Back on the winners list

AFTER four consecutive losses, Melbourne finally got back on the winners list in Round 14, over running the Dockers at the MCG.

The Dees had won just one of seven games on their home deck prior to Saturday’s result, with the 14-point victory handing them some much needed confidence heading into the back-half of the season.

The numbers

DISPOSALS: McDonald, Oliver, Viney 28, Brayshaw 24, Jones, Petracca 22, Lockhart 21, Gawn, Salem 20

GOALS: McDonald, Smith 3, Lockhart 2, Gawn, Harmes, Oliver, Petracca, Weideman

Sloppy start

Post-game, Tom McDonald said: "It was probably pretty yuck for you guys to watch in the first half".

And he was spot on.

The standard of footy wasn’t high, as both sides struggled to adapt to the slippery conditions.

Gaining control

Although the scoreboard didn’t favour the red and blue, the game was gradually heading Melbourne’s way in the second quarter.

James Hames was assigned the role of tagging Nat Fyfe after the first change and was able to slightly nullify the Brownlow Medallist’s influence, allowing the Demons to do most of the attacking.

It was a similar tale for Melbourne early, managing just one mark and one goal from its first 21 inside 50s in the second term, allowing the Dockers to maintain their buffer.

But with late majors to Jay Lockhart and Clayton Oliver, the Dees were back within six points at the main break.

A bit of feeling

Neither side was taking a backwards step in this clash, with tempers boiling over just prior to three quarter-time.

A sprayed shot on goal from McDonald gave the Dees a one-point lead, which was all but guaranteed to be added to following a Michael Walters headbutt.

The free kick to Lockhart – which Melbourne would have taken on the goal line – was then reversed due to a Nathan Jones bump, and in a massive swing of momentum, the Dockers went end-to-end and scored through Brandon Matera.

Enter, T-Mac

With the Dockers regaining the lead at the final change, Melbourne was in need of a last quarter hero, and McDonald was exactly that.

The 26-year-old – who has been down on form in 2019 – stood up when his side needed him most, slotting two big goals to guide the red and blue home.

McDonald had an equal team-high 28 disposals for the afternoon and looked back to his best in the dying stages of the game.

Inclusions deliver

Melbourne had another four changes last weekend, with injuries disrupting selection yet again.

But the Demons’ replacements delivered, with Lockhart and Tim Smith in particular, shining.

Lockhart racked up 21 disposals and booted two goals, disposing of the ball cleanly by foot, while Smith had seven shots from his 10 touches, converting three majors.

Brothers collide

It was a highly anticipated rematch for the Brayshaw brothers in Round 14, with Angus keen to get one over Andrew after being caught cold in their first meeting last year.

And the Demon midfielder got him back, dispossessing him on the wing to win a free kick for holding the ball.

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@angus_brayshaw10 gets one over his little brother. #MyHeartBeatsTrue

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The Gatorade shower

Oskar Baker, Steven May and Harry Petty all had their first win for the club on Saturday and celebrated in style.

The trio were showered in Gatorade as the Dees belted out the song post-game.

A word from Goody

“I’m really proud of the footy club this week,” Simon Goodwin told Melbourne Media post-game.

“We really looked at the opportunities that presented in front of us as a club over the break and made some changes.

“To everyone at the footy club’s credit, they bought into it.”

Looking ahead

Round 15 v Brisbane @ Gabba – Sunday, 30 June, 3:20pm AEST

The Demons still sit in 16th position on the ladder, but there is plenty still to gain this season.

With a clash against the in-form Lions on the road next week, Melbourne will be looking to string together consecutive wins and gain some momentum in 2019.