Just falling short

WHEN Bayley Fritsch goaled within the first two minutes of the final quarter on Sunday, the game at Marvel Stadium was tied.

Despite failing to play at its best, Melbourne had hung in the game, and hit the lead as Christian Petracca’s set shot sailed wide.

But just as the Dees looked to be getting going, the Western Bulldogs came to the party and slotted three consecutive majors to gain the ascendency.

Fritsch hit back for a second time, but some wayward kicking prevented the Demons from mounting a serious comeback as they fell eight points short in Round 17.

The numbers

DISPOSALS: Viney 30, Salem 25, Harmes, Petracca 22, Gawn, Jones 19, Lewis 18

GOALS: Petty 3, Fritsch 2, Dunkley, Hunt, Lewis, Petracca

Both sides waste chances

After just one-point separated the two sides at the first break, the Dees had the upper hand in the second quarter.

But despite their dominance with plus seven inside 50s, the Demons could only break even on the scoreboard.

The tide turned after half-time, with the Dogs going forward on eight more occasions in the third term, but they managed just one goal from nine scoring shots to keep the game in the balance.

New-look defence

Jake Lever and Neville Jetta made their long-awaited returns from knee injuries on Sunday, providing a boost for the Demons’ defence.

It was the first time the pair have both been able to play alongside prized recruit Steven May, with Sam Frost and Michael Hibberd rounding out a strong back six.

Although Lever and Jetta will take time to get back to full fitness, and the group will have to work on their cohesion in the coming weeks, conceding just 10 goals was a small positive in the loss.

Dunkley brothers do battle

It was a family affair for brothers, and housemates, Kyle and Josh Dunkley in Round 17.

In just his second AFL game, Kyle kicked his first goal in the red and blue, and did so over his older brother’s head.

But Josh took the honours on his home deck, playing an outstanding individual game with 39 disposals, 15 tackles and two goals.

Petty’s move forward

With Tom McDonald and Sam Weideman ruled out with injury, and Tim Smith still recovering from a minor calf strain, the Dees had to look elsewhere for a target inside 50.

And Harry Petty was that man.

The 19-year-old, in his seventh senior game, booted three majors from his 10 disposals and showed positive signs in a new role.

The tags

After a strong performance on Marc Murphy last week, Jordan Lewis was handed another big task on Sunday – to run with Marcus Bontempelli.

Unfortunately, the star Dog managed just 76 percent game time due to an ankle niggle in the first half, but when on the field, was held to just 21 disposals at 57 percent efficiency.

In another defensive ploy, Jay Lockhart was handed the challenge of negating running defender Jason Johannisen, and did so to good effect.

A word from Goody

“There were times today that we got some really good looks and we just weren’t efficient with the ball,” Simon Goodwin told Melbourne Media post-game.

“Our fundamentals probably didn’t stack up, and in the end, I thought that’s where they got us. They were more efficient with the ball, they certainly challenged us with their ball movement, and we were a little bit bland in that phase.”

Looking ahead

Round 18 v West Coast @ TIO Traeger Park – Sunday, 20 July, 3:20pm AEST

Sitting in 16th position on the ladder, the Demons will be looking to knock over the reigning premiers, West Coast, when they head to Alice Springs next weekend.

Melbourne challenged the Eagles on the road in Round 9 and will need to replicate that effort and more to get back on the winners list on Sunday.