MELBOURNE’S four-point loss to the Lions was probably flattering.
According to the numbers, Brisbane dominated the majority of key areas on the field at Metricon Stadium, beating the Dees at their own game.
Here are some of the figures which helped shape the contest in Round 8.
Beaten in the midfield
Centre bounce hit-outs:
Melbourne: 15 | Brisbane: 2
Centre bounce clearances:
Melbourne: 6 | Brisbane: 11
Centre bounce metres gained:
Melbourne: 201 | Brisbane: 443
Clearances:
Melbourne: 22 | Brisbane: 35
Ground ball gets:
Melbourne: 73 | Brisbane: 94
Loose ball gets:
Melbourne: 41 | Brisbane: 62
Uncontested marks:
Melbourne: 44 | Brisbane: 70
These stats tell a pretty clear story.
Despite Max Gawn’s aerial dominance, the Lions won the ball at ground level and gained territory from the centre.
Going forward
Inside 50’s:
Melbourne: 41 | Brisbane: 42
Efficiency inside 50:
Melbourne: 41.5% | Brisbane: 64.3%
Set shot scores:
Melbourne: 2.4
Tackles inside 50:
Melbourne: 12
Opposition intercept marks (defensive 50):
Brisbane: 0
The Demons will be pleased they were able to reduce the influence of Brisbane’s defenders offensively, but they wasted some opportunities in front of goal and didn’t have as much supply as recent weeks.
Final quarter comeback
Scores:
Melbourne: 3.1 | Brisbane: 0.5
Inside 50s:
Melbourne: 11 | Brisbane: 9
Hard ball gets:
Melbourne: 8 | Brisbane: 4
Disposals:
Melbourne: 62 | Gold Coast: 64 (smallest quarter differential of the night)
Despite its inability to get over the line, Melbourne’s last term efforts will reassure the boys they have the run in their legs.
Individual efforts
Clayton Oliver:
Contested possessions: 17 (game-high)
Tackles: 10 (game-high)
Christian Petracca:
Score involvements: 9 (game-high)
Jack Viney:
Metres gained: 461 (team-high)
Jay Lockhart:
Intercept possessions: 8 (game-high)
