This was a crunch game that Melbourne lost after a strong start when it kicked 3 early goals against the wind at UNSW Canberra Oval but it then conceded the next eight goals in the blink of an eye and the game was all over at quarter time.

THE TEAMS

GWS GIANTS

B: Zac Williams, Adam Tomlinson, Nathan Wilson
HB: Nick Haynes, Phil Davis, Heath Shaw
? Tom Scully, Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield
HF: Devon Smith, Rory Lobb, Harrison Himmelberg
F:  Dylan Shiel, Steve Johnson, Matt de Boer
FOLL: Shane Mumford, Jacob Hopper, Matthew Kennedy
I/C: Stephen Coniglio, Aidan Corr,    Brett Deledio, Josh Kelly
EMG: Daniel Lloyd, Harry Perryman, Dawson Simpson 

IN: Brett Deledio, Harrison Himmelberg, Jacob Hopper, Steve Johnson, Shane Mumford

OUT: Jeremy Cameron (hamstring), Jonathon Patton (hamstring tightness), Harry Perryman (omitted), Will Setterfield (concussion), Dawson Simpson (omitted)

NEW: Brett Deledio (Richmond)

MELBOURNE

B: Jayden Hunt, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta
HB: Jordan Lewis, Sam Frost, Michael Hibberd
? Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince, Christian Salem
HF: Clayton Oliver, Cameron Pedersen, Alex Neal-Bullen
F: Jeff Garlett, Tom McDonald, James Harmes
FOLL: Max Gawn, Jack Viney, Nathan Jones
I/C: Corey Maynard, Jake Melksham, Christian Petracca, Jack Watts
EMG: Billy Stretch, Josh Wagner, Sam Weideman 

IN: Nathan Jones, Corey Maynard, Cameron Pedersen, Bernie Vince

OUT: Mitch Hannan (rested), Jesse Hogan (shoulder), Jay Kennedy-Harris (omitted), Jack Trengove (omitted)

NEW: Corey Maynard

The fixture is seriously messed up that this is the first time we play them this year, same as West Coast last week. All teams should play each other before there are any repeats. 

They will get Kelly and Williams back, has Greene been ruled out? with a couple touch and go. Davis is one to watch.

This is going to be the single biggest game of the year for us. Make a statement and we will roll though September. Back the boys in this week no changes unless injured. We can do some real damage if we get on a roll. 

4 hours ago, Mr Steve said:

This is going to be the single biggest game of the year for us. Make a statement and we will roll though September. Back the boys in this week no changes unless injured. We can do some real damage if we get on a roll. 

I seriously doubt that. Even if you don't count yesterday, I feel like we'll play at least 1 bigger game than GWS this year.

4 hours ago, SFebes said:

They will get Kelly and Williams back, has Greene been ruled out? with a couple touch and go. Davis is one to watch.

Not sure if Williams will come straight back in. only played 1 game in 12 months. I think they will build him up for finals . 

Greene the same I think. Kelly will most likely play. 

 

Kelly will play. Greene won't. They may have to bring in Williams due to having no other options following injury.

Davis would be a massive out, but he's probably more likely than unlikely

I can’t wait for this game. To be able to watch a game where a loss doesn’t bring doomsday tidings will be fantastic, and there’s a nice juicy carrot for us if we win.

The players will feel the same pressure relief we all do. I’m hoping with the shackles off they may lift further. They may also flop - I hope not, but it would be understandable.

Just looking forward to enjoying footy again.

5 minutes ago, Nasher said:

I can’t wait for this game. To be able to watch a game where a loss doesn’t bring doomsday tidings will be fantastic, and there’s a nice juicy carrot for us if we win.

The players will feel the same pressure relief we all do. I’m hoping with the shackles off they may lift further. They may also flop - I hope not, but it would be understandable.

Just looking forward to enjoying footy again.

I’ll enjoy it even more if the Dockers beat Collingwood (propelling us into fourth place)!

MCC predicting 37,000 on Sunday. Let’s get there and make it over 40,000. 

AFL.com is tipping the Dees by 4 goals