THE FOUR POINT FAIL by George on the Outer

July 26, 20205 yr

Melbourne went down by 4 points in a thrilling finish against Brisbane, but they failed by more than the 4 points.

They also failed to score the 4 points necessary to keep them in the race for the finals, and now find themselves sitting 6 points outside the top 8, but effectively 2 games outside (even though they have a game in hand).

The Demons had more than enough opportunities to win. Six very easy shots on goal failed to bother the goal umpire with a major and ultimately this cost them the game. Five of those shots were from set shots inside the 50m arc. Weideman failed 3 times, Harmes and Fritsch once. Bennell missed an absolute “soda” running into the open goal, and those fails in essence determined the outcome.

Discipline, or rather lack of it, also contributed heavily when in the dying minutes Bayley Fritsch conceded a 50m penalty after the side had fought to move the ball into the forward half threatening to steal the match.

On a slippery wet surface, the game was always going to be a slog. The Demons should have had a huge advantage in the form of Max Gawn, but failed to take that advantage. A massive 41 hitouts didn’t give the side first chance at the ball, but the other mids failed to capitalise. Brisbane time and time again, snapped up the outside ball, usually after a Melbourne mid had touched it.

All of Max’s efforts went for nothing as Brisbane recorded 35 clearances to Melbourne’s 22.

And despite coming close in the game, the forwards failed the side badly. The failure to kick straight, particularly from set shots was bad enough, but in a recurring theme, too many of them simply aren’t getting their hands on the ball. Only Fritsch and Melksham scored goals as forwards, and 2 of those were from off the ground kicks in the goal square. Weidemann 6 touches, Hannan 4, Fritsch 6, Jackson 8, and Pickett 5 whichever way you look at it, is a forward line that failed.

The backs in contrast held up their end of the bargain. Remember Brisbane now sit equal top of the ladder, yet they were held to 7 goals for the game, and telling final touches from Lever, Lockhart and McDonald denied them major scores. Together, they are operating efficiently, although Neville Jetta failed to show his best form, and two head knocks in the game may pave the way for his passage from the side, especially with only a 4 day break.

This was a game that could have been won.

Given the chances that the Demons had, it was a game that should have been won.

Now facing Port Adelaide, the other top side in the competition, on the coming Thursday night, there is one final chance for the team to put themselves back in contention. The path to finals football is getting narrower and with a shortened season, may close off with another fail.

It is now up to the players to show a lot more, and ensure that the 2020 season is not just another fail itself.

MELBOURNE 2.2.14 3.3.21 4.6.30 7.7.49

BRISBANE LIONS 2.2.14 5.5.35 7.6.48 7.11.53

GOALS

Melbourne Melksham 3 Fritsch 2 Jones Viney

Brisbane Lions Cameron 2 Bailey Hipwood McCarthy Rayner Zorko

BEST

Melbourne Oliver Gawn Viney Melksham Petracca Lever

Brisbane Lions Neale Lyons McCluggage Bailey Zorko Starcevich

INJURIES

Melbourne Nil

Brisbane Lions Daniel Rich (hamstring)