MATT Burgan looks at the stories, stats and surprises in his weekly column.
Summary
How good was that? I mean, how bloody good was that? All who bleed red and blue were treated to their best moment in 12 years, when Melbourne advanced into the second week of the finals, following a 29-point win over Geelong Cats at the MCG on Friday night. Melbourne set-up its memorable moment with a stunning opening term, booting 5.3 to 0.2, gaining a 31-point lead at quarter-time. It was an outstanding victory – Melbourne’s first finals win since its second elimination final win over St Kilda in 2006 – and one that captured the imagination of the club’s fans and the football public at large. But it’s the only the beginning and the Demons are not done yet. Melbourne is hellbent on going deep in September and it couldn’t have asked for a better start. Next Friday night against Hawthorn at the MCG will be Melbourne’s next task. Carry on …
How’s stat?
The crowd of 91,767 was the 11th biggest of all-time involving Melbourne, while it was the largest attendance the Demons have played in front of since the 2000 Grand Final. It was also the third largest non-Grand Final attendance Melbourne has been involved in. And it was also the largest crowd for a Melbourne and Geelong clash.
The number
50 – finals have now been won in Melbourne’s history. The Demons have played 85 finals, won 50, lost 33 and drawn twice. Interestingly, Richmond notched up their 50th finals win on the weekend as well.
Experience differential
Games: Geelong Cats (2748) v Melbourne (2039)
Goals: Geelong Cats (2113) v Melbourne (957)
Average age: Geelong Cats (26 years, 276 days) v Melbourne (24 years, 283 days)
Did you know …
That was Melbourne’s second win from its past 16 matches against Geelong. The Demons also snapped a four-match losing streak against the Cats, coming in the most important match between the two sides since they last met in a finals match, back in the 2005 second elimination final. Back then, Geelong won by 55 points, ending Melbourne’s season. This time, the red and blue got its first win over Geelong in a finals’ win since the 1954 preliminary final.
3 votes: Sam Weideman
His 18th AFL match was unquestionably his finest yet. Weideman was brilliant in the opening term, kicking two goals and playing a crucial role in setting up Melbourne’s win. He finished with three goals, 24 disposals, seven marks (including three contested) and four tackles. An outstanding contribution from the still only 21-year-old key forward.
2 votes: James Harmes
It’s hard to think of a more improved player in the backend of the competition than Harmes. Although he was making strides throughout the season, his performances since Melbourne played Geelong in round 18 have gone from strength-to-strength. Finished with 26 disposals (including 10 contested), 11 tackles and five inside 50s.
1 vote: Alex Neal-Bullen
It could be raffled with several players in the mix to claim votes, but Neal-Bullen played one of his best games for Melbourne. ‘Nibbler’ was pivotal from the start and finished with 20 disposals (including nine contested), nine tackles and 1.2 and was involved in score assists. His tenacity and running capacity were again on show. Big tick.
Apologies to …
Angus Brayshaw, Jordan Lewis, Clayton Oliver, Christian Salem, Jack Viney, Max Gawn and Tom McDonald who all could’ve been among the votes.
Good to see …
In fact, it was great to see every Melbourne supporter relish a moment it’s been waiting for since 2006. The feel-good moment for everyone who loves the red and blue and is associated with the club makes it all worth it – but they want more! As does everyone at the club. Watch this space!
Oppo’s best: Gary Ablett
There was perhaps no clear standout for the Cats, yet Ablett gave his all – yet again. He finished with a team-high 27 disposals, eight rebound 50s and six tackles in his first final back with the club.
Pic of the day
Trac pushes out one of his biggest fans, Lucas pre-game (Photo: Michael Willson)
Facebook post of the day
Instagram post of the day
Tweet of the day
My son wasn’t even born when the Demons @melbournefc last played in the finals. Special night #AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/4uj8FG5CtS
— Jeff White (@JeffWhite34) September 7, 2018
Video of the day
In the mix
Thankfully, no injuries emerged from the win over the Cats, meaning changes are unlikely. Dean Kent and Bernie Vince, who both have AC joint injuries, are racing to be fit, but remain unlikely to be available this Friday night. Jay Kennedy Harris, Jayden Hunt, Joel Smith, Tim Smith, Cam Pedersen, Jeff Garlett and Tom Bugg are others ready to go – if an opportunity presents itself, but it’d be hard to see any changes to the 22 that defeated the Cats.
Next round
Melbourne will meet it great rival from the late 1980s/early 1990s: Hawthorn. It’s do-or-die from here on in and this looms as another beauty. The Hawks are coming off a loss to Richmond and given they had the double-chance, will now face a red-hot Melbourne. The two sides met in round four and it resulted in the red and blue’s most disappointing day of the season: a 67-point loss. But Melbourne has come on in leaps and bounds since then and it will be primed to have a crack at one of the great teams of the modern era. The most recent encounter between the two teams in a final was the 1990 elimination final, when Melbourne won a thriller by nine points at the MCG.
In the rooms
Song to sum up the match
INXS - New Sensation
Simon Says …
“We were really hopeful we got a really good start to the game and I thought our boys handled the moment incredibly well. Obviously, a huge crowd, first final, but our players were adamant they were going to put their brand on show and I thought they certainly achieved that in the first quarter. They established the way the game should look, we got a chaos game and I thought the boys did a terrific job.” – Simon Goodwin
