A much needed win! But how’s your heart ticking now?
What a remarkable match. After an impressive first half, when Melbourne led by 26 points and kicked five goals to two in the second term, there were genuine signs that it would record its second win of the season. Moreover, when Chris Dawes, Jack Watts (who kicked his fourth) and Jeremy Howe landed consecutive majors in the final term – and the Demons were up by 44 points at the 13-minute mark of the final term – it appeared certain they had the game in the bag. But a stunning 20 minutes from the Bulldogs, when they kicked seven unanswered goals, turned the match into an almighty scare for the Demons. When Ayce Cordy kicked truly at the 31-minute mark, the Bulldogs got to within two points. A long bomb on the run from Colin Sylvia followed at the 33-minute mark, yet it went through for a behind and it was still game on. But a couple of telling pieces of play – including a critical mark from Jack Watts in the back half – allowed Melbourne to ice the clock for roughly another minute. In the end, the Dees managed to hang on for a memorable three-point win. But how many red and blue hearts must have fluttered at ridiculous rates in the process? In fact, how’s yours holding up today?

First win over the Dogs since 2007
Melbourne’s win ended a six-game losing streak against the Western Bulldogs. The last time the Demons overcame the Dogs was when Mark Riley coached the team in round 19, 2007 at Etihad Stadium. Aaron Davey, Lynden Dunn, James Frawley, Nathan Jones and Colin Sylvia, who all played in that team, were the remaining members of the side six years on. Mark Jamar also played in that match in 2007, but he was out injured this time round. Round 17, 2006, under the guidance of Neale Daniher, was the last time Melbourne defeated the Bulldogs at the MCG, until this game.

Good to see Howe’s hangers again
It became almost a weekly occurrence for Jeremy Howe to take mark of the round – or at least a contender. His hangers haven’t been as prevalent in recent weeks, but he sure made amends against the Dogs, taking two absolute beauties. The first came in the opening term when he flew over the shoulder of teammate Chris Dawes and took two bites at the cherry. But he topped it in the second term when he took a screamer over Bulldog Nick Lower. Coach Neil Craig said post-match that Howe’s hangers were “unbelievable”. “That gets you out of your seat, that sort of stuff – it’s fantastic,” he said.

Fitzpatrick, Rodan and Sylvia produce some magic
David Rodan opened the second half with an absolute beauty. He won the ball near the boundary line, took a couple of bounces and then got his kick away, just as he was being mowed down from behind. His ability to keep the ball alive, retain possession and kick the goal under pressure was great to see. Jack Fitzpatrick kicked two goals for the match, but it was his first for the night that was a standout. From a set shot, tucked in the Ponsford Stand pocket, the big man unleashed with a checkside and threaded it through for an outstanding goal. And Colin Sylvia’s outstanding chase and run down tackle in the final quarter was the type of ‘one percenter’ that coaches and fans applaud in unison.

Women’s team wins inaugural clash
The curtain-raiser was back at the ‘G, and it was great to see. On show was the first AFL sanctioned women’s clash between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. The match was entertaining, full of skill and passion. In the end, the Demons produced a 32-point win, with captain Daisy Pearce the star of the show. She finished with 28 disposals and was named best on ground. Ellie Blackburn had 25 disposals and created history when she kicked the first goal of the match. Along with Blackburn, Alicia Eva, Jasmine Garner, Courtney Gum, Alex Price, Chelsea Randall, Stephanie Walding and Lou Wotton kicked one goal each. The final score was Melbourne 8.5.53 d Western Bulldogs 3.3.21. Coach Neil Craig spoke passionately about the importance of the match, after his team defeated the Bulldogs in dramatic circumstances. “It’s great that the Melbourne female team won today. My only regret is that Jill Lindsay wasn’t here to see it. It would’ve been fantastic for her to have been here to see that historical moment – the first game at AFL level. I think it’s appropriate that Melbourne had a side in, being the oldest club in the world. [We] wrote the rules of the game and it just adds to its history.”