NEVILLE Jetta had the opportunity to wear the guernsey he designed on Sunday, as the Demons battled the Saints in a practice match at Maroochydore Sports Complex.
In celebration of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Melbourne proudly displayed its Indigenous guernsey, after donning ‘free the flag’ tops in the warm-up.
After a slow start with the howling breeze at their back, the Dees clicked into gear and looked the better side for much of the afternoon.
Scores weren’t kept in the 16 v 16 encounter, but the Demons, who had three North Melbourne players on their side, would’ve ran out winners.
The game was in the balance for much of the first half, until Josh Wagner booted two goals in the space of 60 seconds to help shift the momentum in Melbourne’s favour.
Wagner enjoyed spending some time up the field and was the most influential player on the ground, while Alex Neal-Bullen, who slotted a major just prior to the main break, was equally as impressive.
Jayden Hunt also hit the scoreboard and was lively at half-forward, doing no harm to his chances at selection come Round 14.
Through the middle, Corey Wagner accumulated the ball once again, while on the outside it was Oskar Baker and Trent Rivers who stood out with their speed.
In testing conditions – ones that saw the ball spend plenty of time on the deck – Rivers’ class by foot was a highlight going forward.
Assisted by the size of the oval, Melbourne’s defence was able to restrict the Saints for much of the afternoon, with Joel Smith and Oscar McDonald both among the best in the red and blue.
Watch below as Rivers reviews the hit-out against St Kilda.
