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Hi, I've just got back from the game and joined you fellow demonlanders because I'm convinced I've seen the reincarnation of the great Matthew Whelan. Neville Jetta has been amazing this year, never thought he had it in him. Here's a look at his games: Essendon - Kept three time premiership champion Paul Chapman under control with Chapman only getting 18 possessions and 1 goal. Collingwood - Kept Collingwood livewire Jamie Elliot to his lowest possession and goal count this year with 9 disposals and 1 goal. Port Adelaide - Before Wingard got subbed, kept the new wonderkid Chad Wingard to only 5 POSSESIONS! Western Bulldogs - Kept vastly impressive Luke Dahlhaus goalless for only the second time this year! Adelaide - Destroyed Eddie Betts. Keept him goalless and to 8 possessions. Sydney - Didn't have any impact with the ball but Kept the lightening quick Lewis Jetta goalless. Since Whelan, when have we had a small defender this good. Not only is Jetta fantastic at stopping small forwards, he uses the ball well. Even though he isn't a long kick his short passes nearly always hits the mark and he hits players in good positions. One final wrap for Jetta, whenever he needs to lay a tackle he lands it. Today he put a Essendon player into next week! I've joined a forum for this bloke. I've been so impressed whilst not a games, but watching him live, Wow, Roos & Jetta have created something special.

That game was so surreal to me. I just couldn't believe what I was witnessing...Essendon just fluffing shot after shot and then us going down the other end and nailing our opportunities. 30 less contested possessions, 14 less clearances and 30-odd less inside 50s are incredible stats for a winning team. Make no mistake we absolutely stole that one. And how good does it feel!! The first half was (West Coast game aside) the worst footy we've played all year. We just weren't at the races and looked flat and tired. Got killed in the middle, were second to the ball, didn't close them down, lacked numbers at the contest and had no movement or flow in our offensive play. Only tremendous defending from Dunn, McDonald, Grimes and Jetta and Essendon's wastefullness kept us in the game at half time. I did not see that turnaround coming and that's what makes it special. The boys dug deep and showed great character, not just coming back in the second half but also regaining the lead after Zaharakis kicked two in a row. For me there were three key reasons for our turnaround. One was in the middle, where Jamar lifted in the ruck and we started winning some centre clearances. Tyson was also critical in this turnaround. All of a sudden we started getting some quick entry into our forward line and putting them under pressure. Second was our tackling. Aiden Riley laid an absolute bone-cruncher, Dawes laid two fantastic tackles, Kent did a great front-on tackle on Hurley. This just sent the message to Essendon that we weren't done with yet and you could see the pressure affect the Bombers and they started to panic and make mistakes in their defensive half. Third was we finally started to generate some run and overlap from half back, something we really struggled with in the first half. At the end of the day we were very lucky to be in with a chance of winning the game, but that should not detract from what was a fantastic comeback full of character and resilience. As a final point, a special mention to Daniel Cross, who did one of the gutsiest things I've seen on a footy field. In the last quarter, Chapman was leading out and the kick was placed nicely in the air in his patch. Cross peeled off his man and headed for the intercept. To get there not only did he have to go back with the flight, but he had to reach up and out with his right hand for the spoil and in doing so completely expose the right side of his body. It was almost an open invitation for Chapman to shatter his ribs. Cross knew what was coming and knew the potential injury he could have suffered by leaving himself exposed. He got the fist in, spoiled the mark and after a few seconds gathering himself got back up and pushed on. Courage in its absolute purest form.

Who needs diamonds? Special pres from husband for X0th Birthday. It was unfurled at 7.31 pm Sunday night! Kids are mortified, Demon barrackers, but overwhelmed with acute, teenage, parental embarrassment!

I was at a pub in Canberra with one watching, He was pretty smug before the game saying that they would smash us because of the previous weeks events and having everything to play for.. He was so proud of his club he was wearing a red and black band around his wrist (that his daughter made, those stupid rubber things) and that was it.. I was in my Melb polo, hoodie, scarf etc... I may have mentioned they may as well go out with a bang because itll be the last game many will play for a while, He responded with saying that he would give me a 40pt lead and they will still win.. I refused because i wanted to win fair and square.. He had kittens when Watts kicked the goal in the last and almost walked out.. Then when the needle dodger kicked two in a row.. he was standing up pointing and laughing calling me a choker.. It was quite a nice afternoon especially with 19 seconds to go. (i may have been watching through my fingers as the kick sailed thru)

Reading the bomber forums is so good it should be illegal. My favourite comment: "WHO THE **** IS DEAN KENT!!!!!!!!!" He certainly knows who he is now.

Bit hard to make an impact when you're the sub.

what a win! So happy for my 6 year old son who currently supports 3 teams (Hawks because they win, Eagles because that's Grandpa's team, and Melbourne because that's Daddy's team). He kept saying "This is a bad game" after every Essendon goal in that woeful first half and I had to agree with him. But as I got progressively more fired up with our 6 goal unanswered run, culminating in Kent's awesome running goal, my son got right into it as well. When Watts kicked that goal to put us 10 points up I was screaming the house down and my 3 year old daughter had joined in the celebrations as well. Then Zaharakis scored his two goals and the mood was lost. When they were chipping it round before "that play" I was resigned to the fact we'd lost but then the miracle happened and the celebrations in the house when Salem calmly slotted it....memorable...all three of us jumping up and down high fiving each other. Then the heart in mouth moments as we saw off those last 19 seconds in our backline, one of the longest 19 seconds in my life I reckon, then the sweet siren and my kids jumping all over me, climbing all over my back to celebrate the win. And to top it off they marched around the house singing "Grand Old Flag" even though they don't really know the words properly....Priceless! Thank you so much Dees, reminded me of the Daniher years that win, especially stringing together those quickfire goals to Frawley, Kent and Watts. Momentum footy like that is what I love about the sport. Long may it continue.

Did anyone else see the irony of the scoreboard advertising?? Every Bomber goal was followed by an ad for CHEMSTS WAREHOUSE!!!!

One of the highlights was watching the team song and there was NO-ONE in the middle. Been a while since I can remember seeing that. Sorry if it has already been noted.

Anyone with a shred of sympathy for those pricks never stood in the outer at Windy Hill. Vic Park and Carlton were picnics.

Draped my scarf over my bosses desk this morning, along with my Ess / Ess / Ess / Melb quarter by quarter collect receipt.

Out: heart attack In: a 10 goal win over those North Melbourne pricks

If he had played on the risk was the siren might go ---no score. From a mark he could soak up time and take a set shot, smart play I say.

Great win, I want to beat North. For some reason I just hate North Melbourne, I don't know why but I really want to back up yesterday with a big win over North then get a win over the bulldogs. It is time for the club to get some consecutive wins, that is the next step.

Great article on Roos. http://www.theweeklyreview.com.au/well-read/cover-story/9246-the-demon-inside/#.U55hPWqpSus The bit i liked... “I’m really enjoying it and I probably have more of an attachment to the club than I felt I would have, which is good

The thing about the Essendon supporters I know is that most of them aren't objectionable people at all, until they start talking footy. Supporting that club just does something to people.

That Cross chip kick to Salem for the final goal was also the hallmark of an experienced team player who kept cool in the pressure of the final moments.

I went to the first Casey game of the year funnily at windy hill. He won the game that day IMO and I said he was the only Player that day that his actions screamed out " pick me " His little daughter was near me in the crowd that day in her MFC jumper, she was so happy seeing her dad play so well that day. Wonder what she is thinking tonight Has hardly put a foot wrong since that day. May you play every game from here on, after a miserable run of injuries you deserve it and a contract in 2015.

Me and my 10 year old daughter were surrounded by bummer supporters, when they kicked that goal to take lead back he was behind us screaming lungs out and spitting all over us. I got up told him to shut the f%^k up and told me if l didn't like it to go somewhere else. We didn't and when Salem kicked the goal l turned around gave him a look and he was just about crying, it was beautiful..........hate bummer supporters

Massive win. We played terribly for the first half. I took both older boys, and it was the first win that number 1 son (7, and the artist behind the inkblot avatar) started to really care. The losing, the winning, the losing, the victory...it is the way 1987 happened for me. Addiction through the thrill of victory under adversity. And so it begins. Poor kid. P.S., had forgotten that the MCC crowd could really get into the game. It's like a creature that has been asleep, or tranquilized, finally rousing from its slumber. Go you mighty Demons.

You should try to bring the phraise "one point" into every conversation.. eg, if they make a statement just resond with "if i could make one point....." It will eventually wear them down..

Great game! Can't believe we won it considering how poor our first half was So many great potential gif moments

Thank you Doggies for gifting us Daniel Cross and congrats for beating the Pies.....

Morning all. Sorry such an infrequent poster, still nothing original to add, but geez, fifteen hours and the glow still hasn't worn off. Just wanted to share it with someone (house full of females - they don't understand) Just wandered over to Bomberblitz. Is there a better show in town right now? Love the bloke who lets loose with a tirade against any Dees supporters who happen to be wandering by. They should freeze-dry the whole site and ship it off to the Comedy Festival.

Tom McDonald ‏@TomMcDonald92 51m Thanks to all the Dee faithful who come every week! The support does not go unnoticed and you guys are LOUD! cameron pedersen @CamPedda87 · 1h Great win by the boys, privilege to run out with these boys, @DeeArmy best on like every week

Riley struggled to find the footy today but his tackle in the third term was awesome. Inspired his team mates to up the ante. Dawes (twice) and Pedersen quickly followed suit and the tide started to turn. The more footy changes, the more it stays the same. It is a brutal game and when you start to assert yourself physically it's amazing how a game can change. I thought our tackling and pressure in the second half was a key reason for the turn around. It's incredible how a team starts to run in numbers when a big tackle, chase down or smother creates a turn over.

After the Richmond win I enjoyed a classy bottle of red. Tonight I'm reaching for the viagra!

My reaction when I finally figured out how to post a gif.

Interestingly the commentary team had a go at Dawes for where he ran to. It made perfect sense to me - Dawes made Hibbert make a choice - run to Dawes or Salem. In the end he got caught standing between the two. Dawes job was to cause separation and he did that to a tee.

Nope. Cam Pederson is. Dunn was a fringe AFL-level defender last year. Pedo was a straight up VFL-level dud. Not any more, and all credit to him for that.

What I'm loving is seeing kids who have worked so hard get their chance and succeed. Like most I liked Jetta but I didn't see him becoming the player he is. He's now 24 and looks like becoming a permanent member of the team - and a good one. He was the same draft as Jamie Bennell. Both are having break out years. It highlights the necessity to develop players correctly. In poor teams so many young kids are thrown to the wolves ahead of time because of the need of the club and the expectation for success. When they fail early many are discarded. Whilst you have to think that Tapscott, Blease and Strauss are on thin ice it's worth remembering that they are where Jets was last year. It's interesting also how in a professional elite environment with top people like Roos how it's the hard workers like Jetta, Bail and Pedersen that are succeeding ahead of more highly fancied skillful players like the Blease's of this world. Jordie McKenzie is the next on the list to join this group I reckon. He was exceptional on the weekend. Anyway that's a bit of a ramble but in summary well done Jets, loving your work and thrilled you're getting a return for your dedication to your career.

I think we need to give Return to Glory some sort of an award for having his wish come true... in the Game Day thread before the game commenced (page 2 or 3), it was RtG who said: "dees by a point, to heap misery on their dark souls" Well done RtG!!!

'roid rage

Geez this kid is a ripper. I really think he will become very, very, very special. He is one of the few players that has aggression/determination combined with poise/polish and sublime skills. He loves doing the team things and backs himself in when it's his time to go. The pick 2 trade that involved Salem and Tyson will go a long way to bringing this club a flag in the future. Take your time son, listen, learn and execute, I will back you in every time. Christian, I love you.

Someone mentioned poor body language from Frawley ? Let's revisit this after last night. His unbridled joy after the win and in the singing of the club song was palpable. I thought he worked really hard last night. There was no better indication of this than the last Kent goal. Watching the replay, Frawley was sprinting his guts out to catch up on the outside of Kent, I suspect to help if the Kent run went pear shaped. ( not sure he could have caught up to provide an option). He may well be gone but I don't think he is playing football with a "switched off " attitude.

You weren't sitting in the middle of thousands of them. I reckon they are almost the dumbest supporter group to be honest. Calling for a free every 7 seconds of play was too much after the 1st quarter. Don't know why we stayed there. Glad we did.

That in itself is newsworthy.

ELEVATOR DRIVER by Whispering Jack "Elevator Driver carry me please Elevator Driver move Elevator Driver carry me please Elevator Driver move Past the stories of confusion To my penthouse of illusion, Elevator Driver" ~ from the song by the Masters Apprentices Teams, like colours, rise and ebb. When Melbourne last faced Essendon it was a Saturday night at the MCG early last year and in an atmosphere of helpless desperation they surrendered to an opponent which had something to prove in the wake of the raging supplements scandal. The mood of the supporters that night was one of anger and loss of hope as the Bombers treated their team to the tune of a 148-point crushing. Callers to late night talk back spoke in agonising terms of how their club and the players had betrayed them - so early in the season, the team was languishing deep in the basement. A lot happened after that night but the pain would persist throughout a season that saw two coaches come and go with little to enthuse the faithful or give rise to any hope that the team could lift itself out of those depths. The club needed something or at least someone to take control of its on field fortunes and to start a process whereby it could see some movement forward and upward. Enter the elevator driver - Paul Roos. He came to the club, rolled up his sleeves and began to work on its personnel, training and preparation, its tactics, strategy, its psychology and its culture and team philosophy. His advent has not come without controversy or criticism as was seen last week from the output of some of the more hysterical types in the media who were lashing the emphasis on defence which saw the team struggle to score goals in the final quarter and a half against Collingwood on Queens Birthday. Never mind that playing ugly has already seen Roos coach such ducklings and transform them quickly into premiership Swans in another time. Never mind that against Essendon, Roos' team was so defensive in mindset that it conceded 14 inside 50s before going into its own attacking circle and were goalless at quarter time - it's second consecutive term without a major score. Never mind because the Demons plugged away, hustling and bustling and thanks to the sterling play of those defenders, led by Lynden Dunn, Tom McDonald, Neville Jetta, Col Garland and co dominating in the opposition's half, they had stayed within striking distance. Their efforts were reinforced by the efforts of Jordie McKenzie and Daniel Cross who had specific jobs to do, the Demon defence forced Essendon to butcher the ball under pressure, miss goals and targets and more importantly expend vital energy reserves in moving across the field to counter Melbourne's new found style. And so despite falling behind by 33 points by early in the second half, Melbourne was able to lift its game to the top floor. Inspired by the indefatigable leadership of Nathan Jones, the rising talents of Dom Tyson and Jack Viney, the experience and class of Bernie Vince and on a wave of power ruckwork from Mark Jamar, the turnaround came and the Demons struck the unsuspecting Bombers in the heart. Taking over in the midfield, the opportunities started presenting to the forwards who all played their part and in the end, a couple of unlikely young heroes in Dean Kent and Christian Salem played their part in bringing down the Bombers and signalling another move upward for their club. And you can put it all down to great team effort and another small triumph for the elevator operator. Melbourne 0.3.3 3.3.21 7.6.48 12.6.78 Essendon 2.4.16 5.12.42 8.12.60 10.17.77 Goals Melbourne Kent Frawley Pedersen Watts 2 Grimes N Jones Salem Vince Essendon Zaharakis 4 Ambrose Chapman Daniher Goddard Merrett Ryder Best Melbourne Dunn N Jones Viney Pederson Jamar Tyson Essendon Zaharakis Goddard Heppell Hibberd Carlisle Ambrose Changes Melbourne Nil Essendon Fletcher replaced in the selected side by Kavanaugh Injuries Melbourne Nil Essendon Nil Reports Melbourne Nil Essendon Nil Reports Melbourne Nil Essendon Nil Umpires Justin Schmitt Troy Pannell Brendan Hosking Crowd 44,622 at the MCG In memory of Jim Keays an Australian master musician and a Demon fan who passed away last week at far too young an age

I was so happy for my grandson today, he was over the moon after the game. You have to admire the kids who have stuck with us after all the cr@p we've put up over the last 7 years, he just turned 11 so we've been rubbish for most of his life.

I have now officially watched every bit of media I could find online at least 3 times, sent abusive messages to my Essendon friends and posted a delirious FB update. I think I'm done. Go Dees!

His kick to Frawley in the second quarter was one of the highlights of the game. Not many players on Melbourne's list can kick the way he does. I rated his game from the start.

That last goal was footy utopia. It had everything. Dare, decision-making, execution. So many split-second decisions; so many perfect choices. It was a tsunami of perfection.

Your love of Whelan is to be admired and applauded - you are already one of my favourite posters.

Some more gold from Bomberblitz: "I'd call it the worst loss of the modern era. Even worse than all the other Melbourne losses." "We should never lose another ******* game to that bottom feeding club. Absolutely sick of this rabble every time we play them." "Pathetic, and to cap it off I have a broken remote and two fist holes in the wall. Faark I hate losing to sides we prop up, to think we are footing the bill for the cocksucker Roos infuriates me even more." "lucky we don't have any draft picks then, I guess." "What is it now 4 losses in the last 5 games against this pathetic club? We are their *****." "Wont Melbourne hurry up and fold, sick of those broke pricks embarassing us." OH, HOW SWEET IT IS!!!

How great is it that we beat Essendon, Carlton AND Richmond in the same season!!!!!! GO DEES!!!!

Dare I say it.. All Australian?