Round 13 Preview

[mikeod 21]

Melbourne v Fremantle

The Demons came crashing back to earth in horrific style, with a Queens Birthday capitulation to Collingwood by 88 points. Melbourne fans had gone into the game with some hope against a slightly weakened Magpie outfit, but the stream of Demons leaving the ‘G early in the final term told a sorry tale.

Fremantle had a solid win over Essendon in their round 12 encounter. The Dockers managed to stretch their lead to almost ten goals before the final break, before enduring a comeback by Essendon which saw the margin drop to below four goals. The end result, though, was a relatively comfortable 34 point win.

Colin Sylvia was the only Demon to win his position on the day, kicking four of Melbourne six goals. Tom Scully managed 29 touches in the loss, but it was a dark day for the Demons. Error riddled, with a game-plan that simply isn’t working on big occasions, questions continue to be asked.

For the Dockers, Matthew Pavlich was the leading goal scorer with three, while Garrick Ibbotson managed 28 disposals in what was a fairly even performance across the board.

Changes:

Melbourne:

IN: Petterd, Dunn, Garland, Nicholson

OUT: Jetta (hand)

Fremantle:

IN: Barlow, Bucovaz, Mellington, van Berlo, Palmer

OUT: Mundy (ankle), Ballantyne (hamstring)

NEW: Ben Bucovaz (Geelong U18s)

An intriguing game this one. The Demons probably come in as favourites - solely because the game is being played on their home turf. This is a really important game for the Dockers - they have fallen out of touch with the top four and if they lose this one, will begin to feel the teams just outside the eight breathing down their necks.

Melbourne have been up and down this year. It seems to have taken a big loss to spark them before any of their wins - will this be another case of the roller coaster Demons? Melbourne - for all their worries - sit just one game outside the eight. This is the first of a string of games the Dees have a real shot at, and if they can win - who knows?

Player to watch: Brad Green (MEL) had a stinker last week. After his four goal performance against the Bombers a week prior, the Melbourne captain had just twelve touches and couple score a goal. He needs to start pulling in consistent performances - especially if he wants to play beyond this season.

Melbourne by 1

The other 7 games' previews can be viewed HERE. Let me know what you think by commenting on the article. All 'likes' and comments are tallied, and the writer with the most wins a night in the CrocMedia commentary booth. You have to 'like' Wayne Schwass to comment. Your support is appreciated. Cheers.

[rpfc 28,909]

Pavlich has been poor this season but kicked some important goals late against the Bombers.

Frawley or Garland to go to him I would say.

[Disco Demons 92]

Pavlich has been poor this season but kicked some important goals late against the Bombers.

Frawley or Garland to go to him I would say.

rivers.

[rpfc 28,909]

rivers.

streams.

[Rogue 585]

Pavlich has been poor this season but kicked some important goals late against the Bombers.

Frawley or Garland to go to him I would say.

If he has the tank, Garland.

I wonder if Morton will be 'given a job' if Pavlich plays as a mid.

[olgreydingo 51]

EMG: Lynden Dunn, Daniel Nicholson, Michael Evans

IN: Ricky Petterd, Colin Garland

OUT: Neville Jetta (hand), Michael Evans

Should be out Jurrah - in Dunn as well

[The Big Ticket 94]

Pavlich has been poor this season but kicked some important goals late against the Bombers.

Frawley or Garland to go to him I would say.

Perhaps Watts?

EMG: Lynden Dunn, Daniel Nicholson, Michael Evans

IN: Ricky Petterd, Colin Garland

OUT: Neville Jetta (hand), Michael Evans

Should be out Jurrah - in Dunn as well

Dunn is deadwood. I hope to never see him back in the side.

[Jack son 5 162]

I couldn't find a mention of Barlow playing in the WAFL last week. Anyone shed any light?

I'm curious about his match fitness.

Could be a dangerous sub if it's tight.

[DirtyDees DDC 190]

Gee what about Rhys Palmers' fall from Grace. Wasn't he the rising star winner in 2009?

[Rogue 585]

I couldn't find a mention of Barlow playing in the WAFL last week. Anyone shed any light?

I'm curious about his match fitness.

Could be a dangerous sub if it's tight.

I heard he played very well.

[daisycutter 29,892]

I heard he played very well.

i heard 40 possessions in wafl

[Nasher 33,617]

EMG: Lynden Dunn, Daniel Nicholson, Michael Evans

IN: Ricky Petterd, Colin Garland

OUT: Neville Jetta (hand), Michael Evans

Should be out Jurrah - in Dunn as well

I think I'd literally start crying if that change happened.

[Pates 9,678]

It's an interesting game this one, on paper I'd be saying it's a comfortable win, but the unpredictability of performances has me a little concerned. I reckon there are some players that really need to have a good look at themselves.

Melbourne by 8 points. Last quarter comeback to give the dees fans a heart attack.

[Demon Dynasty 17,132]

Melbourne vs Freemantle Round 13, 2011 - Experience Stats

Total games played by Team

Demons - 1,324

Dockers – 1,451

Average games played per player

Demons - 60

Dockers - 66

Average games played by category

0-49

Demons - 25 / 13 (average games/number of players)

Dockers - 24 / 13

50-99

Demons - 72 / 3

Dockers - 75 / 4

100+

Demons – 131 / 6

Dockers - 168 / 5

Stats courtesy of footywire.com

[Hardnut 327]

Apologies for side-tracking for a minute, but is anyone else having troubles with the times displayed on their posts - post time is one hour ahead of real time as I see it?

[Rogue 585]

Apologies for side-tracking for a minute, but is anyone else having troubles with the times displayed on their posts - post time is one hour ahead of real time as I see it?

Test.

EDIT: Working fine here. Check your account settings for your timezone info.

[Deeman 1,532]

Test.

EDIT: Working fine here. Check your account settings for your timezone info.

Either that or come back in an hour's time and we'll discuss it then.

[Rogue 585]

Either that or come back in an hour's time and we'll discuss it then.

Pretty, pretty good.

[Samsara 65]

I'm heading along today so hopefully the boys can improve a lot on Monday's efforts.

Demons by 17 points

[Guest watts04]

im goin but strugglin to watch scully n same with the mates im goin with

[frankie_d 1,471]

Test.

EDIT: Working fine here. Check your account settings for your timezone info.

Time has been out by one hour for ages (one hour ahead)... maybe since daylight saving stopped (hint) - TZ on local machine is fine

[Ned 156]

I know Melbourne should win - and probably will - but I still have absolutely no confidence in that result. It's depressing.

I don't know who above mentioned Watts on Pavlich. I like the idea but I reckon Goddard would've been a better experience (Bailey chose not to then). Every time I watch Watts I see some Goddard in him. Hope he has a cracking game today.

Every heart beats true.

[Rhino Richards 1,467]

rivers.

No. Pavlich will burn him on the lead and outbody him in the 1 on 1s. It will be worse than Cloke

[Bring-Back-Powell 15,257]

Late change.

Gysberts out with soreness for Nicholson.

[Samsara 65]

Just about to start very small crowd. Let's go demons