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WHEN YOU'VE GOT NOTHING, YOU'VE GOT NOTHING TO LOSE by Whispering Jack The Demons are making it very hard for anyone to tip them to win with any confidence these days. Key players are falling over injured, getting themselves reported and horror of horrors being photographed at music festivals puffing away at cigarettes. On the field, they continually miss easy shots at goal while their opponents never miss their targets. Meanwhile, Fremantle, their opponent this week in the big game at the G, just shrugged off the easy beat tag by giving last year's premiers a right royal touch up in Perth. Before the game against the Bulldogs, Ross Lyon re-assessed his position and decided that as a coach he was basically in the position that when you've got nothing, you've got nothing to lose. So he ditched half a dozen passengers from his team and brought in players who were determined to have a dip. The rest is history and the Dockers are on the road to revival. Who would have thought only a week ago, that Melbourne would be going into this week's game as the underdog? Well, not actually THE underdog but possibly, the hunter rather than the hunted? All of a sudden the weather's turned cold for the Red and Blue while the Purple Haze has sprung to life again - returned from the dead in one of the AFL's greatest reincarnations ever witnessed (at least until the Gold Coast performed an even greater one less than 24 hours later on the other side of the country). That's the trouble with football these days. One day, you're motoring along with an All Australian ruckman hitting your midfielders on the chest, a tall forward prodigy running everywhere kicking and setting up goals and a hard nosed midfielder with four AFL premierships under his belt. Next thing you know, you've got nothing. Worse still, you're coming up against the AFL's tallest ruckman Aaron Sandilands and he's in full flight with a resurgent Nat Fyfe back to his brilliant best picking up 33 disposals and the likes of Lachie Neale, Stephen Hill and Michael Walters awaking from a long slumber causing havoc to opposition defenders. Meanwhile, it's Melbourne that's on the horns of a dilemma. Who will shoulder the ruck duties? Does the back half need stiffening up? Is it time to bring some more experience and strength into the forward line set up? Are we at the point where we have nothing to lose? The more I look at it, the more concerned I become that the unthinkable might happen on the club's own territory. Round 3 has turned the entire AFL competition on its head and one wonders how one can find a way to select Melbourne to win this week. After team selection on Thursday night, I'll come up with a way. THE GAME Melbourne v Fremantle at the MCG Saturday 15 April 2017 at 1.45pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 14 wins Fremantle 21 wins At MCG: Melbourne 7 wins Fremantle 6 wins Last five meetings: Melbourne 1 win Fremantle 4 wins The Coaches: Goodwin 0 wins Lyon 0 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Footy at 1.30pm live Radio - THE BETTING Melbourne $1.32 to win Fremantle $3.45 to win LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 12.15.87 defeated Fremantle 8.7.55 at TIO Stadium, Round 16, 2016 The Demons dominated against a dispirited Dockers outfit which only twelve months earlier was threatening to win the flag. These things happen when you lose your ruckman, a champion midfielder and a bevy of other important players. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Jake Melksham, Tom McDonald, Jayden Hunt HB: Neville Jetta, Sam Frost, Nathan Jones C: Bernie Vince, Clayton Oliver, Billy Stretch HF: Dean Kent, Sam Weideman, James Harmes F: Jeff Garlett, Jack Watts, Christian Petracca FOLL: Jake Spencer, Dom Tyson, Jack Viney I/C: Tomas Bugg, Mitch Hannan, Alex Neal-Bullen, Christian Salem EMG: Oscar McDonald, Tim Smith, Jack Trengove IN: Tomas Bugg, Sam Frost, Jake Spencer OUT: Max Gawn (hamstring), Oscar McDonald (omitted), Tim Smith FREMANTLE B: Ethan Hughes, Joel Hamling, Lee Spurr HB: Garrick Ibbotson, Michael Johnson, Connor Blakely C: Stephen Hill, Lachie Neale, Bradley Hill HF: Lachie Weller, Cam McCarthy, Ed Langdon F: Michael Walters, Shane Kersten, Brady Grey FOLL: Aaron Sandilands, Nat Fyfe, David Mundy I/C: Harley Balic, Hayden Crozier, Griffin Logue, Tommy Sheridan EMG: Jonathon Griffin, Danyle Pearce, Matt Taberner NO CHANGE THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE The world's worst kept secret was exposed on Thursday morning when Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin confirmed that ruckman Jake Spencer would play in place of the injured Max Gawn, who will miss at least 12 weeks with a hamstring injury. The loss of Gawn, coupled with the suspensions of Jesse Hogan and Jordan Lewis from the Carlton game have left gaping holes in the Demon line up, already hampered by a number of injuries especially to players like Michael Hibbberd, Josh Wagner and rookie Joel who would otherwise be expected to hold down are at least be in contention for defensive positions in the team. Cometh the hour ... cometh the men. The minute that Max hit the Etihad turf and then later as he hobbled off the ground clearly in distress, Melbourne fans knew that a call was about to go out for the man affectionately known as "Jake the Snake" The man has been around the club for what seems forever. He was 35th selection in the 2008 Rookie Draft and spent his first season playing with the club's then VFL affiliate club Sandringham where he played seven games at reserves level and 10 in the seniors. He made his NAB Cup debut on 21 February 2009 to encouraging reviews and played his first AFL game in Round 1 2009. Jake managed six games for the season and was finally upgraded from the rookie list at the start of 2010. Never the epitome of the classic modern ruckman, the ungainly Spencer has been a battler throughout his time at the club, spending much of his time as understudy to the All Australian ruckmen of his time at Melbourne - Mark Jamar and more lately Max Gawn. He's also had long stints on the sidelines with injury - missing more than a whole year through a ruptured ACL suffered in 2011 while playing with the Casey Scorpions. Entering his 10th season at the club, Jake had only 36 games for six goals to his name, his last match being in Round 22, 2015 – ironically against Fremantle at Domain Stadium. The good news is that this is precisely what he's been working diligently for in the interim - an opportunity to take the main stage and shoulder the club's ruck burden in the event of Gawn’s absence and what better first up assignment than Aaron Sandilands? Not only has he been waiting for this - Jake's fully prepared, having played well in all three JLT Community Series matches and continued in dominating form playing for Casey in VFL practice matches. Now, the Snake is about to turn into the Viper - Gawn himself is telling all and sundry that, when he's ready to return from that injury, he will find it hard to regain his place and he's not kidding! The inclusion of a deadly reptile is not all the selectors have done to change the mix following the final quarter breakdown against Geelong. They've introduced pure speed into the backline with the return of Sam Frost into defence in the place of Oscar McDonald and hardness in the guise of in-your-face pest Tom Bugg. Meanwhile, the rejuvenated Dockers have gone into the game with an unchanged line up to the one that beat the reigning premiers on their home turf last week. They are however, still a young side that has had difficulty in traveling over the Nullarbor in recent times and will struggle to contend with the Demons who, despite the missing faces, still have the structures in place to give them the winning edge at their own snake pit in this game. Melbourne by 35 points.

The Demons are making it very hard for anyone to tip them to win with any confidence these days. Key players are falling over injured, getting themselves reported and horror of horrors being photographed at music festivals puffing away at cigarettes. On the field, they continually miss easy shots at goal while their opponents never miss their targets. Meanwhile, Fremantle, their opponent this week in the big game at the G, just shrugged off the easy beat tag by giving last year's premiers a right royal touch up in Perth. Before the game against the Bulldogs, Ross Lyon re-assessed his position and decided that as a coach he was basically in the position that when you've got nothing, you've got nothing to lose. So he ditched half a dozen passengers from his team and brought in players who were determined to have a dip. The rest is history and the Dockers are on the road to revival. Who would have thought only a week ago, that Melbourne would be going into this week's game as the underdog? Well, not actually THE underdog but possibly, the hunter rather than the hunted? All of a sudden the weather's turned cold for the Red and Blue while the Purple Haze has sprung to life again - returned from the dead in one of the AFL's greatest reincarnations ever witnessed (at least until the Gold Coast performed an even greater one less than 24 hours later on the other side of the country). That's the trouble with football these days. One day, you're motoring along with an All Australian ruckman hitting your midfielders on the chest, a tall forward prodigy running everywhere kicking and setting up goals and a hard nosed midfielder with four AFL premierships under his belt. Next thing you know, you've got nothing. Worse still, you're coming up against the AFL's tallest ruckman Aaron Sandilands and he's in full flight with a resurgent Nat Fyfe back to his brilliant best picking up 33 disposals and the likes of Lachie Neale, Stephen Hill and Michael Walters awaking from a long slumber causing havoc to opposition defenders. Meanwhile, it's Melbourne that's on the horns of a dilemma. Who will shoulder the ruck duties? Does the back half need stiffening up? Is it time to bring some more experience and strength into the forward line set up? Are we at the point where we have nothing to lose? The more I look at it, the more concerned I become that the unthinkable might happen on the club's own territory. Round 3 has turned the entire AFL competition on its head and one wonders how one can find a way to select Melbourne to win this week. After team selection on Thursday night, I'll come up with a way. THE GAME Melbourne v Fremantle at the MCG Saturday 15 April 2017 at 1.45pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 14 wins Fremantle 21 wins At MCG: Melbourne 7 wins Fremantle 6 wins Last five meetings: Melbourne 1 win Fremantle 4 wins The Coaches: Goodwin 0 wins Lyon 0 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Footy at 1.30pm live Radio - THE BETTING Melbourne $1.32 to win Fremantle $3.45 to win LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 12.15.87 defeated Fremantle 8.7.55 at TIO Stadium, Round 16, 2016 The Demons dominated against a dispirited Dockers outfit which only twelve months earlier was threatening to win the flag. These things happen when you lose your ruckman, a champion midfielder and a bevy of other important players. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Jake Melksham, Tom McDonald, Jayden Hunt HB: Neville Jetta, Sam Frost, Nathan Jones C: Bernie Vince, Clayton Oliver, Billy Stretch HF: Dean Kent, Sam Weideman, James Harmes F: Jeff Garlett, Jack Watts, Christian Petracca FOLL: Jake Spencer, Dom Tyson, Jack Viney I/C: Tomas Bugg, Mitch Hannan, Alex Neal-Bullen, Christian Salem EMG: Oscar McDonald, Tim Smith, Jack Trengove IN: Tomas Bugg, Sam Frost, Jake Spencer OUT: Max Gawn (hamstring), Oscar McDonald (omitted), Tim Smith FREMANTLE B: Ethan Hughes, Joel Hamling, Lee Spurr HB: Garrick Ibbotson, Michael Johnson, Connor Blakely C: Stephen Hill, Lachie Neale, Bradley Hill HF: Lachie Weller, Cam McCarthy, Ed Langdon F: Michael Walters, Shane Kersten, Brady Grey FOLL: Aaron Sandilands, Nat Fyfe, David Mundy I/C: Harley Balic, Hayden Crozier, Griffin Logue, Tommy Sheridan EMG: Jonathon Griffin, Danyle Pearce, Matt Taberner NO CHANGE THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE The world's worst kept secret was exposed on Thursday morning when Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin confirmed that ruckman Jake Spencer would play in place of the injured Max Gawn, who will miss at least 12 weeks with a hamstring injury. The loss of Gawn, coupled with the suspensions of Jesse Hogan and Jordan Lewis from the Carlton game have left gaping holes in the Demon line up, already hampered by a number of injuries especially to players like Michael Hibbberd, Josh Wagner and rookie Joel who would otherwise be expected to hold down are at least be in contention for defensive positions in the team. Cometh the hour ... cometh the men. The minute that Max hit the Etihad turf and then later as he hobbled off the ground clearly in distress, Melbourne fans knew that a call was about to go out for the man affectionately known as "Jake the Snake" The man has been around the club for what seems forever. He was 35th selection in the 2008 Rookie Draft and spent his first season playing with the club's then VFL affiliate club Sandringham where he played seven games at reserves level and 10 in the seniors. He made his NAB Cup debut on 21 February 2009 to encouraging reviews and played his first AFL game in Round 1 2009. Jake managed six games for the season and was finally upgraded from the rookie list at the start of 2010. Never the epitome of the classic modern ruckman, the ungainly Spencer has been a battler throughout his time at the club, spending much of his time as understudy to the All Australian ruckmen of his time at Melbourne - Mark Jamar and more lately Max Gawn. He's also had long stints on the sidelines with injury - missing more than a whole year through a ruptured ACL suffered in 2011 while playing with the Casey Scorpions. Entering his 10th season at the club, Jake had only 36 games for six goals to his name, his last match being in Round 22, 2015 – ironically against Fremantle at Domain Stadium. The good news is that this is precisely what he's been working diligently for in the interim - an opportunity to take the main stage and shoulder the club's ruck burden in the event of Gawn’s absence and what better first up assignment than Aaron Sandilands? Not only has he been waiting for this - Jake's fully prepared, having played well in all three JLT Community Series matches and continued in dominating form playing for Casey in VFL practice matches. Now, the Snake is about to turn into the Viper - Gawn himself is telling all and sundry that, when he's ready to return from that injury, he will find it hard to regain his place and he's not kidding! The inclusion of a deadly reptile is not all the selectors have done to change the mix following the final quarter breakdown against Geelong. They've introduced pure speed into the backline with the return of Sam Frost into defence in the place of Oscar McDonald and hardness in the guise of in-your-face pest Tom Bugg. Meanwhile, the rejuvenated Dockers have gone into the game with an unchanged line up to the one that beat the reigning premiers on their home turf last week. They are however, still a young side that has had difficulty in traveling over the Nullarbor in recent times and will struggle to contend with the Demons who, despite the missing faces, still have the structures in place to give them the winning edge at their own snake pit in this game. Melbourne by 35 points.

Remember when it was easy to beat the Dockers? MELBOURNE B: Sam Frost, Tom McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Jayden Hunt, Oscar McDonald, Matt Jones C: Christian Petracca, Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince HF: Jeff Garlett, Jack Watts, Billy Stretch F: Aaron vandenBerg, Jesse Hogan, Dean Kent FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney I/C: Jack Grimes, James Harmes, Ben Kennedy, Mitch White EMG: Viv Michie, Alex Neal-Bullen, Jake Spencer IN: Jack Grimes, Matt White OUT: Tomas Bugg, Chris Dawes FREMANTLE B: Garrick Ibbotson, Zac Dawson, Cameron Sutcliffe HB: Hayden Crozier, Sam Collins, Lee Spurr C: Stephen Hill, Lachie Neale, Tommy Sheridan HF: Chris Mayne, Matt Taberner, Michael Walters F: Lachie Weller, Matthew Pavlich, Hayden Ballentyne FOLL: Jonathon Griffin, David Mundy, Danyle Pearce I/C: Connor Blakely, Ed Langdon, Nick Suban, Darcy Tucker EMG: Josh Deluca, Jack Hannath, Tendai Mzunga IN: Jonathon Griffin, Garrick Ibbotson, Ed Langdon OUT: Michael Barlow (broken finger), Zac Clarke (omitted), Jack Hannath (omitted)

RAINING GOALS by Bewitched It's no secret that the Women of Melbourne don't like rain. They opened the season scoring four consecutive points in muggy wet conditions before the rain got really heavy and thunder and lightning forced their game at Casey Fields to be temporarily abandoned just before half time. After a short break, they lost their ascendency and their first ever game to the Brisbane Lions. A couple of weeks ago, they did even worse on a wet track in Sydney despite having more than double the inside 50 count. You don't normally win games when you kick one goal from 12 scoring shots. And so, in the final game of the inaugural AFLW season and in perfect weather conditions against Fremantle at Casey Fields, it rained again but this time, it rained goals. In a must win game, the Demons kicked their first ten goals on the trot without missing once. It started in the first minute of the game with a mark dead in front by Alyssa Mifsud and although the Dockers quickly replied, their defences were quickly penetrated once again when Shelley Scott marked for another and the floodgates opened. Cat Phillips added two more before the 10 minute mark of the game and Deanna Berry added the team's fifth. It was hard to comprehend how this was happening with a team that only a fortnight ago conceded the wooden spooners their only victory for the season. The Docker resistance was minimal. They did goal again just before the siren sounded to signal the first break and raised a few yelps in the early stages of the second, but the Demons were now on the march for a percentage boosting game which would hopefully allow them match that of their rivals. At half time, it was eight goals straight. Only once before has a team kicked that many in a game and that was Carlton's 8.6.54 in Round 5. The scoring record was 7.13.55 by Collingwood in Round 6. By the end of the game those records had been surpassed as the Demons coasted to a record AFLW win (9 goals) to match the record score (11.4.70). The competition's premier footballer is Melbourne skipper Daisy Pearce who once again stood out with her creativity all over the ground. Her performance was matched by the strength of Elise O'Dea (25 disposals) and the youthful exuberance Lily Mithen but there were so many more who made a contribution over the game - Melissa Hickey, Karen Paxman, Richelle and Scott were among the others. It was also great to see so many multiple goalkickers in a game of women's footy. And so it came down to 21 hours of nail biting and waiting for the result of the game from Olympic Park where the Magpies and Crows were battling it out in the penultimate game before the finals. Sadly, we got the wrong result but that's what happens when you have given away the control over your destiny. Never before would I have been so glad to welcome a Collingwood victory and never before have I been so disappointed by a Collingwood defeat. Well done Women of Melbourne. Let's win it next year come rain, hail or shine. Melbourne 5.0.30 8.0.48 10.0.60 11.4.70 Fremantle 2.0.12 2.3.15 2.4.16 2.4.16 Goals Melbourne Berry Mifsud Phillips Scott 2 Humphries Newman Paxman. Fremantle Antonio Houghton Best Melbourne D Pearce Mithen O'Dea Scott Paxman Cranston Fremantle Hooker Lavell Filocama Injuries Melbourne Nil Fremantle Angel (knee) Reports Melbourne Nil Fremantle Nil Umpires Michael Pell Ryan Guy Annie Mirabile Crowd 2,500 (est) at Casey Fields, Cranbourne

It's no secret that the Women of Melbourne don't like rain. They opened the season scoring four consecutive points in muggy wet conditions before the rain got really heavy and thunder and lightning forced their game at Casey Fields to be temporarily abandoned just before half time. After a short break, they lost their ascendency and their first ever game to the Brisbane Lions. A couple of weeks ago, they did even worse on a wet track in Sydney despite having more than double the inside 50 count. You don't normally win games when you kick one goal from 12 scoring shots. And so, in the final game of the inaugural AFLW season and in perfect weather conditions against Fremantle at Casey Fields, it rained again but this time, it rained goals. In a must win game, the Demons kicked their first ten goals on the trot without missing once. It started in the first minute of the game with a mark dead in front by Alyssa Mifsud and although the Dockers quickly replied, their defences were quickly penetrated once again when Shelley Scott marked for another and the floodgates opened. Cat Phillips added two more before the 10 minute mark of the game and Deanna Berry added the team's fifth. It was hard to comprehend how this was happening with a team that only a fortnight ago conceded the wooden spooners their only victory for the season. The Docker resistance was minimal. They did goal again just before the siren sounded to signal the first break and raised a few yelps in the early stages of the second, but the Demons were now on the march for a percentage boosting game which would hopefully allow them match that of their rivals. At half time, it was eight goals straight. Only once before has a team kicked that many in a game and that was Carlton's 8.6.54 in Round 5. The scoring record was 7.13.55 by Collingwood in Round 6. By the end of the game those records had been surpassed as the Demons coasted to a record AFLW win (9 goals) to match the record score (11.4.70). The competition's premier footballer is Melbourne skipper Daisy Pearce who once again stood out with her creativity all over the ground. Her performance was matched by the strength of Elise O'Dea (25 disposals) and the youthful exuberance Lily Mithen but there were so many more who made a contribution over the game - Melissa Hickey, Karen Paxman, Richelle and Scott were among the others. It was also great to see so many multiple goalkickers in a game of women's footy. And so it came down to 21 hours of nail biting and waiting for the result of the game from Olympic Park where the Magpies and Crows were battling it out in the penultimate game before the finals. Sadly, we got the wrong result but that's what happens when you have given away the control over your destiny. Never before would I have been so glad to welcome a Collingwood victory and never before have I been so disappointed by a Collingwood defeat. Well done Women of Melbourne. Let's win it next year come rain, hail or shine. Melbourne 5.0.30 8.0.48 10.0.60 11.4.70 Fremantle 2.0.12 2.3.15 2.4.16 2.4.16 Goals Melbourne Berry Mifsud Phillips Scott 2 Humphries Newman Paxman. Fremantle Antonio Houghton Best Melbourne D Pearce Mithen O'Dea Scott Paxman Cranston Fremantle Hooker Lavell Filocama Injuries Melbourne Nil Fremantle Angel (knee) Reports Melbourne Nil Fremantle Nil Umpires Michael Pell Ryan Guy Annie Mirabile Crowd 2,500 (est) at Casey Fields, Cranbourne

A win at TIO - another hoodoo done and dusted.

Cast your votes please ... 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 Please specify the player if you nominate a Jones or McDonald.

DARWIN DREAMING by George on the Outer It was a long time since the Demons had won a game in the Northern Territory. That was in 2011, the same year they had last beaten Fremantle. And they had never recorded a win against a Ross Lyon coached team. All of those records were removed in a single night with an emphatic 32 point victory against the Dockers at TIO stadium in Darwin. The Demons adapted early to the steamy conditions breaking the game open from the start to lead by four goals at quarter time. They then opened the gap to seven goals by the long break and the game was virtually over. To Demon fans it was like a dream. Dean Kent, playing what was probably his best game for the club, slotted through three goals and he was assisted by Jack Watts who got three of his own in the first term alone. Jesse Hogan topped the list with four for the match. The free scoring by the Demons came from the hard work up the field as the Dockers were harassed, tackled, chased and simply not given the time to execute their normal game plan. As is often the case, Nathan Jones topped the possession count with 35, but remarkably Tom McDonald dragged in 31 touches while playing in defence. Jack Grimes in his first match for the 2016 season notched up 32 touches, but he still needs to improve his kicking, thinking and execution, as the current game plan requires efficient disposal and quick actions. Once again Max Gawn gave the mids plenty of first chance at the ball with 43 hit-outs, more than twice that of his opponent. But it was also his bulk and aggressive attack that created space for the mids and others to take full advantage. As the game unfolded, Fremantle started playing in a style that was all too reminiscent of the way Melbourne did two or three years ago. Going backwards, slow movement and faltering attacks that often led to nothing on the scoreboard. The Demons have put that well behind them. The evolution to a fast moving and confident attacking team has been happening before our eyes. The job isn’t finished yet because, while we have equalled the number of wins that amassed in 2016 already, the precision needed to take the next step is yet to be achieved. It was difficult to measure that success against Fremantle, because they truly didn’t adapt to the conditions and are not the team they were in seasons past. The Demon backline which leaked goals earlier in the season, now looks more solid as the likes of Sam Frost, Nev Jetta, Jayden Hunt and Tom McDonald are now prepared to set up attacks from deep in defence. Previously, the defence was happy just to stop the dam wall from collapsing. Today, they are the drivers of opportunity for the rest of the team. Next week, it's St.Kilda and there are some more ignominious records asking to be removed. We no longer need to dream about wins over teams at the bottom of the ladder only and hoping for a small modicum of success. Winning has now become part of the 2016 Demons side. Melbourne 6.5.41 9.8.62 11.11.77 12.15.87 Fremantle 2.1.13 3.1.19 7.4.46 8.7.55 Goals Melbourne Hogan 4 Kent Watts 3 N Jones vandenberg Fremantle Pavlich 3 Mayne 2 Ballantyne Suban Taberner Best Melbourne Tyson N Jones Viney T McDonald Gawn Grimes Fremantle Neale Sutcliffe Hill Crozier Blakely Pavlich Changes Melbourne Nil Fremantle Nil Injuries Melbourne Oscar McDonald (ankle), Bernie Vince (shin) Fremantle David Mundy (concussion) Reports Melbourne Nil Fremantle Lachie Weller reported for high contact against Jayden Hunt Umpires Margetts, Ryan, Mitchell Official crowd 8,163 at the TIO Stadium

It was a long time since the Demons had won a game in the Northern Territory. That was in 2011, the same year they had last beaten Fremantle. And they had never recorded a win against a Ross Lyon coached team. All of those records were removed in a single night with an emphatic 32 point victory against the Dockers at TIO stadium in Darwin. The Demons adapted early to the steamy conditions breaking the game open from the start to lead by four goals at quarter time. They then opened the gap to seven goals by the long break and the game was virtually over. To Demon fans it was like a dream. Dean Kent, playing what was probably his best game for the club, slotted through three goals and he was assisted by Jack Watts who got three of his own in the first term alone. Jesse Hogan topped the list with four for the match. The free scoring by the Demons came from the hard work up the field as the Dockers were harassed, tackled, chased and simply not given the time to execute their normal game plan. As is often the case, Nathan Jones topped the possession count with 35, but remarkably Tom McDonald dragged in 31 touches while playing in defence. Jack Grimes in his first match for the 2016 season notched up 32 touches, but he still needs to improve his kicking, thinking and execution, as the current game plan requires efficient disposal and quick actions. Once again Max Gawn gave the mids plenty of first chance at the ball with 43 hit-outs, more than twice that of his opponent. But it was also his bulk and aggressive attack that created space for the mids and others to take full advantage. As the game unfolded, Fremantle started playing in a style that was all too reminiscent of the way Melbourne did two or three years ago. Going backwards, slow movement and faltering attacks that often led to nothing on the scoreboard. The Demons have put that well behind them. The evolution to a fast moving and confident attacking team has been happening before our eyes. The job isn’t finished yet because, while we have equalled the number of wins that amassed in 2016 already, the precision needed to take the next step is yet to be achieved. It was difficult to measure that success against Fremantle, because they truly didn’t adapt to the conditions and are not the team they were in seasons past. The Demon backline which leaked goals earlier in the season, now looks more solid as the likes of Sam Frost, Nev Jetta, Jayden Hunt and Tom McDonald are now prepared to set up attacks from deep in defence. Previously, the defence was happy just to stop the dam wall from collapsing. Today, they are the drivers of opportunity for the rest of the team. Next week, it's St.Kilda and there are some more ignominious records asking to be removed. We no longer need to dream about wins over teams at the bottom of the ladder only and hoping for a small modicum of success. Winning has now become part of the 2016 Demons side. Melbourne 6.5.41 9.8.62 11.11.77 12.15.87 Fremantle 2.1.13 3.1.19 7.4.46 8.7.55 Goals Melbourne Hogan 4 Kent Watts 3 N Jones vandenberg Fremantle Pavlich 3 Mayne 2 Ballantyne Suban Taberner Best Melbourne Tyson N Jones Viney T McDonald Gawn Grimes Fremantle Neale Sutcliffe Hill Crozier Blakely Pavlich Changes Melbourne Nil Fremantle Nil Injuries Melbourne Oscar McDonald (ankle), Bernie Vince (shin) Fremantle David Mundy (concussion) Reports Melbourne Nil Fremantle Lachie Weller reported for high contact against Jayden Hunt Umpires Margetts, Ryan, Mitchell Official crowd 8,163 at the TIO Stadium

The most damning statistic underlining Melbourne's recent history in games against Fremantle is the last six scores against them ~ 40, 40, 38, 34, 50, 54. We bolstered the average considerably in our two encounters last year but it still sits at a shade under 43 points a game or a goal less than the Demons' total in the second quarter against Adelaide last week. It goes without saying that we'll have to be well above average if we're going to win tonight.

TOP END TRAVELS by William from West Perth Before the current season began, it would have been unimaginable for anyone to believe that Melbourne would have double the number of wins in the bag and a much stronger percentage than Fremantle by this mark, two thirds of the way through the year. After all, the Dockers finished last season's home and away fixture at the top of the AFL premiership ladder and demolished the Demons at both meetings in 2015. A week before the regular season ended, the teams met at Subiaco and Freo doubled Melbourne's score. I remember it well - it was an embarrassing afternoon/evening for us expatriate Demon fans. At one stage, the home side had a ten goal lead and the visitors had yet to score a goal until Jeff Garlett scored the team's first at the half way mark of the second quarter. A lot of murky water has flowed under the bridge since that time with injuries cruelling the Fremantle season. Losing one of the reigning Brownlow Medallist and the competition's biggest and most dominant ruckman along with a number of very good others has done it no good. Of course, the majority of teams suffer injuries and whilst Melbourne has not been as severely hit in this area, it has also lost a few handy players which makes life hard with young developing sides. On top of that, the Dees have, for the second year running, abdicated their home ground advantage in favour of a team that has a shorter distance to travel to a game. Admittedly, the Dockers have a fair way to travel, but the Demons are moving to relatively distant territory and moving into a completely different climate than what might have been experienced at the MCG. On top of that, Fremantle will travel to the Top End feeling fresh and rejuvenated coming off a bye while Melbourne fronts up after a six day break. What this all means is that this is a danger game for the Demons. Their record at TIO Stadium is poor, their young side has been showing signs of fading late in games and the Dockers form of late has been much improved. Melbourne would be hoping that Max Gawn can continue his stellar form and that players like Jack Viney and Bernie Vince who below their best last week can help Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson in the midfield, that the backline can prevent the leakage of scores and that Jesse Hogan, Jeff Garlett and Jack Watts can maintain their form from the Adelaide game. I'm tipping that the Dees will rise to the occasion and win up in Darwin for the first time in half a decade. Melbourne by 17 points. THE GAME Melbourne v Fremantle at TIO Stadium Saturday 9 July 2016 at 7.40pm (AEST) HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 13 wins Fremantle 21 wins At TIO Stadium: Melbourne 0 wins Fremantle 1 win Last Five meetings: Melbourne 0 wins Fremantle 5 wins The Coaches: Roos 0 wins Lyon 4 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Sports Channel 3 Live at 7.30pm Radio - SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Melbourne $1.35 to win Fremantle $3.20 to win LAST TIME THEY MET Fremantle 17.6.108 defeated Melbourne 8.6.54 at Domain Stadium, Round 22, 2015 The Dockers were quickly out of the blocks and and scored five goals to nil in the opening term and increased their lead in every quarter on their way to an easy nine goal win against a tired looking Melbourne. MELBOURNE B: Sam Frost, Tom McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Jayden Hunt, Oscar McDonald, Matt Jones C: Christian Petracca, Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince HF: Jeff Garlett, Jack Watts, Billy Stretch F: Aaron vandenBerg, Jesse Hogan, Dean Kent FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney I/C: Jack Grimes, James Harmes, Ben Kennedy, Mitch White EMG: Viv Michie, Alex Neal-Bullen, Jake Spencer IN: Jack Grimes, Matt White OUT: Tomas Bugg, Chris Dawes FREMANTLE B: Garrick Ibbotson, Zac Dawson, Cameron Sutcliffe HB: Hayden Crozier, Sam Collins, Lee Spurr C: Stephen Hill, Lachie Neale, Tommy Sheridan HF: Chris Mayne, Matt Taberner, Michael Walters F: Lachie Weller, Matthew Pavlich, Hayden Ballentyne FOLL: Jonathon Griffin, David Mundy, Danyle Pearce I/C: Connor Blakely, Ed Langdon, Nick Suban, Darcy Tucker EMG: Josh Deluca, Jack Hannath, Tendai Mzunga IN: Jonathon Griffin, Garrick Ibbotson, Ed Langdon OUT: Michael Barlow (broken finger), Zac Clarke (omitted), Jack Hannath (omitted)

Before the current season began, it would have been unimaginable for anyone to believe that Melbourne would have double the number of wins in the bag and a much stronger percentage than Fremantle by this mark, two thirds of the way through the year. After all, the Dockers finished last season's home and away fixture at the top of the AFL premiership ladder and demolished the Demons at both meetings in 2015. A week before the regular season ended, the teams met at Subiaco and Freo doubled Melbourne's score. I remember it well - it was an embarrassing afternoon/evening for us expatriate Demon fans. At one stage, the home side had a ten goal lead and the visitors had yet to score a goal until Jeff Garlett scored the team's first at the half way mark of the second quarter. A lot of murky water has flowed under the bridge since that time with injuries cruelling the Fremantle season. Losing one of the reigning Brownlow Medallist and the competition's biggest and most dominant ruckman along with a number of very good others has done it no good. Of course, the majority of teams suffer injuries and whilst Melbourne has not been as severely hit in this area, it has also lost a few handy players which makes life hard with young developing sides. On top of that, the Dees have, for the second year running, abdicated their home ground advantage in favour of a team that has a shorter distance to travel to a game. Admittedly, the Dockers have a fair way to travel, but the Demons are moving to relatively distant territory and moving into a completely different climate than what might have been experienced at the MCG. On top of that, Fremantle will travel to the Top End feeling fresh and rejuvenated coming off a bye while Melbourne fronts up after a six day break. What this all means is that this is a danger game for the Demons. Their record at TIO Stadium is poor, their young side has been showing signs of fading late in games and the Dockers form of late has been much improved. Melbourne would be hoping that Max Gawn can continue his stellar form and that players like Jack Viney and Bernie Vince who below their best last week can help Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson in the midfield, that the backline can prevent the leakage of scores and that Jesse Hogan, Jeff Garlett and Jack Watts can maintain their form from the Adelaide game. I'm tipping that the Dees will rise to the occasion and win up in Darwin for the first time in half a decade. Melbourne by 17 points. THE GAME Melbourne v Fremantle at TIO Stadium Saturday 9 July 2016 at 7.40pm (AEST) HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 13 wins Fremantle 21 wins At TIO Stadium: Melbourne 0 wins Fremantle 1 win Last Five meetings: Melbourne 0 wins Fremantle 5 wins The Coaches: Roos 0 wins Lyon 4 wins MEDIA TV - Fox Sports Channel 3 Live at 7.30pm Radio - SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Melbourne $1.35 to win Fremantle $3.20 to win LAST TIME THEY MET Fremantle 17.6.108 defeated Melbourne 8.6.54 at Domain Stadium, Round 22, 2015 The Dockers were quickly out of the blocks and and scored five goals to nil in the opening term and increased their lead in every quarter on their way to an easy nine goal win against a tired looking Melbourne. MELBOURNE B: Sam Frost, Tom McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Jayden Hunt, Oscar McDonald, Matt Jones C: Christian Petracca, Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince HF: Jeff Garlett, Jack Watts, Billy Stretch F: Aaron vandenBerg, Jesse Hogan, Dean Kent FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney I/C: Jack Grimes, James Harmes, Ben Kennedy, Mitch White EMG: Viv Michie, Alex Neal-Bullen, Jake Spencer IN: Jack Grimes, Matt White OUT: Tomas Bugg, Chris Dawes FREMANTLE B: Garrick Ibbotson, Zac Dawson, Cameron Sutcliffe HB: Hayden Crozier, Sam Collins, Lee Spurr C: Stephen Hill, Lachie Neale, Tommy Sheridan HF: Chris Mayne, Matt Taberner, Michael Walters F: Lachie Weller, Matthew Pavlich, Hayden Ballentyne FOLL: Jonathon Griffin, David Mundy, Danyle Pearce I/C: Connor Blakely, Ed Langdon, Nick Suban, Darcy Tucker EMG: Josh Deluca, Jack Hannath, Tendai Mzunga IN: Jonathon Griffin, Garrick Ibbotson, Ed Langdon OUT: Michael Barlow (broken finger), Zac Clarke (omitted), Jack Hannath (omitted)

It was late in the season last year and they caned us on their home turf without Nat Fyfe FREMANTLE B: Lee Spurr, Luke McPharlin, Tendai Mzungu HB: Cameron Sutcliffe, Michael Johnson, Garrick Ibbotson C: Michael Barlow, Stephen Hill, Nick Suban HF: Danyle Pearce, Matthew Pavlich, Matt de Boer F: Jonathon Griffin, Chris Mayne, Michael Walters FOLL: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Lachie Neale I/C: Zac Dawson, Ed Langdon, Clancee Pearce, Tommy Sheridan EMG: Paul Duffield, Alex Pearce, Matt Taberner IN: Ed Langdon, Matthew Pavlich, Clancee Pearce OUT: Hayden Crozier (omitted), Nat Fyfe (leg), Alex Pearce (omitted) MELBOURNE B: Colin Garland, Lynden Dunn, Jeremy Howe HB: Neville Jetta, Tom McDonald, Christian Salem C: Matt Jones, Bernie Vince, Daniel Cross HF: Viv Michie, Jesse Hogan, Alex Neal-Bullen F: Jeff Garlett, Jake Spencer, Oscar McDonald FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney I/C: Jack Grimes, Ben Newton, Billy Stretch, Jack Watts EMG: Rohan Bail, James Harmes, Aidan Riley IN: Neville Jetta, Matt Jones, Oscar McDonald, Jake Spencer OUT: Angus Brayshaw (rested), Chris Dawes (ankle), James Harmes (omitted), Heritier Lumumba (ankle) NEW: Oscar McDonald (19, North Ballarat)

BACK TO EARTH by The Oracle In the end it was a rout. The Dockers kicked more goals in the final quarter than the Demons kicked for the whole match and indeed in any of their four previous encounters. Fremantle won 18.10.118 to 6.14.50 and that score line really addresses the scoring efficiency of the ladder leaders who burst away with a four goal to nil lead by the eleven minute mark of the match. They maintained that position as the status quo until late in the third quarter and then ran away with the game with those seven unanswered final term goals. As predicted, they held the advantage in the ruck and on the ball and won in most positions. They were better at the stoppages, they were better in the air and on the ground and their ball use was far more efficient. And that was with their substitute on the ground for the second half in place of Matthew Pavlich and Michael Walters also injured, making the eventual winning margin of 68 points all the more impressive. Of course, Melbourne's ineptitude in front of goal after half-time was not helpful. The Demons had 11 shots (for one goal) to 14 (for 10) in that half of football and that result of itself pretty much summarizes the difference between a premiership contender and one that simply isn't ready to take on the big boys. Melbourne does have some promising players and Jesse Hogan is one of those who came back down to earth after the excitement of Anzac Eve. He tried hard and did some special things but he was taught a lesson by an experienced defender in Luke McPharlin who has been playing the game at this level since Hogan was in primary school. Hogan missed the presence of Chris Dawes to help out up forward. And when the team comes up against two monster ruckmen next time it would be helpful if Mark Jamar was given some more assistance in that area as well. Of course, with the injuries mounting on a weekly basis, the team's depth or lack thereof is being tested more and more. Tom McDonald continued his great season while Jeff Garlett worked hard for his three goals but should have kicked at least five. Melbourne 2.2.14 5.4.34 6.8.44 6.14.50 Fremantle 5.3.33 8.6.54 11.8.74 18.10.118 Goals Melbourne Garlett 3 Brayshaw Hogan vandenBerg Fremantle Mayne 4 Mundy Neale Pearce Suban Taberner 2 N Suban 2 De Boer Fyfe Hill Sandilands Best Melbourne T McDonald Garlett Brayshaw Dunn Garland Tyson Fremantle Mayne Fyffe Mundy Neale Barlow Hill Changes Melbourne Cam Pedersen replaced Chris Dawes (calf) in the selected side. Fremantle Nil Injuries Melbourne Salem (concussion) Fremantle Pavlich (concussion) Walters (concussion) Reports Melbourne Nil Fremantle Nil Umpires Ben Ryan Troy Pannell Robert OGorman Official Crowd 22,892 at MCG

In the end it was a rout. The Dockers kicked more goals in the final quarter than the Demons kicked for the whole match and indeed in any of their four previous encounters. Fremantle won 18.10.118 to 6.14.50 and that score line really addresses the scoring efficiency of the ladder leaders who burst away with a four goal to nil lead by the eleven minute mark of the match. They maintained that position as the status quo until late in the third quarter and then ran away with the game with those seven unanswered final term goals. As predicted, they held the advantage in the ruck and on the ball and won in most positions. They were better at the stoppages, they were better in the air and on the ground and their ball use was far more efficient. And that was with their substitute on the ground for the second half in place of Matthew Pavlich and Michael Walters also injured, making the eventual winning margin of 68 points all the more impressive. Of course, Melbourne's ineptitude in front of goal after half-time was not helpful. The Demons had 11 shots (for one goal) to 14 (for 10) in that half of football and that result of itself pretty much summarizes the difference between a premiership contender and one that simply isn't ready to take on the big boys. Melbourne does have some promising players and Jesse Hogan is one of those who came back down to earth after the excitement of Anzac Eve. He tried hard and did some special things but he was taught a lesson by an experienced defender in Luke McPharlin who has been playing the game at this level since Hogan was in primary school. Hogan missed the presence of Chris Dawes to help out up forward. And when the team comes up against two monster ruckmen next time it would be helpful if Mark Jamar was given some more assistance in that area as well. Of course, with the injuries mounting on a weekly basis, the team's depth or lack thereof is being tested more and more. Tom McDonald continued his great season while Jeff Garlett worked hard for his three goals but should have kicked at least five. Melbourne 2.2.14 5.4.34 6.8.44 6.14.50 Fremantle 5.3.33 8.6.54 11.8.74 18.10.118 Goals Melbourne Garlett 3 Brayshaw Hogan vandenBerg Fremantle Mayne 4 Mundy Neale Pearce Suban Taberner 2 N Suban 2 De Boer Fyfe Hill Sandilands Best Melbourne T McDonald Garlett Brayshaw Dunn Garland Tyson Fremantle Mayne Fyffe Mundy Neale Barlow Hill Changes Melbourne Cam Pedersen replaced Chris Dawes (calf) in the selected side. Fremantle Nil Injuries Melbourne Salem (concussion) Fremantle Pavlich (concussion) Walters (concussion) Reports Melbourne Nil Fremantle Nil Umpires Ben Ryan Troy Pannell Robert OGorman Official Crowd 22,892 at MCG

GASP by The Oracle Whilst it's true that Richmond was in red hot form coming off a 79-point shellacking of Brisbane a week earlier, this week's opponent is absolutely white hot having demolished all before it this season including the Swans last week after a withering opening half. Before that, Ross Lyon's charges had beaten Port Adelaide in the season opener, Geelong at Simonds Stadium and crushed the Eagles in the local derby. That's a pretty comprehensive record against solid opposition in three of last year's finalists. Melbourne's task this week looks even more daunting when one looks at its incredibly dismal recent record against Fremantle. There was a time not all that long ago, when these teams had a reasonably even record in games against each other but since their meeting at the G in mid-2011 when Melbourne demolished an injury-depleted opposition by 79 points, it's been a one way street in favour of the purple army with five consecutive routs, the closest game being a 34 point win to the Dockers at Etihad in 2012. Since then, the Dees' highest score in four matches has been ... wait for it ... 40 points. For the record, here is the list of the last four strangulations inflicted upon them by Freo, the last three while Lyon has been the coach: R16, 2014, Fremantle 15.7 (97) d Melbourne 4.10 (34) at TIO Stadium R21, 2013, Fremantle 20.13 (133) d Melbourne 5.8 (38) at the MCG R9, 2013, Fremantle 19.16 (130) d Melbourne 6.4 (40) at Subiaco Oval R23, 2012, Fremantle 14.17 (101) d Melbourne 5.10 (40) at Subiaco Oval That's an incredible average of 5 goals 8 behinds 38 points a game at three different venues against a team that boasts one of the biggest, strongest and best midfields in the game, to say nothing of its defence which kept last year's grand finallist, a team with Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett in its forward line, down to one goal in the first half last week. Gasp. THE GAME Melbourne v Fremantle at the MCG Sunday 3 May 2015 at 1.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 13 wins Fremantle 19 wins At MCG: Melbourne 7 wins Fremantle 5 wins Last Five meetings: Melbourne 0 wins Fremantle 5 wins The Coaches: Roos 0 wins Lyon 1 win MEDIA TV - Fox Footy Channel at 1:00pm (live) Radio - SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Melbourne $4.85 to win Fremantle $1.15 to win LAST TIME THEY MET Fremantle 15.7.97 defeated Melbourne 4.10.34 at TIO Stadium, Round 16, 2014 The Demons were at a low ebb in terms of confidence and self-belief and put in a shocker against the Dockers managing only a single goal in the opening half at TIO Stadium. Looking at the match stats, it was little wonder that the defeat was so comprehensive - Freo won the disposal count (392-315); marks (95-71) and inside 50s (60-32). TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Colin Garland, Tom McDonald, Jeremy Howe HB: Christian Salem, Lynden Dunn, Jack Grimes C: Heritier Lumumba, Bernie Vince, Daniel Cross HF: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Jay Kennedy-Harris F: Jack Watts, Cameron Pedersen, Angus Brayshaw FOLL: Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson I/C: Jordie McKenzie, Viv Michie, Ben Newton, Aaron vandenBerg EMG: Aidan Riley, Jake Spencer, Billy Stretch IN: Jack Grimes, Jordie McKenzie, Cameron Pedersen OUT: Chris Dawes (calf), Neville Jetta (concussion), Dean Kent (hamstring) FREMANTLE B: Cameron Sutcliffe, Luke McPharlin, Lee Spurr HB: Garrick Ibbotson, Michael Johnson, Nick Suban C: Paul Duffield, Nat Fyfe, Matt de Boer HF: Danyle Pearce, Matthew Pavlich, Matt Taberner F: Zac Clarke, Chris Mayne, Michael Walters FOLL: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Stephen Hill I/C (from): Hayden Ballantyne, Michael Barlow, Lachie Neale, Clancee Pearce EMG: Hayden Crozier, Jack Hannath, Tendai Mzungu IN: Hayden Ballantyne OUT: Tendai Mzungu This year the Fremantle Dockers have been the AFL's wrecking machine, taking all before them often with sneering contempt for any weakness in their opposition. Unlike, the dour Freo sides of recent years they have been far more attacking this year but nevertheless are fully capable of suffocating the opposition when necessary as the Swans found out in the first half last week. Freo has a midfield that is virtually peerless in the competition and they are certainly not dependent upon their superstar mid, Nat Fyfe. They have a combination of size and speed in Michael Barlow, Stephen Hill, David Mundy and Lachie Neale and the onballers get great service from their ruck division of Laurie Sandilands and Zac Clark. And that's not all, because they are great in all key positions as well as the flanks and wings. So what chance is there then for Melbourne this week as it comes of the Anzac Eve high and returns to its more familiar territory in terms of time slots of a Sunday afternoon? The Demons were solid in their last outing against Richmond but have been forced to make three changes due to injuries. The result is that despite having recruited well and with some promising youngsters finding their way in the game, they will have to produce a mighty effort to beat the top-of-the-ladder Dockers. I think it would be premature to expect them to win this week. Fremantle by 25 points.

Whilst it's true that Richmond was in red hot form coming off a 79-point shellacking of Brisbane a week earlier, this week's opponent is absolutely white hot having demolished all before it this season including the Swans last week after a withering opening half. Before that, Ross Lyon's charges had beaten Port Adelaide in the season opener, Geelong at Simonds Stadium and crushed the Eagles in the local derby. That's a pretty comprehensive record against solid opposition in three of last year's finalists. Melbourne's task this week looks even more daunting when one looks at its incredibly dismal recent record against Fremantle. There was a time not all that long ago, when these teams had a reasonably even record in games against each other but since their meeting at the G in mid-2011 when Melbourne demolished an injury-depleted opposition by 79 points, it's been a one way street in favour of the purple army with five consecutive routs, the closest game being a 34 point win to the Dockers at Etihad in 2012. Since then, the Dees' highest score in four matches has been ... wait for it ... 40 points. For the record, here is the list of the last four strangulations inflicted upon them by Freo, the last three while Lyon has been the coach: R16, 2014, Fremantle 15.7 (97) d Melbourne 4.10 (34) at TIO Stadium R21, 2013, Fremantle 20.13 (133) d Melbourne 5.8 (38) at the MCG R9, 2013, Fremantle 19.16 (130) d Melbourne 6.4 (40) at Subiaco Oval R23, 2012, Fremantle 14.17 (101) d Melbourne 5.10 (40) at Subiaco Oval That's an incredible average of 5 goals 8 behinds 38 points a game at three different venues against a team that boasts one of the biggest, strongest and best midfields in the game, to say nothing of its defence which kept last year's grand finallist, a team with Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett in its forward line, down to one goal in the first half last week. Gasp. THE GAME Melbourne v Fremantle at the MCG Sunday 3 May 2015 at 1.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 13 wins Fremantle 19 wins At MCG: Melbourne 7 wins Fremantle 5 wins Last Five meetings: Melbourne 0 wins Fremantle 5 wins The Coaches: Roos 0 wins Lyon 1 win MEDIA TV - Fox Footy Channel at 1:00pm (live) Radio - SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Melbourne $4.85 to win Fremantle $1.15 to win LAST TIME THEY MET Fremantle 15.7.97 defeated Melbourne 4.10.34 at TIO Stadium, Round 16, 2014 The Demons were at a low ebb in terms of confidence and self-belief and put in a shocker against the Dockers managing only a single goal in the opening half at TIO Stadium. Looking at the match stats, it was little wonder that the defeat was so comprehensive - Freo won the disposal count (392-315); marks (95-71) and inside 50s (60-32). TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Colin Garland, Tom McDonald, Jeremy Howe HB: Christian Salem, Lynden Dunn, Jack Grimes C: Heritier Lumumba, Bernie Vince, Daniel Cross HF: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Jay Kennedy-Harris F: Jack Watts, Cameron Pedersen, Angus Brayshaw FOLL: Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson I/C: Jordie McKenzie, Viv Michie, Ben Newton, Aaron vandenBerg EMG: Aidan Riley, Jake Spencer, Billy Stretch IN: Jack Grimes, Jordie McKenzie, Cameron Pedersen OUT: Chris Dawes (calf), Neville Jetta (concussion), Dean Kent (hamstring) FREMANTLE B: Cameron Sutcliffe, Luke McPharlin, Lee Spurr HB: Garrick Ibbotson, Michael Johnson, Nick Suban C: Paul Duffield, Nat Fyfe, Matt de Boer HF: Danyle Pearce, Matthew Pavlich, Matt Taberner F: Zac Clarke, Chris Mayne, Michael Walters FOLL: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Stephen Hill I/C (from): Hayden Ballantyne, Michael Barlow, Lachie Neale, Clancee Pearce EMG: Hayden Crozier, Jack Hannath, Tendai Mzungu IN: Hayden Ballantyne OUT: Tendai Mzungu This year the Fremantle Dockers have been the AFL's wrecking machine, taking all before them often with sneering contempt for any weakness in their opposition. Unlike, the dour Freo sides of recent years they have been far more attacking this year but nevertheless are fully capable of suffocating the opposition when necessary as the Swans found out in the first half last week. Freo has a midfield that is virtually peerless in the competition and they are certainly not dependent upon their superstar mid, Nat Fyfe. They have a combination of size and speed in Michael Barlow, Stephen Hill, David Mundy and Lachie Neale and the onballers get great service from their ruck division of Laurie Sandilands and Zac Clark. And that's not all, because they are great in all key positions as well as the flanks and wings. So what chance is there then for Melbourne this week as it comes of the Anzac Eve high and returns to its more familiar territory in terms of time slots of a Sunday afternoon? The Demons were solid in their last outing against Richmond but have been forced to make three changes due to injuries. The result is that despite having recruited well and with some promising youngsters finding their way in the game, they will have to produce a mighty effort to beat the top-of-the-ladder Dockers. I think it would be premature to expect them to win this week. Fremantle by 25 points.

The Demons' second "home" game in Darwin was something of a disaster. The team was strangled by the Dockers defensive power and struggled to score all night. TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Colin Garland, James Frawley, Lynden Dunn HB: Jack Grimes, Tom McDonald, Jeremy Howe C: Jordie McKenzie, Bernie Vince, Jack Viney HF: Jack Watts, Cameron Pedersen, Matt Jones F: Rohan Bail, Chris Dawes, Max Gawn FOLL: Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson I/C: Dom Barry, Dean Kent, Christian Salem, Dean Terlich EMG: Alex Georgiou, Daniel Nicholson, Luke Tapscott IN: Tom McDonald, Jordie McKenzie OUT Neville Jetta (suspension), Daniel Nicholson (omitted) FREMANTLE B: Lee Spurr, Zac Dawson, Paul Duffield HB: Tendai Mzungu, Luke McPharlin, Garrick Ibbotson C: David Mundy, Ryan Crowley, Danyle Pearce HF: Cameron Sutcliffe, Chris Mayne, Colin Sylvia F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Stephen Hill FOLL: Aaron Sandilands, Nat Fyfe, Nick Suban I/C: Michael Barlow, Zac Clarke, Anthony Morabito, Lachie Neale EMG: Hayden Crozier, Clancee Pearce, Tommy Sheridan IN: Luke McPharlin, Anthony Morabito OUT: Matt Taberner (hamstring), Clancee Pearce (omitted)

NATURAL SELECTION by The Oracle Melbourne's third venture for the year into the Northern Territory has again ended in pain. All three matches, starting with a NAB Challenge game against Geelong in Alice Springs on 28 February and finishing with the Round 16 fixture against Fremantle in Darwin were defeats. The first saw an injury to key forward hopeful Jesse Hogan that severely curtailed the start of what is hoped to be a stellar career, the second (against Port Adelaide) showed hope of brighter things to come and the third was a major reality check that demonstrated how far the club must go to reach the dream of a finals appearance. Fittingly, in a place named after the great English naturalist whose evolutionary theory gave rise to the phrase "survival of the fittest", the two combatants, Melbourne and Fremantle played out their game as a demonstration of Darwinian theory. It doesn't really matter if the coach is Mark Neeld, Paul Roos or Ross Lyon. The rigours of learning the defensive style can be strength sapping from both a physical and mental perspective. The stronger, more experienced and classier sides will wear the other down and once that other's energy reserves are low it will pounce, strike and cut it down mercilessly as we saw with Fremantle. In this game, Melbourne barely lasted a quarter and a half. Last year's grand finallist has grasped the importance of finishing high in the top four and the previous evening's result with Hawthorn saw the doors open. Even without Pavlich and Hill, the Dockers were never going to let the opportunity out of their grasp. And, in the broader meaning of the word "fittest" (which covers more than simply the physical sense but all attributes required to be successful in the sport), that is exactly what they were - the fittest. So they wore the Demons out in the first half and crushed them in the second. The lesson for Melbourne is that having wasted substantial and significant opportunities in drafting and trading over the past decade, it needs to be right on the mark when the next round takes place. The defence looks solid but will possibly lose one of its number soon, the midfield is improving but still has a way to go and the forward line ... well, just take a look at the scoreboard. At least one third to one half of the current list fails to come up to the standard by which we require players to be defined as "the fittest". The club must discover and develop its own species like Nathan Fyfes if it is to find its way to the top echelons and therefore many on the current list be be gone before the Demons next challenge for a finals berth. Melbourne0.2.2 1.5.11 3.7.25 4.10.34 Fremantle 2.1.13 6.3.39 13.5.83 15.7.97 Goals Melbourne Bail Dawes Jamar Kent Fremantle Ballantyne 3 Clarke Mzungu D Pearce 2 Barlow Mayne Neale Sandilands Suban Sutcliffe Best Melbourne McDonald M Jones Vince N Jones Tyson Frawley Fremantle Fyfe Barlow Neale Ibbotson Muzungu Suban Injuries Melbourne Nil Fremantle Clancee Pearce Changes Melbourne Nil Fremantle Matthew Pavlich by Michael Apeness Reports Melbourne Nil Fremantle Nil Umpires Jeff Dalgleish, Dean Margetts, Jordan Bannister. Crowd 9,290 at TIO Stadium Darwin

6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ...

Melbourne's third venture for the year into the Northern Territory has again ended in pain. All three matches, starting with a NAB Challenge game against Geelong in Alice Springs on 28 February and finishing with the Round 16 fixture against Fremantle in Darwin were defeats. The first saw an injury to key forward hopeful Jesse Hogan that severely curtailed the start of what is hoped to be a stellar career, the second (against Port Adelaide) showed hope of brighter things to come and the third was a major reality check that demonstrated how far the club must go to reach the dream of a finals appearance. Fittingly, in a place named after the great English naturalist whose evolutionary theory gave rise to the phrase "survival of the fittest", the two combatants, Melbourne and Fremantle played out their game as a demonstration of Darwinian theory. It doesn't really matter if the coach is Mark Neeld, Paul Roos or Ross Lyon. The rigours of learning the defensive style can be strength sapping from both a physical and mental perspective. The stronger, more experienced and classier sides will wear the other down and once that other's energy reserves are low it will pounce, strike and cut it down mercilessly as we saw with Fremantle. In this game, Melbourne barely lasted a quarter and a half. Last year's grand finallist has grasped the importance of finishing high in the top four and the previous evening's result with Hawthorn saw the doors open. Even without Pavlich and Hill, the Dockers were never going to let the opportunity out of their grasp. And, in the broader meaning of the word "fittest" (which covers more than simply the physical sense but all attributes required to be successful in the sport), that is exactly what they were - the fittest. So they wore the Demons out in the first half and crushed them in the second. The lesson for Melbourne is that having wasted substantial and significant opportunities in drafting and trading over the past decade, it needs to be right on the mark when the next round takes place. The defence looks solid but will possibly lose one of its number soon, the midfield is improving but still has a way to go and the forward line ... well, just take a look at the scoreboard. At least one third to one half of the current list fails to come up to the standard by which we require players to be defined as "the fittest". The club must discover and develop its own species like Nathan Fyfes if it is to find its way to the top echelons and therefore many on the current list be be gone before the Demons next challenge for a finals berth. Melbourne0.2.2 1.5.11 3.7.25 4.10.34 Fremantle 2.1.13 6.3.39 13.5.83 15.7.97 Goals Melbourne Bail Dawes Jamar Kent Fremantle Ballantyne 3 Clarke Mzungu D Pearce 2 Barlow Mayne Neale Sandilands Suban Sutcliffe Best Melbourne McDonald M Jones Vince N Jones Tyson Frawley Fremantle Fyfe Barlow Neale Ibbotson Muzungu Suban Injuries Melbourne Nil Fremantle Clancee Pearce Changes Melbourne Nil Fremantle Matthew Pavlich by Michael Apeness Reports Melbourne Nil Fremantle Nil Umpires Jeff Dalgleish, Dean Margetts, Jordan Bannister. Crowd 9,290 at TIO Stadium Darwin

I just realised there's a game on tonight ... and with Hawthorn's demise last night, the Dockers have even more incentive (if any was needed) to not only win but to win well. A win of the magnitude of the 15 goal bashing they inflicted on us a little over 12 months ago (of which we're constantly reminded by the idiot in the airport parking radio ad on SEN) would put the Dockers in with a chance to grab a top two spot sooner or later in the season. For our part, I'm hoping that we can return to the intensity displayed the last time we visited the Northern Territory when we played Port Adelaide (except for the first and last 15 minutes of that game). Is it too much to ask?

SITTIN' ON THE DOCK OF A DARWIN BAY by The Oracle Saturday night was once reserved as the one night of the week when you would go out to the movies but these days the cinema houses have competition. For example, the opportunity presents itself this week for a night of excitement in front of the television set watching a blockbuster game between the Paul Roos coached Demons and Ross Lyons' Purple Haze played at the country's Top End in front of an estimated crowd of hopefully more than seven thousand. That would be about 20% of the number that turned out to watch last Sunday's game between Carlton and Collingwood but you can bet that Melbourne President Glenn Bartlett won't be complaining or cheekily asking the AFL for compensation like Eddie McGuire. Instead, he'll either be counting his money thanks to the Northern Territory's generous sponsorship of the Demons' two match journey into its neck of the woods or, even more likely, he'll be fast asleep bored out of his brain as a result of a festival of two and a half hours of dour, defensive football. And at the end of that game, because the Dockers are more experienced and have players who possess superior skills, there won't be any stirring renditions of "Its a Grand Old Flag" to wake us all up. In fact, I'm finding it difficult to see where the Demons can expect any joy out of their next three week horror stretch of Fremantle, Geelong and Port Adelaide with Hawthorn to come a fortnight later. In their last two matches, they have blighted their performances with some abysmal passages of play where they leaked goals like a sieve and that was against the Kangaroos and the Bulldogs which are both inconsistent sides. What awaits now are a trio of ruthless top four contenders whose players work hard whether or not the ball is in their possession. They rarely make mistakes or turn the ball over. Melbourne needs to work harder, work better and make the right decisions. We can only hope the players can return to the level of intensity that they produced for a large percentage of their last game in the Territory when they worked Port Adelaide to the limit. Unless they do so, things might get ugly. THE GAME Melbourne v Fremantle at TIO Stadium Saturday 5 July 2014 at 7.40pm (AEST) HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 13 wins Fremantle 18 wins At TIO Stadium: Melbourne 0 wins Fremantle 0 wins Last Five Years: Melbourne 1 wins Fremantle 4 wins The Coaches: Lyon 0 wins Roos 0 wins MEDIA TV Fox Sports 3 at 7:30pm AEST (live) Radio - SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Melbourne $7.50 to win Fremantle $1.09 to win LAST TIME THEY MET Fremantle 20.13.133 defeated Melbourne 5.8.38 at the MCG in Round 21, 2013 Dean Kent kicked Melbourne's first goal of the game two minutes into the second quarter by which time the Dockers were already well in front. Nothing much changed after that and the rest was a procession. TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Colin Garland, James Frawley, Lynden Dunn HB: Jack Grimes, Tom McDonald, Jeremy Howe C: Jordie McKenzie, Bernie Vince, Jack Viney HF: Jack Watts, Cameron Pedersen, Matt Jones F: Rohan Bail, Chris Dawes, Max Gawn FOLL: Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson I/C: Dom Barry, Dean Kent, Christian Salem, Dean Terlich EMG: Alex Georgiou, Daniel Nicholson, Luke Tapscott IN: Tom McDonald, Jordie McKenzie OUT Neville Jetta (suspension), Daniel Nicholson (omitted) FREMANTLE B: Lee Spurr, Zac Dawson, Paul Duffield HB: Tendai Mzungu, Luke McPharlin, Garrick Ibbotson C: David Mundy, Ryan Crowley, Danyle Pearce HF: Cameron Sutcliffe, Chris Mayne, Colin Sylvia F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Stephen Hill FOLL: Aaron Sandilands, Nat Fyfe, Nick Suban I/C: Michael Barlow, Zac Clarke, Anthony Morabito, Lachie Neale EMG: Hayden Crozier, Clancee Pearce, Tommy Sheridan IN: Luke McPharlin, Anthony Morabito OUT: Matt Taberner (hamstring), Clancee Pearce (omitted) THE STATISTICS: ROUNDS 1 to 15 by Sam the Stats Man Melbourne has doubled the number of wins it achieved in 2013 but that's coming off a low base. It also has a much improved percentage - the team hasn't been belted about as it was in 2012/13 and things would have been much better on that front but for one major breakdown early in the season against the West Coast Eagles. The club has suffered from injury. The lack of fit ruckmen and key position players in the early stages of the season hurt it badly. Mitch Clark's retirement and Jesse Hogan's lingering back injury devastated its attacking stocks. Things certainly could have turned out differently for Melbourne had they been available on a regular basis. BAIL, Rohan MFC 14 games, 6 goals. Continued his excellent recovery from recent concussion issues and has played every game to date. BARRY, Dom MFC 1 game, 0 goals, CFC 8 games, 3 goals. Came back from some early season injury issues to break into the Melbourne team as a sub last weekend. BLEASE, Sam CFC 11 games, 6 goals. Continues struggle to gain promotion despite some good recent form with the Scorpions. BYRNES, Shannon MFC 6 games, 5 goals, CFC 2 games, 3 goals. Season ending injury has surely put an end to his career at Melbourne. CLARK, Mitch (retired) CLISBY, Mitch CFC 6 games, 1 goal. Returned to the VFL at the weekend after several weeks lay off with injury. CROSS, Daniel MFC 13 games, 1 goal. Was having a stellar season until he broke his leg against the Kangaroos. DAWES, Chris MFC 10 games, 15 goals. Added size, grunt and physical presence to the forward line on his return from injury. DUNN, Lynden MFC 14 games, 3 goals. In close to All-Australian form and a revelation in defence. EVANS, Michael MFC 3 games, 1 goal, CFC 7 games, 4 goals. Struggling for the necessary consistency to gain AFL selection. FITZPATRICK, Jack MFC 3 games, 0 goals, CFC 9 games, 8 goals. Hasn't kicked on from the promising form he showed last year. FRAWLEY, James MFC 13 games, 12 goals. Moved forward early in the season to cover the club's shortage of talls in that area and has experienced mixed success. GARLAND, Colin MFC 7 games, 0 goals, CFC 3 games, 1 goal, CFC DL 1 game, 0 goals. Had a slow start after pre-season surgery but is starting to show some of his old form. GAWN, Max MFC 4 games, 2 goals, CFC 5 games, 0 goals. Big man on a long learning curve. GEORGIOU, Alex ® MFC 7 games, 0 goals, CFC 6 games, 0 goals. Locked into the VFL after some good early signs in defence for Melbourne. GRIMES, Jack MFC 14 games, 3 goals. Showing some good composure as co-skipper with Nathan Jones. HARMES, James ® CFC 8 games, 1 goal, CFC DL 1 game, 1 goal. Some promising signs from the rookie midfielder. HOGAN, Jesse (injured - yet to play) HOWE, Jeremy MFC 14 games, 2 goals. Has relished playing in defence where he had been very solid. HUNT, Jayden CFC 6 games, 1 goal, CFC DL 1 game, 0 goals. Season curtailed by a back injury. JAMAR, Mark MFC 9 games, 5 goals, CFC 3 games, 2 goals. Has returned to near his career best after a slow start coming back from injury. JETTA, Neville ® MFC 9 games, 1 goal, CFC 2 games, 2 goals. Has been in career best form but will sit out the game on Saturday night due to suspension. JONES, Matthew MFC 14 games, 3 goals. Goes about his work with the minimum of fuss. JONES, Nathan MFC 14 games, 6 goals. Still the heart and soul of the club. KENNEDY-HARRIS MFC 11 games, 7 goals, CFC 3 games, 1 goal. Had a good start to the season but tired a little and was sent to Casey where he did well last week. KENT, Dean MFC 5 games, 3 goals, CFC 3 games, 4 goals. Developing player who has shown some good signs. KING, Max ® CFC 3 games, 0 goals, CFC DL 1 game, 2 goals. Coming back from a long injury lay off. McDONALD, Tom MFC 13 games, 0 goals. Improving key defender who was missed last week. MCKENZIE, Jordie MFC 4 games, 0 goals, CFC 6 games, 1 goal. Struggled for games but did well as a tagger once he fought his way back into the team only to incur a suspension which kept him out last week. MICHIE, Viv MFC 2 games, 0 goals, CFC 7 games, 2 goals. Battling for senior selection after missing some games through injury. NICHOLSON, Daniel MFC 1 game, 0 goals, CFC 9 games, 2 goals. Took a long time to break into the team and was fortunate to do so on the back of the McKenzie suspension. PEDERSEN, Cameron MFC 14 games, 11 goals. One of the club's biggest improvers under Roos. RILEY, Aidan MFC 3 games, 2 goals, CFC 7 games, 0 goals. Has shown some glimpses after a delayed start in rehab from serious injuries incurred last year. SALEM, Christian MFC 9 games, 6 goals, CFC 3 games, 3 goals. Showing some promising signs in his first season. SPENCER, Jake MFC 5 games, 0 goals. Held the big man department early but his season is now over due to a long term injury. STRAUSS, James CFC 10 games, 1 goal. Battling at Casey. TAPSCOTT, Luke CFC 8 games, 4 goals. In much the same boat as Strauss. TERLICH, Dean MFC 12 games, 2 goals, CFC 1 game, 0 goals. Hasn't attained last year's high standards but is still thereabouts. TOUMPAS, Jimmy MFC 4 games, 2 goals, CFC 10 games, 2 goals. Disappointing with slow development but has time on his side. TRENGOVE, Jack MFC 2 games, 0 goals, CFC 2 games, 1 goal. A broken navicular ended his season early. TYSON, Dom MFC 14 games, 9 goals. Has had a great initiation in his first year at the club. VINCE, Bernie MFC 14 games, 9 goals. Is having an excellent season and is one of the best acquisitions for the club in years. VINEY, Jack MFC 12 games, 4 goals. Coming along nicely. WATTS, Jack MFC 14 games, 11 goals. Seems more comfortable this year and continues his slow improvement. WESTRUPP, Maia CFC DL 9 games, 0 goals. International rookie still learning the ropes in the development league.

Saturday night was once reserved as the one night of the week when you would go out to the movies but these days the cinema houses have competition. For example, the opportunity presents itself this week for a night of excitement in front of the television set watching a blockbuster game between the Paul Roos coached Demons and Ross Lyons' Purple Haze played at the country's Top End in front of an estimated crowd of hopefully more than seven thousand. That would be about 20% of the number that turned out to watch last Sunday's game between Carlton and Collingwood but you can bet that Melbourne President Glenn Bartlett won't be complaining or cheekily asking the AFL for compensation like Eddie McGuire. Instead, he'll either be counting his money thanks to the Northern Territory's generous sponsorship of the Demons' two match journey into its neck of the woods or, even more likely, he'll be fast asleep bored out of his brain as a result of a festival of two and a half hours of dour, defensive football. And at the end of that game, because the Dockers are more experienced and have players who possess superior skills, there won't be any stirring renditions of "Its a Grand Old Flag" to wake us all up. In fact, I'm finding it difficult to see where the Demons can expect any joy out of their next three week horror stretch of Fremantle, Geelong and Port Adelaide with Hawthorn to come a fortnight later. In their last two matches, they have blighted their performances with some abysmal passages of play where they leaked goals like a sieve and that was against the Kangaroos and the Bulldogs which are both inconsistent sides. What awaits now are a trio of ruthless top four contenders whose players work hard whether or not the ball is in their possession. They rarely make mistakes or turn the ball over. Melbourne needs to work harder, work better and make the right decisions. We can only hope the players can return to the level of intensity that they produced for a large percentage of their last game in the Territory when they worked Port Adelaide to the limit. Unless they do so, things might get ugly. THE GAME Melbourne v Fremantle at TIO Stadium Saturday 5 July 2014 at 7.40pm (AEST) HEAD TO HEAD Overall: Melbourne 13 wins Fremantle 18 wins At TIO Stadium: Melbourne 0 wins Fremantle 0 wins Last Five Years: Melbourne 1 wins Fremantle 4 wins The Coaches: Lyon 0 wins Roos 0 wins MEDIA TV Fox Sports 3 at 7:30pm AEST (live) Radio - SEN ABC ABC Grandstand THE BETTING Melbourne $7.50 to win Fremantle $1.09 to win LAST TIME THEY MET Fremantle 20.13.133 defeated Melbourne 5.8.38 at the MCG in Round 21, 2013 Dean Kent kicked Melbourne's first goal of the game two minutes into the second quarter by which time the Dockers were already well in front. Nothing much changed after that and the rest was a procession. TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Colin Garland, James Frawley, Lynden Dunn HB: Jack Grimes, Tom McDonald, Jeremy Howe C: Jordie McKenzie, Bernie Vince, Jack Viney HF: Jack Watts, Cameron Pedersen, Matt Jones F: Rohan Bail, Chris Dawes, Max Gawn FOLL: Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones, Dom Tyson I/C: Dom Barry, Dean Kent, Christian Salem, Dean Terlich EMG: Alex Georgiou, Daniel Nicholson, Luke Tapscott IN: Tom McDonald, Jordie McKenzie OUT Neville Jetta (suspension), Daniel Nicholson (omitted) FREMANTLE B: Lee Spurr, Zac Dawson, Paul Duffield HB: Tendai Mzungu, Luke McPharlin, Garrick Ibbotson C: David Mundy, Ryan Crowley, Danyle Pearce HF: Cameron Sutcliffe, Chris Mayne, Colin Sylvia F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Stephen Hill FOLL: Aaron Sandilands, Nat Fyfe, Nick Suban I/C: Michael Barlow, Zac Clarke, Anthony Morabito, Lachie Neale EMG: Hayden Crozier, Clancee Pearce, Tommy Sheridan IN: Luke McPharlin, Anthony Morabito OUT: Matt Taberner (hamstring), Clancee Pearce (omitted) THE STATISTICS: ROUNDS 1 to 15 by Sam the Stats Man Melbourne has doubled the number of wins it achieved in 2013 but that's coming off a low base. It also has a much improved percentage - the team hasn't been belted about as it was in 2012/13 and things would have been much better on that front but for one major breakdown early in the season against the West Coast Eagles. The club has suffered from injury. The lack of fit ruckmen and key position players in the early stages of the season hurt it badly. Mitch Clark's retirement and Jesse Hogan's lingering back injury devastated its attacking stocks. Things certainly could have turned out differently for Melbourne had they been available on a regular basis. BAIL, Rohan MFC 14 games, 6 goals. Continued his excellent recovery from recent concussion issues and has played every game to date. BARRY, Dom MFC 1 game, 0 goals, CFC 8 games, 3 goals. Came back from some early season injury issues to break into the Melbourne team as a sub last weekend. BLEASE, Sam CFC 11 games, 6 goals. Continues struggle to gain promotion despite some good recent form with the Scorpions. BYRNES, Shannon MFC 6 games, 5 goals, CFC 2 games, 3 goals. Season ending injury has surely put an end to his career at Melbourne. CLARK, Mitch (retired) CLISBY, Mitch CFC 6 games, 1 goal. Returned to the VFL at the weekend after several weeks lay off with injury. CROSS, Daniel MFC 13 games, 1 goal. Was having a stellar season until he broke his leg against the Kangaroos. DAWES, Chris MFC 10 games, 15 goals. Added size, grunt and physical presence to the forward line on his return from injury. DUNN, Lynden MFC 14 games, 3 goals. In close to All-Australian form and a revelation in defence. EVANS, Michael MFC 3 games, 1 goal, CFC 7 games, 4 goals. Struggling for the necessary consistency to gain AFL selection. FITZPATRICK, Jack MFC 3 games, 0 goals, CFC 9 games, 8 goals. Hasn't kicked on from the promising form he showed last year. FRAWLEY, James MFC 13 games, 12 goals. Moved forward early in the season to cover the club's shortage of talls in that area and has experienced mixed success. GARLAND, Colin MFC 7 games, 0 goals, CFC 3 games, 1 goal, CFC DL 1 game, 0 goals. Had a slow start after pre-season surgery but is starting to show some of his old form. GAWN, Max MFC 4 games, 2 goals, CFC 5 games, 0 goals. Big man on a long learning curve. GEORGIOU, Alex ® MFC 7 games, 0 goals, CFC 6 games, 0 goals. Locked into the VFL after some good early signs in defence for Melbourne. GRIMES, Jack MFC 14 games, 3 goals. Showing some good composure as co-skipper with Nathan Jones. HARMES, James ® CFC 8 games, 1 goal, CFC DL 1 game, 1 goal. Some promising signs from the rookie midfielder. HOGAN, Jesse (injured - yet to play) HOWE, Jeremy MFC 14 games, 2 goals. Has relished playing in defence where he had been very solid. HUNT, Jayden CFC 6 games, 1 goal, CFC DL 1 game, 0 goals. Season curtailed by a back injury. JAMAR, Mark MFC 9 games, 5 goals, CFC 3 games, 2 goals. Has returned to near his career best after a slow start coming back from injury. JETTA, Neville ® MFC 9 games, 1 goal, CFC 2 games, 2 goals. Has been in career best form but will sit out the game on Saturday night due to suspension. JONES, Matthew MFC 14 games, 3 goals. Goes about his work with the minimum of fuss. JONES, Nathan MFC 14 games, 6 goals. Still the heart and soul of the club. KENNEDY-HARRIS MFC 11 games, 7 goals, CFC 3 games, 1 goal. Had a good start to the season but tired a little and was sent to Casey where he did well last week. KENT, Dean MFC 5 games, 3 goals, CFC 3 games, 4 goals. Developing player who has shown some good signs. KING, Max ® CFC 3 games, 0 goals, CFC DL 1 game, 2 goals. Coming back from a long injury lay off. McDONALD, Tom MFC 13 games, 0 goals. Improving key defender who was missed last week. MCKENZIE, Jordie MFC 4 games, 0 goals, CFC 6 games, 1 goal. Struggled for games but did well as a tagger once he fought his way back into the team only to incur a suspension which kept him out last week. MICHIE, Viv MFC 2 games, 0 goals, CFC 7 games, 2 goals. Battling for senior selection after missing some games through injury. NICHOLSON, Daniel MFC 1 game, 0 goals, CFC 9 games, 2 goals. Took a long time to break into the team and was fortunate to do so on the back of the McKenzie suspension. PEDERSEN, Cameron MFC 14 games, 11 goals. One of the club's biggest improvers under Roos. RILEY, Aidan MFC 3 games, 2 goals, CFC 7 games, 0 goals. Has shown some glimpses after a delayed start in rehab from serious injuries incurred last year. SALEM, Christian MFC 9 games, 6 goals, CFC 3 games, 3 goals. Showing some promising signs in his first season. SPENCER, Jake MFC 5 games, 0 goals. Held the big man department early but his season is now over due to a long term injury. STRAUSS, James CFC 10 games, 1 goal. Battling at Casey. TAPSCOTT, Luke CFC 8 games, 4 goals. In much the same boat as Strauss. TERLICH, Dean MFC 12 games, 2 goals, CFC 1 game, 0 goals. Hasn't attained last year's high standards but is still thereabouts. TOUMPAS, Jimmy MFC 4 games, 2 goals, CFC 10 games, 2 goals. Disappointing with slow development but has time on his side. TRENGOVE, Jack MFC 2 games, 0 goals, CFC 2 games, 1 goal. A broken navicular ended his season early. TYSON, Dom MFC 14 games, 9 goals. Has had a great initiation in his first year at the club. VINCE, Bernie MFC 14 games, 9 goals. Is having an excellent season and is one of the best acquisitions for the club in years. VINEY, Jack MFC 12 games, 4 goals. Coming along nicely. WATTS, Jack MFC 14 games, 11 goals. Seems more comfortable this year and continues his slow improvement. WESTRUPP, Maia CFC DL 9 games, 0 goals. International rookie still learning the ropes in the development league.

They were never going to influence the final outcome of the game because Fremantle were simply far too good. But the three sight-impaired gentlemen in the spiffy bright green and grey gear certainly welcomed our interstate visitors with a red carpet reception and rained free kick after free kick upon them early in the game so that they got the start they wanted. At one stage the Dockers had 5 free kicks to none and 15 inside 50s before the Demons went forward. It was all so Schmitt House. The Dees were appalling of course and by the time they were ready to play, they were a trifle shell-shocked. There was a brief interlude in the second term when Melbourne was competitive but a few mishaps, obtuse bounces and no luck whatsoever saw Fremantle rack up five goals in six or seven minutes in mid quarter and it was all over red and blue rover. Still, the Demons might have won the quarter had Shannon Byrnes' shot after the siren hit the mark but, let's face it, he kicked 1 goal from six shots last week and the only pass of his that hit someone's chest today found a purple and white jumper. Talk about bad bounces and rotten luck. By half time, Melbourne had lost Sam Blease (subbed off with an ankle injury) and a minute or two later James Strauss was in the dug out with a shoulder injury. And so it came to pass that after the break, Freo was too strong, fast and fit for the Dees who didn't have enough men to rotate and their crowning achievement was to avoid losing by 100 points but that was a feat that failed to keep many of the 13,768 fans at the ground for the duration. The football special to Sandringham was half empty when it departed Richmond Station with at least half of the passengers having come from other parts. You could tell the footy goers. They wore the colours red and blue and their faces were hidden by cupped hands all the way home. Strangely enough, the free kick stats almost evened up by the end of the day but the reality was that the stuff Melbourne got late in the game was insignificant and was never going to make any difference. Jack Viney put his hand up for a NAB Rising Star nomination (although Brodie Grundy will probably get it because he's Collingwood and they have 80k members). Jack Trengove stood up well and Lynden Dunn was good. Most of the rest had rings run around them. The midfield coach and the fitness people would be looking over their shoulders when the reshuffle comes and when the Demons next come back to the MCG in March or April, 2014 its likely that things will be a little different. And if Melbourne doesn't qualify for a priority pick at the end of the season, the AFL is not serious. Melbourne 0.2.2 4.5.29 5.7.37 5.8.38 Fremantle 4.5.29 9.6.60 14.11.95 20.13.133 Goals Melbourne Davis Fitzpatrick Howe Kent Viney Fremantle Ballantyne Pavlich 4 Hill Mayne 2 Clarke Fyfe D Pearce Sandilands Sheridan Silvagni, Spurr Walters Best Melbourne Viney Trengove Dunn McKenzie Sylvia Watts Fremantle Clarke Mundy D Pearce Pavlich Ballantyne, Crowley Sandilands (cut left eye/concussion), Dawson (left elbow), Ballantyne (right arm) Injuries Melbourne Blease (ankle) Garland (jaw) Spencer (cut elbow) Strauss (shoulder) Fremantle Sandilands (cut left eye/concussion), Dawson (elbow), Ballantyne (arm) Changes Melbourne Nil Fremantle Nil Reports Melbourne Nil Fremantle Nil Umpires Fila Burgess Schmitt Official Attendance 13,768 at the MCG