THE DEMONS escaped their Round 8 contest with a 9-point win, but they certainly didn’t have things all on their own terms.

Sydney challenged them in some key areas, dominating in the centre and coming home strong in the final term.

Take a look at the figures that helped shape the clash below.

Swans put up a fight

Last quarter disposals:

Sydney +34

Last quarter inside 50s:

Sydney +9

Tackles:

Sydney +16

Inside 50s:

Sydney +12

Uncontested marks:

Sydney +24

Centre bounce clearances:

Melbourne: 4 | Sydney: 17

Centre bounce metres gained:

Sydney +522m

(Despite the Swans’ dominance, they only scored one behind from centre bounces)

06:38

RD 8 | Simon Goodwin post-match

Simon Goodwin speaks to the media after Melbourne's round 8 win over Sydney

Where it mattered for Melbourne

Handball receives:

Melbourne +23

Hard ball gets:

Melbourne +11

Goals per inside 50:

Melbourne +8%

Defensive 50 clearances:

Melbourne: 13 | Sydney: 5

Defensive 50 metres gained:

Melbourne +378m

06:28

RD 8 | Match highlights

Take a look at all the action from Melbourne's Round 8 win over Sydney

 

Individual efforts

Clayton Oliver:

35 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 11 first possessions, 10 clearances, 534 metres gained

James Harmes:

31 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 7 tackles

James Jordon:

23 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 8 tackles

Tom McDonald:

18 disposals, 7 score involvements, 5 marks, 4 goals