MELBOURNE has come back from a 25-point first-quarter deficit to defeat North Melbourne 13.14 (92) to 11.10 (76) at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

The Roos looked switched on at the outset as they desperately try to claim a big scalp in the hunt for a Wildcard spot, but the Demons stepped the class up a gear in the second half as they maintain their own chase for an unexpected top-six finish.

KANGAROOS v DEMONS Full match coverage and stats

The usual names stepped up for Melbourne, but Stephen King would be most excited by a four-goal return from Matthew Jefferson who combined well with the in-form Jacob van Rooyen.

However, injuries to Daniel Turner and Changkuoth Jiath could be a concern, especially Turner who was taken to hospital after appearing to hurt his chest early in the game before playing on before receiving another hit to the same spot.

North Melbourne showed plenty early but lost momentum late in the first half and couldn't get it back.

Three goals in the game's final five minutes added some respectability to the scoreboard.

More to come

Cometh the moment cometh the men
The Pickett name has delivered many memorable moments in football, so when Melbourne needed something special to take momentum to the long break after trailing throughout the first half it was always going to be a Pickett – or two – that delivered. First, Kozzy received the ball in the middle of the ground, did a little loop to lose Nick Larkey then delivered perfectly to cousin Latrelle who finished with a deft left foot snap.

00:55

RD 19 | The Pickett connection clicks to perfection

Kysaiah Pickett delivers the footy inside 50, and cousin Latrelle Pickett applies the finishing touches

Have the Dees' forward prayers been answered at last?
Melbourne has been searching for a genuine key forward for years, and just when it looks like Jacob van Rooyen has found his feet to answer the call, Matt Jefferson puts his hand up as a second option. Saturday was Jefferson’s 18th game in four years on the Demons’ list and it was his best, finishing with four goals from five marks and 10 disposals. One big outing doesn’t make a career, but he may get the chance to develop in a protected environment as JvR takes most of the defensive heat.

00:28

Team Song: Melbourne

Watch the Demons celebrate their round 19 win

 

NORTH MELBOURNE    6.1    7.2     8.7     11.10 (76)
MELBOURNE                 4.1    6.4   10.10   13.14 (92)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Curtis 3, Spargo 2, Darling 2, Trembath, Sheezel, Xerri, Whitlock
Melbourne: Jefferson 4, van Rooyen 2, L.Pickett 2, Sparrow, Sharp, K.Pickett, Langford, Heath

INJURIES
North Melbourne: TBC
Melbourne: Turner (chest), Jiath (leg)

Crowd: TBC at Marvel Stadium