Summary

Gordon Gekko said in the 1987 film Wall Street that ‘greed, for a lack of a better word, is good’. The only problem with greed is that you want more. It’s the same with winning. Once you’ve tasted the sweet smell of victory, you don’t won’t to go back. Sport – and life, for that matter, doesn’t work like that – and on Friday night, Melbourne tasted defeat for the first time since round nine (May 21 to be exact), when it went down to the Sydney Swans by 35 points. It was far from a disaster, given several circumstances. But on the back of four consecutive wins – Melbourne’s best effort since Neale Daniher was coach in 2006 – it was a tough pill to swallow, even though, as rightly pointed out by coach Simon Goodwin post-match, that three wins from four games in 18 days was a fine achievement in anyone’s language. Given the fact Melbourne’s personnel had also taken a hit – before and during the match – and Sydney notched up its seventh win from its past eight matches, it was always going to be a challenge. Had Melbourne made it five in a row – and recorded its first win over the Swans since 2010 – it could’ve been argued that the fifth instalment was the best of the red and blue’s recent victories. It wasn’t to be, but it was far from a shattering performance.

The stat

The Swans doubled Melbourne’s scoring shots with 30 (11.19) to 15 (7.8), but inaccuracy from the red and white only resulted in a 35-point win. In fact, Sydney’s first eight scores were eight behinds. It wasn’t until after the quarter-time siren that Luke Parker kicked Sydney’s first major.

Leather poisoning

Michael Hibberd had a team-best 33 disposals, as Luke Parker had a game-high 38 touches.

The number

Just one behind was kicked by Melbourne in the second term. Aside from Alex Neal-Bullen’s point, Sydney booted 4.7 in the second quarter to win the term by five goals and lead by 20 points at half-time – after trailing by 10 points at the first break. It proved critical quarter in the wash-up.

Experience differential

Games: Sydney Swans (2372) v Melbourne (1626)

Goals: Sydney Swans (1907) v Melbourne (689)

Average age: Sydney Swans (25 years, 126 days) v Melbourne (24 years, 134 days)

Did you know …

That was Melbourne’s greatest loss of the season, eclipsing round three, when the Demons when down to Geelong by 29 points at Etihad Stadium. Still, the losses have been narrow overall this year, with the average losing margin just 16 points. On the flipside, Melbourne has won eight games by an average winning margin of 28.75 points.

3 votes: Tom McDonald

McDonald backed up arguably his best performance for the club with another fine display, albeit in different circumstances. Although he didn’t kick the match-winner or a personal best five goals, McDonald stood tall on a tough night for the Demons. He booted two goals in attack, had 19 disposals and took six marks. He was also involved in six scoring chains.

2 votes: Michael Hibberd

Hibberd continued his outstanding first season with Melbourne, collecting nine more disposals than his nearest teammate (Clayton Oliver, who had 24 touches). The dashing defender had 11 rebound 50s and covered 814 metres – both game highs. Like McDonald, Hibberd was involved in several scoring chains, finishing with five. A relentless and integral part of the side.

1 vote: Oscar McDonald

Three of his past four matches have been among his best games for the club. The younger of the McDonald brothers fought hard down back as he had to contend with the likes of Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin. He finished with 18 disposals, five intercept marks (from a team-best eight) and five rebound 50s. The 21-year-old continues to progress.

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

Apologies to …

Neville Jetta, Christian Petracca and Dom Tyson, who all could’ve gained a vote.

Good to see …

Another strong crowd turn out. Although it was a crisp Melbourne night at the MCG, 47,464 people attended, which was the fourth best crowd between the two teams in 206 matches since 1897. Melbourne’s 76-point semi-final win over the Swans in 1987 remains the best attended (80,292) match between the two sides. It was also the second best home-and-away attendance, between the Demons and Swans, when 52,614 attended in round 21, 1998.

Oppo’s best: Luke Parker

Although Lance Franklin (4.3) had genuine claims, it was hard to past Luke Parker, who fell two possessions short of 40. He had double-figure disposals in the second, third and fourth terms and finished with a game-high 19 contested possessions. Parker also had nine clearances and 11 scoring involvements. He also chipped in with a goal in a best-on-ground display.

Matty Goodrope’s pic of the day

Neville Jetta, Clayton Oliver, Max Gawn, Jack Viney and Mitch Hannan head out for the second half

Instagram of the round

First game back at the 'G since Round 2 for Gawny. We're happy to see you too @maxygawn! #RaiseHell #AFLDeesSwans

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


Video of the round


Tweet of the round

In the mix

Further forced changes will be made for round 16, with Tom Bugg set to miss several weeks for his strike on Swan Callum Mills. The extent of co-captain Jack Viney’s plantar fasciitis remains to be seen, and Dom Tyson hurt his knee, with a timeline also unknown at this stage. Jeff Garlett and Jack Watts, who both have hamstring injuries, will be tested, while Jesse Hogan (testicular cancer) is also a chance. But the Demons will be without co-captain Nathan Jones (quadriceps) and Christian Salem (hamstring) for around a month, while Angus Brayshaw (concussion) is out indefinitely. Aaron vandenBerg (heel), Tim Smith (navicular bone) and Colin Garland (knee) are out for the season. Youngsters Pat McKenna (hamstring) and Lochie Filipovic (hip) are also on Melbourne’s injury list. Exciting youngster Joel Smith made his long-awaited return in the VFL on the weekend, after playing his first game since his AFL debut in round one. He’ll probably need further time in the VFL before a recall. Corey Maynard (32 disposals) had the most touches for Casey on the weekend, while Ben Kennedy (29), Jay Kennedy-Harris (27) and Dean Kent (23), who all weren’t considered for selection last round due to an off-field issue, were among the top ball-winners for Casey against Port Melbourne at North Port Oval on Saturday. Jack Trengove, Sam Weideman and Dion Johnstone were all emergencies against the Swans and could be around the mark.

Next round

On the back of three significant challenges, this round might look a little easier on paper, but don’t be fooled whatsoever by Carlton’s bottom four placing on the ladder. The Blues have played some fine football this season, defeating the GWS Giants by a point in round 12, while falling two goals short against the Adelaide Crows on the weekend. For the record, the Crows and Giants occupy the top two spots on the ladder, so don’t be fooled by Carlton’s bottom four placing. It will be a real test for the Demons to bounce back after some outstanding form in late May/June.

In the press box …

One lifelong – and great – Melbourne supporter got a night to remember when he got an inner sanctum experience by watching his beloved Demons in the press box. Although he didn’t get to see a fifth consecutive win, he relished the opportunity to meet several media personalities and see Simon Goodwin’s post-match media conference. It’s fair to say he was like a kid in a candy shop!

In the rooms ...

The mood wasn’t too bad, as there was perspective in the loss. Senior players, such as Jordan Lewis and Max Gawn, spoke with reason in the post-match wrap-up. Tom Bugg also fronted up and spoke with Channel 7’s Matthew Richardson after his incident with Mills. He told the Richmond great of his remorse, which immediately became a talking point. 

Song to sum up match

The winner is … – Southend with Nik Fish

Simon Says …

“We saw this period in our schedule as an opportunity to grow and develop as a footy club and build some momentum in our season. The boys have been unbelievable in being able to do that – four games in 18 days is something I haven’t seen much before in the competition. To win three of those games out of four was terrific. We’ve lost some players through that period, so it’s taken a little bit of a toll from a personnel perspective, but the boys have still got a great belief in how they go about their business.” – Simon Goodwin