the Top End. Despite inaccurate goalkicking, Melbourne posted 37 scores to Fremantle’s 13 – a whopping 24 more. Although the margin could’ve been much greater, it was still a strong result after a tough few weeks. Melbourne is now sixth on the ladder and with seven rounds remaining, each week will be critical, as the red and blue pushes hard for September action.

How’s stat?
Melbourne recorded 50 intercepts in its forward half – the highest ever recorded in VFL/AFL history. The team also recorded a season high for tackles inside 50, with 26.

The number
48 – the amount of points Melbourne conceded, which also happened to be the lowest score kicked against the Demons this season. After a week where the microscope was placed on Melbourne’s defence, it was positive to see the side respond so encouragingly.    

Experience differential
Games: Melbourne (2003) v Fremantle (1520)
Goals: Melbourne (1209) v Fremantle (914)
Average age: Melbourne (24 years, 216 days) v Fremantle (23 years, 220 days)

Did you know …
There were three pairs of brothers on the field at TIO Stadium: Oscar and Tom McDonald, Angus and Andrew Brayshaw and Stephen and Bradley Hill.

3 votes: Clayton Oliver
‘Clarry’ was terrific against Fremantle recording 35 touches, seven inside 50s and two goals in the second quarter. Defensively, Oliver also had an impact with seven tackles.

2 votes: Max Gawn
Max Gawn had another good night at the office, amassing 42 hit outs and 20 disposals. His ruck work was key to Melbourne comfortably winning the clearance count 42 to 28.

1 vote: Christian Petracca
Petracca bounced back with one of his best games for the season. Of his 29 disposals, 20 were contested which was the highest he has recorded in his career.

Apologies to …
Angus Brayshaw, Jack Viney, Tom McDonald, Christian Salem and Bayley Fritsch, who all could’ve been among the votes.

Good to see …
Billy Stretch return for his second match of the season after some outstanding form for Casey Demons. The dasher had 24 disposals, including 13 in the last quarter to impress upon return. His pressure work and involvement was also important. It was a most encouraging performance.    

Oppo’s best: Stephen Hill
Playing his 200th AFL match, Hill was arguably Fremantle’s standout with 25 disposals, including 12 contested possessions. He also had 11 tackles.  

Pic of the day


A beautiful sunset over TIO Stadium as the team prepare to run out (Photo: Michael Dodge)

Facebook post of the day

Tweet of the day

Instagram photo of the day

Welcome back, Jeffy ☺️ #RaiseHell

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

Video of the day

In the mix
Joel Smith suffered a hip problem during the game and will be monitored, but it’s hard to see too many changes this round. The likes of Bernie Vince, Cam Pedersen, Dom Tyson, Mitch Hannan and Sam Weideman and Declan Keilty will be in the conversation, while Jay Kennedy Harris impressed for Casey last round.

Next round
Melbourne takes on the Western Bulldogs for the second time this year, after defeating the Dogs by 49 points at Etihad Stadium in round 11. Another important clash looms for Melbourne, as it continues to push for finals for the first time since 2006. The Demons will be aiming for their 10th win of the season.

The fan


Nathan Jones poses with a fan pre-game (Photo: Michael Dodge)

In the rooms


A composed Jeff Garlett prior to his first game since round five (Photo: Matt Goodrope)

Song to sum up the match
M People - Moving on Up

Simon Says …
“Our goalkicking wasn’t ideal on the night and it’s something that you want to be quite polished in,” he said in his post-match press conference. But to get that sort of supply and still have 37 scoring shots, I thought that was a step forward for us.” – Simon Goodwin