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Melbourne stormed to its twelfth win for the 2022 season after finally putting the Crows away in the final quarter of their clash at Adelaide Oval.

The 29-point victory was by no means an easy one for the Demons who went into the game without a recognised ruck and a forward line with a solitary tall. It was a tough slog but they managed to get away with what was a comfortable win in the end thanks to the efforts of Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver and Ed Langdon. MELBOURNE 5.1.31 6.3.39 9.9.63 14.10.94

 ADELAIDE 4.0.24 6.2.38 7.4.46 10.5.65 THE TEAMS ADELAIDE B: T.Doedee 39 J.Butts 41 C.Jones 1 HB: Smith 33 N.Murray 28 J.Dawson 12 C: J.Hately 6 R.Laird 29 M.Hinge 20 HF: J.Rachele 8 D.Fogarty 32 J.Soligo 14 F: L.Murphy 4 T.Walker 13 J.Rowe 31 Foll: R.O'Brien 43 B.Keays 2 S.Berry 21 IC: W.Milera 30 P.Parnell 37 H.Schoenberg 26 R.Thilthorpe 
Sub: L.Sholl 38 Emerg: T.Newchurch 42 M.Crouch 5 L.Gollant 44 In: L.Murphy L.Sholl R.Thilthorpe Out: W.Hamill (concussion) S.McAdam (ankle) N.McHenry (knee) MELBOURNE B: S.May 1 H.Petty 35 M.Hibberd 14 HB: J.Bowey 17 J.Lever 8 C.Salem 3 C: A.Brayshaw 10 C.Oliver 13 E.Langdon 15 HF: J.Harmes 4 B.Fritsch 31 A.Neal-Bullen 30 F: K.Pickett 36 B.Brown 50 T.Bedford 12 Foll: S.Weideman 26 C.Petracca 5 J.Viney 7 I/C: J.Jordon 23 C.Spargo 9 T.Sparrow 32 M.Brown 38
Sub: A.Tomlinson 20 Emerg: J.Hunt 29 J.Melksham 18 J.Van Rooyen 21 In: M.Brown A.Tomlinson Out: J.Hunt (omitted) L.Jackson (knee)

It was a game of great significance for the Melbourne Football Club. A win would see them keep top spot on the ladder with one round remaining. To achieve top place in the Round for Reach when we are all inspired to “Be Like Jim” and reach for the stars was a great way of honouring one of our heroes. All the better given that it was done by way of an emphatic 41 point win against Adelaide! It is worth remembering that, but for the umpiring mistake in the previous encounter with the Crows, the Demons might well have had top place for the season already sown up. As in that game, Adelaide sought to bring Melbourne down to its level with scrappy contested stoppage ball, a tactic that worked for a good part of the game with the Demons only leading by nine points at ¼ time. While they extended that to 21 points at half time, they only managed to increase the margin to 23 by the final break. In fact, during the third term, the margin was brought back to three points after the Crows scored the first three goals. At this time Max Gawn simply decided that enough was enough and began to pile on the pressure. By the end of the game he had amassed an incredible ten clearances, most of which were penetrating kicks into the forward line. This came on top of his 27 hit-outs. It is fair to note that Adelaide were without their first line ruck in O’Brien and could only put up Strahan who was playing his second game. In addition, Melbourne’s second ruck in Luke Jackson was equally damaging and matched Max’s game with 19 hitouts, 16 disposals and two goals. His athleticism is extraordinary and with this performance has surely sewn up the AFL’s Rising Star award for 2021. Melbourne blew the game wide open in the final quarter, which was not unexpected, save for those people seriously affected by the negative supporter’s syndrome. It was almost a repeat for Adelaide who last week held Port until 10 minutes into the final quarter then collapsed. This week the collapse came courtesy of one Bayley Fritsch who kicked Melbournes last five goals to finish with seven for the game and reach a total of 46 for the season. To put that in perspective, he’s on only four less than Geelong’s Tom Hawkins! The backline was less settled this week, following the late withdrawal of Steven May who was replaced by Joel Smith. Smith did an okay job, but without the marshalling of May and his direction to fellow defenders, things looked a bit frayed around the edges. The defence lost the kick-in surety and distance of May, around which it has built its strategy for exiting the defensive 50m. Fortunately, Adelaide lost its main target in the first quarter in Himmelberg, and of course without Tex Walker, the whole job was left to Fogarty who finished with 3 majors. Next week and into finals, Melbourne can’t afford to give the opposition that level of freedom and May will be a certain inclusion for the next game. Some degree of slack was picked up by Bowey, Rivers and Petty, none of who are yet to hit 21 years. Bowey 18 touches, Rivers 16 (15 kicks) and Petty with 11 of which 8 were intercepts. Christian Salem looked to be more at ease physically, and he racked up 29 touches with 20 of those being his customary accurate kicks. And Jake Lever was always thereabouts with his exquisite intercepts. The mids did what they had to do, but went through phases when there simply wasn’t enough pressure. James Harmes will surely lose his centre bounce role to Jack Viney next week, as he struggles to keep control of his man when needed, and his kicking and skill level was simply sub-standard in situations where there was zero pressure. However, he is unlikely to be dropped as Tom Sparrow had a shocker as well, although putting on seven tackles. But this can only be expected of a young player. He will be better for the experience. Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver were their usual starring selves, and did what was needed when required. Petracca finished with a couple of goals, and if Clarrie could improve his kicking in front of goal, he would have jagged a couple as well, but put them to the wrong side of the big sticks. On the wings, the game might as well have been played to the old VFL or the AFLW rules, with 1 less winger. Langdon and Seedsman on one side totaled 63 touches between them, and it could be argued who was the most effective. Up forward, we have mentioned Fritsch, who has simply blossomed with the presence of Ben Brown. Not having to take the big defender leaves him free, and Brown is a master of running first class forward leading patterns. No small wonder Fritsch finds himself all alone or one on one with the number 2 or 3 defender. Kysaiah Pickett chipped in for a single along with Charlie Spargo and both were busy and workmanlike. Unfortunately, Jake Melksham reverted to type with half paced efforts resulting in only 7 touches for the game, and conceding stupid frees, the likes of which will cost the side dearly in the pressure cooker environment of finals. Tom McDonald should take his spot in the side for the coming game. Something special is now within reach. Still there is work to be done next week, to guarantee that home final (wherever that may be) rather than a trip to Adelaide Oval. All the side can do is keep winning, and continue to honour Big Jim and reach upward for the stars. MELBOURNE 3.3.21 7.4.46 12.7.79 16.8.104 ADELAIDE 1.6.12 3.7.25 8.8.56 9.9.63 GOALS Melbourne Fritsch 7 Brown Jackson Petracca 2 Melksham Pickett Spargo Adelaide Fogarty 3 McAdam 2 Lynch McKay Murphy Seedsmam BEST Melbourne Fritsch Jackson Salem Petracca Langdon Oliver Adelaide Seedsman Sloane Keays Fogarty Laird INJURIES Melbourne S. May (general soreness) replaced by J. Smith Adelaide E. Himmelberg (hamstring) REPORTS Melbourne Nil Adelaide Nil SUBSTITUTES Melbourne A. vandenBerg (unused) Adelaide L. Sholl (replaced E. Himmelberg) UMPIRES: Chris Donlon Leigh Haussen Robert Findlay Official Crowd 0 at The MCG Support the Reach Foundation - https://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/999089/get-your-be-like-jim-badge

A lot of water has passed under Princes Bridge in the five years since Melbourne last met Adelaide on the MCG. The Crows were riding high at the time while the Demons were mid-table and scrambling for a win to stay in the race for the finals. The 30,000 fans who had tickets to the game were thoroughly entertained by a close, high scoring affair that ended in tears for fans of the home team. Not even an eight-goal second term could help them. Times have changed. In the first instance, the plague and subsequent lockdown have meant there are no tickets available for Sunday’s game. The sweeping stands of the MCG will be empty, bereft of fans. The home team is marching into the penultimate game of the regular season well entrenched in the top four. On the other hand, their opponents are struggling not only in terms of ladder position but also in their personnel and the mindset they will bring across border for the coming contest. The Crows are reeling in the wake of the Tex Walker racism crisis which was poorly handled by the club and its former captain despite the best efforts of coach Matthew Nicks to bring some sense into the situation. The fiasco leaves the club without their key goal-kicking forward but also divided over an issue that should long ago have been dead and buried but in the despairing words of Carlton’s Eddie Betts, a former Adelaide teammate of Walker, "It keeps happening!" There are no tickets for that train ride; it must be stopped dead in its tracks - now! The loss of Walker is compounded by a knee injury to ruckman Reilly O’Brien and concussions to defenders Brodie Smith and Will Hamill (experienced duo Matt Crouch and Daniel Talia have already been ruled out for the season). And while bitter experience (some of which is very recent) tells us that you can’t take for granted the weakness of a wounded opponent, it’s hard to comprehend the possibility of the same outcome as the shock one point victory that Adelaide managed to inflict less than three months ago. No crowd noise, no hometown decisions and no complacency from the Demons who have been stung enough by lowly sides this year. Melbourne will miss a few of its regulars too. Jayden Hunt will miss a month with the ankle injury incurred against the Eagles, the indications are that Tom McDonald still won’t be ready while Jack Viney has a game to serve off his recent suspension. However, this is where the Demons’ depth will come to the fore. That depth begins with its midfield stocks where the likes of ruckman Max Gawn and Luke Jackson combined with Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca are augmented by James Harmes, the emerging James Jordon and Tom Sparrow and wingmen Angus Brayshaw and Ed Langdon. This is an exciting team with a strong defensive formation and is waiting for the day to come when the forwards hone in on the big sticks to take the next big step. There’s promise of further excitement to come and it truly is a pity there are no tickets available for patrons to see the game. Despite that, the fans will not stay home and do nothing on yet another lockdown Sunday. Rather, they will find a screen somewhere to watch Melbourne ride all the way to a big victory. I can already see it clearly through the glass lens of my crystal ball - Demons by 65 points. THE GAME Melbourne v Adelaide at the MCG on Sunday 15 August, 2021 at 2.10pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall - Melbourne 16 wins Adelaide 26 wins At MCG - Melbourne 7 wins Adelaide 7 wins Past five meetings - Melbourne 3 wins Adelaide 2 wins The Coaches - Simon Goodwin 1 win Matthew Nicks 1 win MEDIA TV - live and on demand on Kayo and live on Foxtel - Check your local guides. Radio - check your local guides. THE LAST TIME THEY MET Adelaide 15.5.95 defeated Melbourne 14.10.94 in Round 10, 2021 at the Adelaide Oval In a major upset, the Crows came from behind to win the game with some big goals late in the game. They were assisted by some puzzling umpiring decisions, not the least of which was the failure to pay a clear cut out of bounds decision against Adelaide in the game’s dying seconds THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: C. Salem 3 J. Smith 44 J. Lever 8 HB: T. Rivers 24 H. Petty 35 J. Bowey 17 C: A. Brayshaw 10 C. Petracca 5 E. Langdon 15 HF: Neal-Bullen 30 J. Melksham 18 B. Fritsch 31 F: K. Pickett 36 C. B. Brown 50 C. Spargo 9 Foll: M. Gawn 11 C. Oliver 13 J. Harmes 4 I/C: M. Hibberd 14 L. Jackson 6 J. Jordon 23 T. Sparrow 32 Sub: A. vandenBerg 22 Emerg: T. Bedford 12 S. Weideman 26 IN: M. Hibberd J. Smith OUT: J. Hunt (ankle) S. May (general soreness) ADELAIDE B: N. Murray 28 J. Butts 41 J. Kelly 8 HB: A. McPherson 36 T. Doedee 39 C. Jones 1 C: B. Cook 15 B. Keays 2 P. Seedsman 11 HF: D. Mackay 14 E. Himmelberg 34 L. Murphy 4 F: N. McHenry 25 R. Thilthorpe 7 D. Fogarty 32 Foll: K. Strachan 45 R. Laird 29 R. Sloane 9 I/C: B. Davis 40 T. Lynch 27 S.McAdam 23 H. Schoenberg 26 Sub: L. Sholl 38 Emerg: S. Berry 21 B. Frampton 22 L.Gollant 44 In: S.McAdam L. Sholl K. Strachan Out: B. Smith (concussion) W. Hamill (concussion) R. O'Brien (knee) Injury and Suspension List: Round 22 Tom McDonald (back spasms) — Test Mitch Brown (heel) — Test Jack Viney (suspension) — 1 Week Marty Hore (knee) — 3 to 5 Weeks Jayden Hunt (ankle) — 4 to 5 Weeks Aaron Nietschke (knee) — Season Adam Tomlinson (knee) — Season

Melbourne approached the game like millionaires and paid the price. It was also a day of infamy for the umpires. THE TEAMS ADELAIDE B: T. Doedee 39 J. Butts 41 N. Murray 28 HB: B. Smith 33 C. Jones 1 L. Brown 16 C: L. Sholl 38 B. Keays 2 P. Seedsman 11 HF: N. McHenry 25 T. Walker 13 S. Berry 21 F: J. Rowe 31 R. Thilthorpe 7 D. Fogarty 32 Foll: R. O'Brien 43 R. Laird 29 R. Sloane 9 I/C: J. Kelly 8 S. McAdam 23 D. Mackay 14 H. Schoenberg 27 Emerg: B. Frampton 22 W. Hamill 17 A. McPherson 36 R. O'Connor 37 In: N. McHenry N. Murray T. Walker Out: B. Frampton (omitted) W. Hamill (omitted) A. McPherson (omitted) R. O'Connor (omitted) MELBOURNE B: M. Hibberd 14 S. May 1 J. Lever 8 HB: N. Jetta 39 H. Petty 35 J. Hunt 29 C: A Brayshaw 10 C. Petracca 5 E. Langdon 15 HF: J. Jordon 23 T. McDonald 25 A. Neal-Bullen 30 F: C. Spargo L. Jackson 6 B. Fritsch 31 Foll: M. Gawn 11 C. Oliver 13 K. Pickett 36 I/C: J. Harmes 4 J. Melksham 18 T. Rivers S. Weideman 26 Sub: T. Sparrow 32 Emerg: B. Brown 50 K. Chandler In: L. Jackson N. Jetta T. Sparrow Out: B. Brown (omitted) K. Chandler (omitted) C. Salem (groin)

Are the Demons capable of coming out and displaying some shinboner spirit?

Conventional wisdom says that a club reaches the point of no return in the AFL competition if it has won less than four matches at the mid point of the season. What this means for Melbourne is that in order for it to remain in the race for a top-eight position, it must start winning games now. Moreover, It's not enough to win the next game but it must also start stringing wins together to make up for its deficit in both wins and percentage. With so much at stake there will be no excuses for another lacklustre performance of the sort displayed by the Demons in the first three quarters of their game at the MCG last Sunday against the GWS Giants. Injuries, you say? All clubs suffer injuries throughout a season but the strong can overcome that diversity and fight back against the tide. Collingwood suffered a suitcase load of them in 2018 and still came to within a sniff of taking off a premiership. Melbourne’s immediate opponents are the Adelaide Crows at TIO Stadium in Darwin where the club has had mixed results in the past. It destroyed the Dockers there last year but succumbed to the Crows at that venue two years ago. We are likely to see a restructured lineup for this week’s game but Simon Goodwin needs to get far more out of his midfield than he had been getting over the past month or so. Adelaide itself has displayed some flakey form of its own but will be tough to beat at close to full strength. I’m reminded however, of that game at Adelaide Oval in 2017 when the Demons came from a fair way back and essentially reinvented themselves to win big against the then flag favourites. This is Goodwin’s old club and it will be his mission this week to overturn the conventional wisdom about his new club being totally cooked for the season and to come up with some magic and another reinvention into to kickstart its 2019 campaign and to avoid it reaching the point of no return. Melbourne by 1 point DISCUSSION THE GAME Melbourne v Adelaide at TIO Stadium Darwin Saturday 1 June, 2019 at 7.40pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall - Melbourne 15 wins Adelaide 24 wins At TIO Stadium - Melbourne 0 wins Adelaide 1 win Past five me etings - Melbourne 3 wins Adelaide 2 wins The Coaches - Simon Goodwin 3 wins Don Pyke 1 win MEDIA TV - Channel 7 Fox Sports 3 Live at 7.30pm RADIO - Triple M SEN THE LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 13.12.90 defeated Adelaide 10.17.77 Round 19, 2018 at Adelaide Oval Melbourne started slowly in Jordan Lewis' 300th game before putting on the afterburners to take a comfortable 32 point lead at the final break. In the last quarter, the Crows were dominant in the wet conditions but they were unable to peg back the lead and failed by a margin of 13 points in the end. Clayton Oliver was the Demons’ best. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B Michael Hibberd Sam Frost Josh Wagner HB Marty Hore Oscar McDonald Jayden Hunt C Angus Brayshaw Jack Viney Oskar Baker HF Nathan Jones Tom McDonald Christian Petracca F Jeff Garlett Tim Smith James Harmes FOLL Max Gawn Mitch Hannan Clayton Oliver I/C Bayley Fritsch Christian Salem Charlie Spargo Billy Stretch EMG James Jordon Jay Kennedy Harris Corey Wagner Sam Weideman IN Mitch Hannan Michael Hibberd Christian Salem OUT Harrison Petty (knee) Jay Lockhart (knee) Corey Wagner (omitted) ADELAIDE CROWS B Luke Brown Daniel Talia Kyle Hartigan HB Brodie Smith Alex Keath Rory Laird C Wayne Milera Brad Crouch Rory Atkins HF Paul Seedsman Taylor Walker Tom Lynch F Lachlan Murphy Josh Jenkins Eddie Betts FOLL Reilly O'Brien Bryce Gibbs Rory Sloane I/C Cameron Ellis-Yolmen Jordan Gallucci Hugh Greenwood Jake Kelly EMG Elliott Himmelberg Chayce Jones Riley Knight David Mackay IN Bryce Gibbs Josh Jenkins Tom Lynch OUT Elliott Himmelberg (omitted) Chayce Jones (omitted) Riley Knight (omitted) Injury/Suspension List: Round 11 Nathan Jones (head) – available Christian Salem (concussion – available Michael Hibberd (collarbone) – test Kade Kolodjashnij (concussion) – test Jake Lever (ankle ) – test Steven May (groin) – test Alex Neal-Bullen (concussion) – test Harry Petty (knee) – test Jordan Lewis (suspension) – 1 week Corey Maynard (concussion) – 1 week Joel Smith (groin) – 4-6 weeks Aaron vandenBerg (foot) – 4-6 weeks Jake Melksham (foot) – 5-6 weeks Neville Jetta (knee) – 6-8 weeks Guy Walker (shoulder) – indefinite Aaron Nietschke (knee) – season

Remember Bernie Vince THE TEAMS ADELAIDE B: Alex Keath, Daniel Talia, Luke Brown HB: Paul Seedsman, Kyle Cheney, Rory Laird ? Wayne Milera, Bryce Gibbs, Rory Atkins HF: Tom Lynch, Josh Jenkins, Lachlan Murphy F: Mitch McGovern, Taylor Walker, Eddie Betts Foll: Sam Jacobs, Matt Crouch, Rory Sloane I/C: Jordan Gallucci, Hugh Gree nwood, Jake Kelly, Riley Knight Emg: Cameron Ellis-Yolmen, Paul Hunter, Andy Otten, Myles Poholke In: Taylor Walker Out: Tom Doedee (concussion) MELBOURNE B: Joel Smith, Sam Frost, Neville Jetta HB: Christian Salem, Oscar McDonald, Jordan Lewis ? Tom McDonald, Clayton Oliv er, Angus Brayshaw HF: Jake Melksham, Jesse Hogan, Bayley Fritsch F: Jay Kennedy Harris, Christian Petracca, Charlie Spargo Foll: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Bernie Vince I/C: Jeff Garlett, James Harmes, Alex Neal-Bullen, Dom Tyson Emg: Cam Pedersen, Aaron van denBerg, Josh Wagner, Sam Weideman NO CHANGE

Yeah ... go for it.

We have to confine it to 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ... (sorry)

THE RED AND BLUE CENTRE by George on The Outer While some may not be pleased with Melbourne “selling” games to play in the NT it has to be clear that after this round the MFC heart beats strongly in the middle of Australia at Alice Springs. Before the game, a match of third and fourth teams on the ladder would have been thought to be a close, hard fought contest. It never was, as Melbourne set about re-writing the record books with a 91 point win over last years Grand Finalist. Demonland fans have been watching the slow progress of the Club as it eliminated the horror records over a couple of years, but now the records are being made on the positive side of the ledger and in some cases, the best ever in club history. In this game alone - • The Demons recorded five wins in a row, which hasn’t happened since Nathan Jones first started playing; • The Demons’ unbroken run of consecutive winning quarters stretched to 18 which is four more than the previous club record; • The Demons inflicted Adelaide’s greatest loss under Don Pyke; • The Demons first quarter score against the Crows of 7.1 was its highest since 2011; and • Melbourne scored its greatest ever win over Adelaide. The list could probably go on and on, but more importantly, some of those records are still open-ended with the Bulldogs facing a worrying prospect next week. The game in Alice Springs was also a great victory off-field for the club. The version of the Grand Old Flag sung in Arrernte certainly cemented the locals as Demons supporters, as witnessed around the ground. And apart from the financial incentive of playing there, the exposure on FTA television with nearly an hour of free “advertising” before the game would have pleased sponsors. Wavering supporters who have yet to commit to the club in 2018, should be knocking on the membership department doors at 9.00am on Monday to ensure seats come September. It was hard to comment on individual efforts, as every single player contributed with Simon Goodwin ‘s mantra of contested football producing the results again. An opening 5 goals before the Crows had troubled the goal umpire almost guaranteed the win in the first quarter but the Demons didn’t stop and further scores of 16 goals in the following quarters showed the difference between the sides, while the Crows could only manage 5 in total after quarter time. It all started in the middle, with Max Gawn dominating with 49 hitouts against Sam Jacobs and he also more than doubled Jacobs output for the game with 12 touches to 5. The mids took full advantage from Max’s touch with Brayshaw playing what was probably his best game with 37 touches, Oliver 31, Viney 35 and Jones 28. If the Crows thought they would target Jake Lever, it was sadly mis-placed. 15 touches at 93% efficiency was the highest on the ground, 4 intercept marks and 3 rebound 50’s just broke Tex Walkers heart. It was good that he wasn’t playing to face the ignominy. Once again the work of the forwards in Jesse Hogan (5 goals) and Tom McDonald (2 goals) was first class with Hogan maintaining his record of a goal in every game. Equally as important was their ability to provide targets, take contested marks and bring the ball to ground that gave others like Jake Melksham, Alex Neal-Bullen, Christian and Mitch Hannan to crumb goal after goal. The Crows simply had no answer. While Tom McDonald under an injury cloud pre-game it was good to see him run out the game, and it was also telling that the club could afford to bring both Jayden Hunt and Cam Pedersen to the Alice and still have Casey win convincingly the day before. The depth now at the club is truly comforting, and the lack of injuries is also a big factor in understanding where we sit today. To be able to get into the senior team is going to be a difficult task for many, and only resting younger players or unexpected injury will see any change in the coming weeks. Being able to rest players is certainly something the club has not been able to contemplate in past years. Melbourne has made Alice Springs one of its “fortresses”. Next week, the team heads to its new “fortress” of Docklands (Etihad, Telstra, Marvel or whatever) Stadium. With the looming name change and a continuation of the form of these past 5 weeks, especially in this game, it will be the rest of the competition who will marvel at the 2018 Demons. Melbourne 7.1.43 12.2.74 18.6.114 23.8.146 Adelaide 3.1.19 4.226 5.4.34 8.7.55 Goals Melbourne Hogan 5 Brayshaw Neal-Bullen Petracca 3 T McDonald Melksham T Smith 2 Hannan Jones Spargo Adelaide Betts Douglas 2 Fogarty Gallucci Gibson Jenkins Best Melbourne Brayshaw Oliver Lever Gawn Viney Neal-Bullen Vince Hogan Hibberd ... and 13 others Adelaide Talia M Crouch Laird Greenwood Doedee Injuries Melbourne Nil Adelaide Seedsman (adductor) replaced in selected side by Myles Poholke, Brown (concussion) Reports Nil Umpires Donlon, Deboy, Brown Official crowd 6,989 at TIO Traeger Park

While some may not be pleased with Melbourne “selling” games to play in the NT it has to be clear that after this round the MFC heart beats strongly in the middle of Australia at Alice Springs. Before the game, a match of third and fourth teams on the ladder would have been thought to be a close, hard fought contest. It never was, as Melbourne set about re-writing the record books with a 91 point win over last years Grand Finalist. Demonland fans have been watching the slow progress of the Club as it eliminated the horror records over a couple of years, but now the records are being made on the positive side of the ledger and in some cases, the best ever in club history. In this game alone - • The Demons recorded five wins in a row, which hasn’t happened since Nathan Jones first started playing; • The Demons’ unbroken run of consecutive winning quarters stretched to 18 which is four more than the previous club record; • The Demons inflicted Adelaide’s greatest loss under Don Pyke; • The Demons first quarter score against the Crows of 7.1 was its highest since 2011; and • Melbourne scored its greatest ever win over Adelaide. The list could probably go on and on, but more importantly, some of those records are still open-ended with the Bulldogs facing a worrying prospect next week. The game in Alice Springs was also a great victory off-field for the club. The version of the Grand Old Flag sung in Arrernte certainly cemented the locals as Demons supporters, as witnessed around the ground. And apart from the financial incentive of playing there, the exposure on FTA television with nearly an hour of free “advertising” before the game would have pleased sponsors. Wavering supporters who have yet to commit to the club in 2018, should be knocking on the membership department doors at 9.00am on Monday to ensure seats come September. It was hard to comment on individual efforts, as every single player contributed with Simon Goodwin ‘s mantra of contested football producing the results again. An opening 5 goals before the Crows had troubled the goal umpire almost guaranteed the win in the first quarter but the Demons didn’t stop and further scores of 16 goals in the following quarters showed the difference between the sides, while the Crows could only manage 5 in total after quarter time. It all started in the middle, with Max Gawn dominating with 49 hitouts against Sam Jacobs and he also more than doubled Jacobs output for the game with 12 touches to 5. The mids took full advantage from Max’s touch with Brayshaw playing what was probably his best game with 37 touches, Oliver 31, Viney 35 and Jones 28. If the Crows thought they would target Jake Lever, it was sadly mis-placed. 15 touches at 93% efficiency was the highest on the ground, 4 intercept marks and 3 rebound 50’s just broke Tex Walkers heart. It was good that he wasn’t playing to face the ignominy. Once again the work of the forwards in Jesse Hogan (5 goals) and Tom McDonald (2 goals) was first class with Hogan maintaining his record of a goal in every game. Equally as important was their ability to provide targets, take contested marks and bring the ball to ground that gave others like Jake Melksham, Alex Neal-Bullen, Christian and Mitch Hannan to crumb goal after goal. The Crows simply had no answer. While Tom McDonald under an injury cloud pre-game it was good to see him run out the game, and it was also telling that the club could afford to bring both Jayden Hunt and Cam Pedersen to the Alice and still have Casey win convincingly the day before. The depth now at the club is truly comforting, and the lack of injuries is also a big factor in understanding where we sit today. To be able to get into the senior team is going to be a difficult task for many, and only resting younger players or unexpected injury will see any change in the coming weeks. Being able to rest players is certainly something the club has not been able to contemplate in past years. Melbourne has made Alice Springs one of its “fortresses”. Next week, the team heads to its new “fortress” of Docklands (Etihad, Telstra, Marvel or whatever) Stadium. With the looming name change and a continuation of the form of these past 5 weeks, especially in this game, it will be the rest of the competition who will marvel at the 2018 Demons. Melbourne 7.1.43 12.2.74 18.6.114 23.8.146 Adelaide 3.1.19 4.226 5.4.34 8.7.55 Goals Melbourne Hogan 5 Brayshaw Neal-Bullen Petracca 3 T McDonald Melksham T Smith 2 Hannan Jones Spargo Adelaide Betts Douglas 2 Fogarty Gallucci Gibson Jenkins Best Melbourne Brayshaw Oliver Lever Gawn Viney Neal-Bullen Vince Hogan Hibberd ... and 13 others Adelaide Talia M Crouch Laird Greenwood Doedee Injuries Melbourne Nil Adelaide Seedsman (adductor) replaced in selected side by Myles Poholke, Brown (concussion) Reports Nil Umpires Donlon, Deboy, Brown Official crowd 6,989 at TIO Traeger Park

Here we go. If we had of set a bench mark for our last 4 weeks I think 75 goals, 14 quarters won in a row and 3rd on the ladder would have been about the best we could hope for. To those who say we played easy teams, tell that to Hawthorn and Geelong last week. These next 3 games are vitally important, and I for one have a good feeling. Dees by 35 points, McDonald BOG (hedging my bets a little bit there is two of them ?)

HEART OF THE NATION by Whispering Jack It feels as if I’m some form of rarefied atmosphere when previewing the AFL Match of the Round between third-placed Melbourne and fourth-placed Adelaide because it’s been a long time since the Demons have been involved in a game involving two teams in the top four this deep into a season. And ever since Adelaide skipper Taylor “Tex” Walker busted a gasket over Jake Lever’s decision to leave town and go back home to family, friends and the Melbourne Football Club, this game in the heart of the nation has been one of the made in heaven match ups of the season. It’s a pity that Tex won’t be taking the field at TIO Traeger Park but, as they say in the classics, the ground and the town like Alice isn’t big enough for both of them. Adelaide has a sizable injury list which includes a number of pesky characters who have caused Melbourne some grief in the past - Rory Sloane, Mitch McGovern, Brad Crouch and Brad Smith head the list - but our club’s history is studded with stories of opposition teams rising to the occasion and unearthing new stars in circumstances like this. In any event, the long injury list did not deter the Crows from demolishing the Bullies and keeping them down to just two goals last Friday night and they have the advantage over the Demons of an extra two days to recover from the tough rain-soaked match up. So when the Demons face off against the Crows it will be a huge clash for both sides but for Melbourne, it will be the time for it to claim a big scalp after winning four games in a row against some of the competition’s lesser lights. A victory over one of last year's Grand Finalists would give added credibility to the Demons as the mid point of the season approaches. THE GAME Melbourne v Adelaide at TIO Treager Park, Alice Springs Sunday 27 May, 2018 at 3.20 pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall - Melbourne 13 wins Adelaide 24 wins At TIO Treager Park - Melbourne 0 wins Adelaide 0 wins Past five meetings - Melbourne 2 wins Adelaide 3 wins The Coaches - Simon Goodwin 1 win Don Pyke 1 win MEDIA TV - Channel 7, Fox Sports 3, Live at 3.00pm RADIO - TBA THE LAST TIME THEY MET Adelaide 17.14.116 defeated Melbourne 10.10.70 Round 17, 2017 at TIO Stadium, Darwin The Demons fielded a depleted side and were never really in the hunt although they did mount a couple of spirited attempts to come back on either side of the three quarter time siren, a highlight of which was Jayden Hunt’s superb 65 metre torpedo that split the middle. Adelaide however, was too strong on the night and cruised away to a significant 46-point victory which was significant in harming Melbourne’s finals aspirations. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Bernie Vince, Jake Lever, Jordan Lewis ? Nathan Jones, Jack Viney, Angus Brayshaw HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Jesse Hogan, Jake Melksham F: Tom McDonald, Tim Smith, Christian Petracca Foll: Max Gawn, Christian Salem, Clayton Oliver I/C: James Harmes, Charlie Spargo, Mitch Hannan, Bayley Fritsch Emg: Dom Tyson, Cameron Pedersen, Jayden Hunt, Jeff Garlett No change ADELAIDE B: Jake Kelly , Daniel Talia, Luke Brown HB: Rory Laird, Tom Doedee, Paul Seedsman ? Rory Atkins, Hugh Greenwood, David Mackay HF: Richard Douglas, Tom Lynch, Cameron Ellis-Yolmen F: Darcy Fogarty, Josh Jenkins, Eddie Betts Foll: Sam Jacobs, Bryce Gibbs, Matt Crouch I/C: Jordan Gallucci, Kyle Hartigan, Sam Gibson, Wayne Milera, Emg: Lachlan Murphy , Reilly O'Brien, Andy Otten, Myles Poholke In: Luke Brown, Matt Crouch, W ayne Milera Out: Lachlan Murphy, Andy Otten, Myles Poholke The moment has finally arrived for Melbourne to assert itself, not as simply one of a pack of finals contenders, not just as a flat track bully that monsters the lowly and the weak and not as a pretender but as the real deal. The Demons have been bathing in glory over the past month but they have been doing so by mauling teams that occupy places among the competition's bottom six. They have won 14 quarters in a row in their past four games, during which time they scored 78.51 to 37.44 at a percentage of close to 200. They have thrown off the bogey of inaccuracy that marred their earlier games, have become the masters of the all-important third quarter (the famous premiership quarter) and have been getting better every week. On Sunday they come up against different opposition. Adelaide was for the better part of the 2017 season, the benchmark of the competition. The Crows were the premiership favourite right up until late in the second quarter of last year's grand final when the Tigers got hold of them and took a vice-like grip on the most important game of the season. And to add to the humiliation of their defeat, they were angered by the fact that one of their star young defenders was snatched away from them by those upstart Demons. How dare they? That was all a bit rich from a club that was in the process of luring Bryce Gibbs home from Carlton but skipper "Tex" Walker did nothing to hide the anger and angst of this young upstart walking out on them. It's a pity that Tex will be sitting in the stands when his teammates run onto the turf TIO Traeger Park where they have never played before, in a game that kicks off the celebrations for Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round in the following week. Despite the missing Adelaide stars, we shouldn't get carried away by the fact that an opponent has been hard hit by injury - we've been there before and had our noses severely bloodied. The Crows are not in the top four without reason and, despite their injury woes, they have won four of their past five games and were in front with less than a minute to go in the only defeat in that stretch of matches which included a win over the Swans at the SCG. This suggests that there's a big "beware Melbourne" written all over this game. And given its location and importance, there is one contest that stands out - the match up between Eddie Betts and Neville Jetta. You can forget the Crows' vendetta against Jake Lever or the doubt about whether Tom McDonald will play, this is the battle that will shape the contest. Eddie Betts has been back in town these past few weeks after a slow start to the season and likewise, Neville is also returning to his best form. This clash could well decide which team wins the battle for the heart of the nation. Call me biased if you wish, tell me I'm in the dreamtime, but I'm in the Jetta camp and I therefore tip Melbourne to make it five in a row for the first time in almost living memory. Melbourne by 28 points.

It feels as if I’m some form of rarefied atmosphere when previewing the AFL Match of the Round between third-placed Melbourne and fourth-placed Adelaide because it’s been a long time since the Demons have been involved in a game involving two teams in the top four this deep into a season. And ever since Adelaide skipper Taylor “Tex” Walker busted a gasket over Jake Lever’s decision to leave town and go back home to family, friends and the Melbourne Football Club, this game in the heart of the nation has been one of the made in heaven match ups of the season. It’s a pity that Tex won’t be taking the field at TIO Traeger Park but, as they say in the classics, the ground and the town like Alice isn’t big enough for both of them. Adelaide has a sizable injury list which includes a number of pesky characters who have caused Melbourne some grief in the past - Rory Sloane, Mitch McGovern, Brad Crouch and Brad Smith head the list - but our club’s history is studded with stories of opposition teams rising to the occasion and unearthing new stars in circumstances like this. In any event, the long injury list did not deter the Crows from demolishing the Bullies and keeping them down to just two goals last Friday night and they have the advantage over the Demons of an extra two days to recover from the tough rain-soaked match up. So when the Demons face off against the Crows it will be a huge clash for both sides but for Melbourne, it will be the time for it to claim a big scalp after winning four games in a row against some of the competition’s lesser lights. A victory over one of last year's Grand Finalists would give added credibility to the Demons as the mid point of the season approaches. THE GAME Melbourne v Adelaide at TIO Treager Park, Alice Springs Sunday 27 May, 2018 at 3.20 pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall - Melbourne 13 wins Adelaide 24 wins At TIO Treager Park - Melbourne 0 wins Adelaide 0 wins Past five meetings - Melbourne 2 wins Adelaide 3 wins The Coaches - Simon Goodwin 1 win Don Pyke 1 win MEDIA TV - Channel 7, Fox Sports 3, Live at 3.00pm RADIO - TBA THE LAST TIME THEY MET Adelaide 17.14.116 defeated Melbourne 10.10.70 Round 17, 2017 at TIO Stadium, Darwin The Demons fielded a depleted side and were never really in the hunt although they did mount a couple of spirited attempts to come back on either side of the three quarter time siren, a highlight of which was Jayden Hunt’s superb 65 metre torpedo that split the middle. Adelaide however, was too strong on the night and cruised away to a significant 46-point victory which was significant in harming Melbourne’s finals aspirations. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Bernie Vince, Jake Lever, Jordan Lewis ? Nathan Jones, Jack Viney, Angus Brayshaw HF: Alex Neal-Bullen, Jesse Hogan, Jake Melksham F: Tom McDonald, Tim Smith, Christian Petracca Foll: Max Gawn, Christian Salem, Clayton Oliver I/C: James Harmes, Charlie Spargo, Mitch Hannan, Bayley Fritsch Emg: Dom Tyson, Cameron Pedersen, Jayden Hunt, Jeff Garlett No change ADELAIDE B: Jake Kelly , Daniel Talia, Luke Brown HB: Rory Laird, Tom Doedee, Paul Seedsman ? Rory Atkins, Hugh Greenwood, David Mackay HF: Richard Douglas, Tom Lynch, Cameron Ellis-Yolmen F: Darcy Fogarty, Josh Jenkins, Eddie Betts Foll: Sam Jacobs, Bryce Gibbs, Matt Crouch I/C: Jordan Gallucci, Kyle Hartigan, Sam Gibson, Wayne Milera, Emg: Lachlan Murphy , Reilly O'Brien, Andy Otten, Myles Poholke In: Luke Brown, Matt Crouch, W ayne Milera Out: Lachlan Murphy, Andy Otten, Myles Poholke The moment has finally arrived for Melbourne to assert itself, not as simply one of a pack of finals contenders, not just as a flat track bully that monsters the lowly and the weak and not as a pretender but as the real deal. The Demons have been bathing in glory over the past month but they have been doing so by mauling teams that occupy places among the competition's bottom six. They have won 14 quarters in a row in their past four games, during which time they scored 78.51 to 37.44 at a percentage of close to 200. They have thrown off the bogey of inaccuracy that marred their earlier games, have become the masters of the all-important third quarter (the famous premiership quarter) and have been getting better every week. On Sunday they come up against different opposition. Adelaide was for the better part of the 2017 season, the benchmark of the competition. The Crows were the premiership favourite right up until late in the second quarter of last year's grand final when the Tigers got hold of them and took a vice-like grip on the most important game of the season. And to add to the humiliation of their defeat, they were angered by the fact that one of their star young defenders was snatched away from them by those upstart Demons. How dare they? That was all a bit rich from a club that was in the process of luring Bryce Gibbs home from Carlton but skipper "Tex" Walker did nothing to hide the anger and angst of this young upstart walking out on them. It's a pity that Tex will be sitting in the stands when his teammates run onto the turf TIO Traeger Park where they have never played before, in a game that kicks off the celebrations for Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round in the following week. Despite the missing Adelaide stars, we shouldn't get carried away by the fact that an opponent has been hard hit by injury - we've been there before and had our noses severely bloodied. The Crows are not in the top four without reason and, despite their injury woes, they have won four of their past five games and were in front with less than a minute to go in the only defeat in that stretch of matches which included a win over the Swans at the SCG. This suggests that there's a big "beware Melbourne" written all over this game. And given its location and importance, there is one contest that stands out - the match up between Eddie Betts and Neville Jetta. You can forget the Crows' vendetta against Jake Lever or the doubt about whether Tom McDonald will play, this is the battle that will shape the contest. Eddie Betts has been back in town these past few weeks after a slow start to the season and likewise, Neville is also returning to his best form. This clash could well decide which team wins the battle for the heart of the nation. Call me biased if you wish, tell me I'm in the dreamtime, but I'm in the Jetta camp and I therefore tip Melbourne to make it five in a row for the first time in almost living memory. Melbourne by 28 points.

It was a real dog of a night in Darwin with Jayden Hunt’s booming goal to end the third quarter one of the only highlights. But will Hunty be in Alice Springs this time? THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Josh Wagner, Sam Frost, Bernie Vince ? Alex Neal-Bullen, Jordan Lewis, Mitch Hannan HF: Christian Petracca, Tom McDonald, Jayden Hunt F: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Cameron Pedersen FOLL: Max Gawn, Jake Melksham, Clayton Oliver I/C: James Harmes, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Dean Kent, Joel Smith EMG: Billy Stretch, Jack Trengove, Sam Weideman IN: Jay Kennedy-Harris OUT: Billy Stretch (omitted) ADELAIDE CROWS B: Rory Laird, Jake Lever, Andy Otten HB: Luke Brown, Daniel Talia, Jake Kelly ? Rory Sloane, Richard Douglas, Brodie Smith HF: Riley Knight, Taylor Walker, Charlie Cameron F: Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins, Mitch McGovern FOLL: Sam Jacobs, Matt Crouch, Brad Crouch  I/C: Rory Atkins, Hugh Greenwood, Tom Lynch, David Mackay EMG: Jonathon Beech, Jordan Gallucci, Paul Seedsman IN: Hugh Greenwood, Tom Lynch OUT: Wayne Milera (calf), Scott Thompson (omitted)

Despite a slow start that saw it lead by a solitary point at quarter time even though it had first use of a strong breeze at Casey Fields, Melbourne thrashed reigning premier Adelaide by 32 points to retain their unbeaten record in the 2018 AFLW competition. The AFL hierarchy had made clear its edict for higher scoring and the adoption of a a 5-6-5 structure and the Demons responded with four goals against the wind in the second quarter to well and truly stitch up the game. With the lead out to 20 points at the main break, the home side continued to control proceedings and coasted home in the last for back to back victories. In just two matches, they have passed 100 points for the season and gained recognition for their attractive play. The highlight was no doubt the Buddyesque goal from Aliesha Newman who carried the ball from the wing with three bounces evading two opponents and curved the ball through the big sticks to record the early contender for goal of the year. But the adage about a dominant midfield was no more pronounced than in this game with Melbourne’s Karen Paxman, Daisy Pearce and Elise O'Dea setting the tone from the very start with Paxman dictating terms after her injury scare in the opening game when she left the ground before quarter time with back spasms. This week she was leading possession gatherer with 21 disposals despite being afforded the luxury of a rest in the final term with the game well and truly done and dusted. O’Dea and Pearce worked hard all game and were not far behind her in the possession count. The Demons worked harder than the Crows and were well rewarded with the four points for a game in which they held sway across the ground. Lily Mithen continued her impressive start to the season and Bianca Jakobsson again showed that she will be a vaualable addition to the ranks. The team travels interstate for its next clash against the Dockers at Fremantle Oval. Melbourne 1.1.7 5.2.32 7.4.46 8.8.56 Adelaide 1.0.6 2.0.12 3.0.18 4.0.24 Goals Melbourne Cunningham Newman 2 Cranston Hickey L Pearce Scott Adelaide Hewett Holmes McCormick Wallace Best Melbourne Paxman, O'Dea Jakobsson Hore, Mithen D Pearce Adelaide Marinoff Cox Randall Varnhagen Cox Injuries TBA Reports Nil Umpires Gibson McGinness Heffernan Official crowd 3,800 at Casey Fields

Such a bummer. Nothing to say. Going to bed.

DARWIN DREAMING by George on the Outer TIO Stadium in Darwin, the location of Melbourne's match against Adelaide on Saturday, was an absolute picture. With the sun setting over the bay behind the grandstand and the temperature in the low 20’s the conditions were perfect for football. Don’t let anyone perpetuate the myth about humid conditions: they simply weren't there and there will be no effects from this trip. But in the Land of The Dreaming, for the Demons to have any pretensions about beating league leaders Adelaide, it was truly too much of a stretch to expect anything other than the result which eventuated. The Crowd were at full strength, while Melbourne were without arguably six or seven of their top 22 players, and were certainly lacking considerably in the midfield without the likes of Nathan Jones, Jack Viney, Christian Salem. and Dom Tyson. To replace them we had Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, Alex Neal-Bullen and Jay Kennedy-Harris, all who had barely played a much footballing in that area at the start of 2017. And so it showed with the stronger Adelaide bodies taking control from the first bounce and continuing on to have a six goal lead at quarter time. It was to be a difference that remained to the end. In past years this sort of start would have led to a 100 point blow out but not the current Demons side, however undermanned they have been. Slowly they pegged the lead back over the next two threatening to sneak an unlikely win. But it was all to much and the bigger bodies of the Crows against the tiring bodies of the young Demond side eventually saw them with a 46 point victory as they topped the game off with a couple of junk time goals. It was a strange game to watch live as the crowd have no idea of what is happening on the field, since it is more of a social gathering. Eyes were fixed on the big screen more often than not, and most of the “not” time was on their small screens or taking a trip to the beer stands or just catching up with friends. If you come up next year to watch the football, get yourself a seat, as the locals won’t give you the chance to watch it in peace otherwise. However, the 12,000 socialites who turned up did turn it into a worthwhile event for the MFC as a home game, because this was a sellout match, probably a first for that arena. More were turned away, as they expected to roll up and buy entrance at the gate, and couldn’t do so. On field for the Demons there were also those who didn’t turn up in time. Jesse Hogan was hopelessly outpointed and while returning from difficult times for himself, he is simply not playing good football as a forward. Positioning behind the defenders simply gave them first dibs at the ball as it came forward and Ottens and Lever had a field day. Then combined with shocking kicking and dropped marks, he truly had a night to forget. Max Gawn came up against Sam Jacobs who ran him ragged. It is good to have Max back and he was able to get his hands on the ball plenty of times, but around the ground his fitness was lacking. Without him being able to get to marking contests, we simply are behind when we are looking for that tall target. Then Adelaide have a surfeit of talls in Jacobs, Jenkins, Lynch and Ottens and Lever, so it became even more pronounced. Bernie Vince will be spending time with the MRP again and can look forward to more time away from the game with an almost certain suspension for a hit on Betts. Tom McDonald was almost unsighted this week and likewise Cam Pedersen. With Hogan making up our tall forwards, they simply failed to provide anything of value and a solitary goal between the 3 of them represented their total output. The mids did their best and Jordan Lewis probably played his best game for the Red and Blue with 33 touches, while Oliver and Jay Kennedy-Harris contributed 27 and 28 respectively. They gave the forwards enough chances and even up to ¾ time Melbourne had more inside 50 chances. The backs were magnificent all night. There are no longer questions around Oscar McDonald with 10 1% ers and 3 rebound 50’s, more than double anyone else in the side. Michael Hibberd continued his courageous form with 32 touches and his general toughness in tight situations is telling. Josh Wagner played brilliantly and is complementing the rest of the backline with his dash, while Hunt almost pulled off the play of the day with a 60m kick after the ¾ time siren to bring the Demons back within striking distance. It is a dream to make finals this year and that is still a strong possibility. But to fulfil that dream we need the players to do the job, and it just seems to get harder. Dean Kent popped a shoulder and will not play next week, Bernie will be suspended again and we can only hope for the return of Jack Watts and Dom Tyson. One step forward and yet one back. Can the dream be revitalized? Maybe, and maybe the opponents in the final weeks of the season will give us the necessary wins. But as this game showed, without a respectable midfield the story of the 2016 season may just become the by-line of Darryl Kerrigan in The Castle ... "tell them they are dreamin' …” Melbourne 1.3.9 5.3.33 9.7.61 10.10.70 Adelaide 7.2.44 11.6.72 12.11.83 17.14.116 Goals Melbourne Melksham 3 Gawn Hunt Kent T.McDonald Neal-Bullen Oliver Petracca Adelaide Walker 4 Lynch 3 Betts McGovern Mackay 2 B.Crouch Jacobs Jenkins Knight Best Melbourne Hibberd Vince Lewis Kennedy-Harris Hunt Neal-Bullen Adelaide B.Crouch Walker Lynch Laird M.Crouch Cameron Changes Melbourne Nil Adelaide Nil Injuries Melbourne Dean Kent (left shoulder) Adelaide Rory Sloane (concussion) Jake Lever (hamstring) Reports Melbourne Bernie Vince for rough conduct on Douglas in the second quarter Adelaide Nil Umpires Donlon, Rosebury, Ryan Attendance 12,104 at TIO Stadium

TIO Stadium in Darwin, the location of Melbourne's match against Adelaide on Saturday, was an absolute picture. With the sun setting over the bay behind the grandstand and the temperature in the low 20’s the conditions were perfect for football. Don’t let anyone perpetuate the myth about humid conditions: they simply weren't there and there will be no effects from this trip. But in the Land of The Dreaming, for the Demons to have any pretensions about beating league leaders Adelaide, it was truly too much of a stretch to expect anything other than the result which eventuated. The Crowd were at full strength, while Melbourne were without arguably six or seven of their top 22 players, and were certainly lacking considerably in the midfield without the likes of Nathan Jones, Jack Viney, Christian Salem. and Dom Tyson. To replace them we had Christian Petracca, Clayton Oliver, Alex Neal-Bullen and Jay Kennedy-Harris, all who had barely played a much footballing in that area at the start of 2017. And so it showed with the stronger Adelaide bodies taking control from the first bounce and continuing on to have a six goal lead at quarter time. It was to be a difference that remained to the end. In past years this sort of start would have led to a 100 point blow out but not the current Demons side, however undermanned they have been. Slowly they pegged the lead back over the next two threatening to sneak an unlikely win. But it was all to much and the bigger bodies of the Crows against the tiring bodies of the young Demond side eventually saw them with a 46 point victory as they topped the game off with a couple of junk time goals. It was a strange game to watch live as the crowd have no idea of what is happening on the field, since it is more of a social gathering. Eyes were fixed on the big screen more often than not, and most of the “not” time was on their small screens or taking a trip to the beer stands or just catching up with friends. If you come up next year to watch the football, get yourself a seat, as the locals won’t give you the chance to watch it in peace otherwise. However, the 12,000 socialites who turned up did turn it into a worthwhile event for the MFC as a home game, because this was a sellout match, probably a first for that arena. More were turned away, as they expected to roll up and buy entrance at the gate, and couldn’t do so. On field for the Demons there were also those who didn’t turn up in time. Jesse Hogan was hopelessly outpointed and while returning from difficult times for himself, he is simply not playing good football as a forward. Positioning behind the defenders simply gave them first dibs at the ball as it came forward and Ottens and Lever had a field day. Then combined with shocking kicking and dropped marks, he truly had a night to forget. Max Gawn came up against Sam Jacobs who ran him ragged. It is good to have Max back and he was able to get his hands on the ball plenty of times, but around the ground his fitness was lacking. Without him being able to get to marking contests, we simply are behind when we are looking for that tall target. Then Adelaide have a surfeit of talls in Jacobs, Jenkins, Lynch and Ottens and Lever, so it became even more pronounced. Bernie Vince will be spending time with the MRP again and can look forward to more time away from the game with an almost certain suspension for a hit on Betts. Tom McDonald was almost unsighted this week and likewise Cam Pedersen. With Hogan making up our tall forwards, they simply failed to provide anything of value and a solitary goal between the 3 of them represented their total output. The mids did their best and Jordan Lewis probably played his best game for the Red and Blue with 33 touches, while Oliver and Jay Kennedy-Harris contributed 27 and 28 respectively. They gave the forwards enough chances and even up to ¾ time Melbourne had more inside 50 chances. The backs were magnificent all night. There are no longer questions around Oscar McDonald with 10 1% ers and 3 rebound 50’s, more than double anyone else in the side. Michael Hibberd continued his courageous form with 32 touches and his general toughness in tight situations is telling. Josh Wagner played brilliantly and is complementing the rest of the backline with his dash, while Hunt almost pulled off the play of the day with a 60m kick after the ¾ time siren to bring the Demons back within striking distance. It is a dream to make finals this year and that is still a strong possibility. But to fulfil that dream we need the players to do the job, and it just seems to get harder. Dean Kent popped a shoulder and will not play next week, Bernie will be suspended again and we can only hope for the return of Jack Watts and Dom Tyson. One step forward and yet one back. Can the dream be revitalized? Maybe, and maybe the opponents in the final weeks of the season will give us the necessary wins. But as this game showed, without a respectable midfield the story of the 2016 season may just become the by-line of Darryl Kerrigan in The Castle ... "tell them they are dreamin' …” Melbourne 1.3.9 5.3.33 9.7.61 10.10.70 Adelaide 7.2.44 11.6.72 12.11.83 17.14.116 Goals Melbourne Melksham 3 Gawn Hunt Kent T.McDonald Neal-Bullen Oliver Petracca Adelaide Walker 4 Lynch 3 Betts McGovern Mackay 2 B.Crouch Jacobs Jenkins Knight Best Melbourne Hibberd Vince Lewis Kennedy-Harris Hunt Neal-Bullen Adelaide B.Crouch Walker Lynch Laird M.Crouch Cameron Changes Melbourne Nil Adelaide Nil Injuries Melbourne Dean Kent (left shoulder) Adelaide Rory Sloane (concussion) Jake Lever (hamstring) Reports Melbourne Bernie Vince for rough conduct on Douglas in the second quarter Adelaide Nil Umpires Donlon, Rosebury, Ryan Attendance 12,104 at TIO Stadium

There was a time when I had some issues about giving up home games for the ? but these days, our record at the G isn't all that flash. We've only beaten Carlton (twice) and Collingwood there and have had costly stumbles against others who were outside the top 8. On the other hand, we're unbeaten at interstate venues and have done well away from home losing only to Geelong at Etihad when Max and Tim Smith both went down with injury and we ran out of gas. I don't have high expectations tonight but getting the points would probably cement us in the finals race, albeit with lots of work to do.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN by Whispering Jack I like the fact that Melbourne is still standing four months into a season that has been so badly interrupted by injuries, illness, suspensions and some of the disappointing early losses that occurred at least partly as a result of the disruption that these things brought with them. The Demons are still standing particularly because in recent weeks they have found ways to win close games that tested their nerve and their depth which is one of the ingredients needed for them to become a great side. I'm not suggesting the club is anywhere near such lofty heights right now but if it wants to aspire to the level of greatness in this sport at any time soon then what happens over the next four weeks will be a guide as to how far this team can possibly go. This Saturday night the Demons face the Crows in Darwin, then it's Port Adelaide at the MCG, North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena, Hobart and the GWS Giants in the national capital. Three road trips is an enormous task in light of the fact that the co-captains Nathan Jones and Jack Viney might miss all of those games and other key midfielders like Christian Salem, Angus Brayshaw and possibly even Dom Tyson are likely to miss some, if not all of them. And that's not to mention Jack Watts whose lingering hamstring strain continues to place a question mark on the timing of his return. But let's go back and do what all good football people do and that is take things one game at a time, starting with the last one - that very lucky victory over Carlton. A narrow win over a 16th placed side, albeit by an undermanned team, is not particularly inspiring even allowing for the Blues' wins this year against the two Sydney teams and their recent close encounter with the Crows. Surprisingly, the Blues had the edge in both age and experience (games played +259) and with three of last year's top four best and fairest winners out (and the other underdone after coming back from a long injury break), the Demons belied their favoritism going into the game. Most good sides would have beaten Melbourne last Sunday. This week's opponent Adelaide is a very, very good one and a hard one to beat when you're without most of your best midfielders. Jones, Viney and Salem all starred when the Dees beat the Crows in Adelaide two months ago so it's going to be a tough ask expecting them to repeat the dose with another six day break and a trip to the hellishly hot and humid Top End. The forecast for Saturday is a maximum of 33 degrees. By nightfall, it will only be a few degrees cooler. The circumstances of the game will no doubt weigh heavily on the minds of the selectors who know that the team will also need to be refreshed for the week following when they take on Port Adelaide in another vital match up. But now I'm getting ahead of myself and ignoring my message about taking things a week at a time. On that score, the club has to take great credit for quickly defusing the matter between Clayton Oliver and that goading Blues fan by getting the Demon youngster to apologise for his behaviour. I like to call it the "Clayton's Apology". Oliver has been in great form despite the ribbing he and others have been getting from the media and opposition supporters which demonstrates that the club has finally shaken off the "loser" tag. I will be back after team selection to look at whether the Demons can take it one step further to upset the ladder leaders on the road in Darwin. THE GAME Melbourne v Adelaide at TIO Stadium, Darwin Saturday 15 July, 2017 at 7.40 pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall - Melbourne 13 wins Adelaide 23 wins At TIO Stadium - Melbourne 0 wins Adelaide 0 wins Past five meetings - Melbourne 2 wins Adelaide 3 wins The Coaches - Simon Goodwin 1 win Don Pyke 0 wins MEDIA TV - Channel 7, Fox Sports 3 Live at 7.30pm RADIO - SEN THE BETTING Melbourne to win - $3.00, Adelaide to win - $1.39 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 17.5.107 defeated Adelaide 9.12.66 Round 15, 2017 at the Adelaide Oval The Demons stunned the Crows and the football world when they turned a 28 point deficit at the 18 minute mark of the second term into a 41 point victory. The turnaround came about thanks to the dominance of midfielders and co-captains Nathan Jones (25 disposals) and Jack Viney (30 touches) and emerging star Christian Salem (31 disposals), none of who will be out on the field on Saturday night. Michael Hibberd (34 possessions) was superb in defence while Bernie Vince, playing against his old club, celebrated his 200th AFL game by closing down the dangerous Rory Sloane. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Josh Wagner, Sam Frost, Bernie Vince C: Alex Neal-Bullen, Jordan Lewis, Mitch Hannan HF: Christian Petracca, Tom McDonald, Jayden Hunt F: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Cameron Pedersen FOLL: Max Gawn, Jake Melksham, Clayton Oliver I/C: James Harmes, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Dean Kent, Joel Smith EMG: Billy Stretch, Jack Trengove, Sam Weideman IN: Jay Kennedy-Harris OUT: Billy Stretch (omitted) ADELAIDE CROWS B: Rory Laird, Jake Lever, Andy Otten HB: Luke Brown, Daniel Talia, Jake Kelly C: Rory Sloane, Richard Douglas, Brodie Smith HF: Riley Knight, Taylor Walker, Charlie Cameron F: Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins, Mitch McGovern FOLL: Sam Jacobs, Matt Crouch, Brad Crouch I/C: Rory Atkins, Hugh Greenwood, Tom Lynch, David Mackay EMG: Jonathon Beech, Jordan Gallucci, Paul Seedsman IN: Hugh Greenwood, Tom Lynch OUT: Wayne Milera (calf), Scott Thompson (omitted) Once it was clear that they were not ready and that Dom Tyson and Jack Watts were therefore not going to make the trip to Darwin, the team selection for the Adelaide Crows game was fairly predictable. Jay Kennedy-Harris received another chance to revive his career at the expense of Billy Stretch who has been disappointing of late. Kennedy-Harris' form at VFL level has been outstanding since he was dropped earlier in the season and he might well have been welcomed back a fortnight ago but for that well-documented drinking incident with a few of the boys after a recent Casey victory. His selection makes sense for a game in muggy heat and under lights that calls for smaller players with pace rather than the bigger types. However, the story is not all about the diminutive Demon youngster who showed promise in his debut season but has been severely curtailed by injuries ever since. The selectors would have dearly loved the option of bringing in more fit players for the team's fourth six-day break (and second interstate) game in five weeks but the cupboard was decidedly bare as a result of having those midfielders in the infirmary recovering from the ailments of recent rounds. Compounding matters is the fact that the Casey Demons had only three players in their last game who have played at AFL level this year and none of them fits the requirements in terms of their size. Simon Goodwin is however, extremely confident that the next tier of mids can step up to the plate: "We train all our players up to play a certain way, so it really isn't personnel based. Clearly we've got some really good midfielders out of the team. "But that's provided a great opportunity for guys like (Christian) Petracca, Mitch Hannan and James Harmes to come into the midfield and … last week (they) were very good in that area." Much the same could be said of the team when they met the Crows at Adelaide Oval in round eight and recorded their best win of the season. They did so without Max Gawn and Jesse Hogan but others stood up in their absence. This is exactly what Goodwin is asking for on Saturday night. The two teams are first and second for contested possessions so that battle will be crucial. If the Demons can contain the likes of dangerous forwards, Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins and Tex Walker who are the Crows' heaviest goalkickers, then half the job will be done. I can't be entirely convinced that this will happen and that Melbourne will kick enough goals on the night so I'm going to sit on the fence and tip a draw.

I like the fact that Melbourne is still standing four months into a season that has been so badly interrupted by injuries, illness, suspensions and some of the disappointing early losses that occurred at least partly as a result of the disruption that these things brought with them. The Demons are still standing particularly because in recent weeks they have found ways to win close games that tested their nerve and their depth which is one of the ingredients needed for them to become a great side. I'm not suggesting the club is anywhere near such lofty heights right now but if it wants to aspire to the level of greatness in this sport at any time soon then what happens over the next four weeks will be a guide as to how far this team can possibly go. This Saturday night the Demons face the Crows in Darwin, then it's Port Adelaide at the MCG, North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena, Hobart and the GWS Giants in the national capital. Three road trips is an enormous task in light of the fact that the co-captains Nathan Jones and Jack Viney might miss all of those games and other key midfielders like Christian Salem, Angus Brayshaw and possibly even Dom Tyson are likely to miss some, if not all of them. And that's not to mention Jack Watts whose lingering hamstring strain continues to place a question mark on the timing of his return. But let's go back and do what all good football people do and that is take things one game at a time, starting with the last one - that very lucky victory over Carlton. A narrow win over a 16th placed side, albeit by an undermanned team, is not particularly inspiring even allowing for the Blues' wins this year against the two Sydney teams and their recent close encounter with the Crows. Surprisingly, the Blues had the edge in both age and experience (games played +259) and with three of last year's top four best and fairest winners out (and the other underdone after coming back from a long injury break), the Demons belied their favoritism going into the game. Most good sides would have beaten Melbourne last Sunday. This week's opponent Adelaide is a very, very good one and a hard one to beat when you're without most of your best midfielders. Jones, Viney and Salem all starred when the Dees beat the Crows in Adelaide two months ago so it's going to be a tough ask expecting them to repeat the dose with another six day break and a trip to the hellishly hot and humid Top End. The forecast for Saturday is a maximum of 33 degrees. By nightfall, it will only be a few degrees cooler. The circumstances of the game will no doubt weigh heavily on the minds of the selectors who know that the team will also need to be refreshed for the week following when they take on Port Adelaide in another vital match up. But now I'm getting ahead of myself and ignoring my message about taking things a week at a time. On that score, the club has to take great credit for quickly defusing the matter between Clayton Oliver and that goading Blues fan by getting the Demon youngster to apologise for his behaviour. I like to call it the "Clayton's Apology". Oliver has been in great form despite the ribbing he and others have been getting from the media and opposition supporters which demonstrates that the club has finally shaken off the "loser" tag. I will be back after team selection to look at whether the Demons can take it one step further to upset the ladder leaders on the road in Darwin. THE GAME Melbourne v Adelaide at TIO Stadium, Darwin Saturday 15 July, 2017 at 7.40 pm HEAD TO HEAD Overall - Melbourne 13 wins Adelaide 23 wins At TIO Stadium - Melbourne 0 wins Adelaide 0 wins Past five meetings - Melbourne 2 wins Adelaide 3 wins The Coaches - Simon Goodwin 1 win Don Pyke 0 wins MEDIA TV - Channel 7, Fox Sports 3 Live at 7.30pm RADIO - SEN THE BETTING Melbourne to win - $3.00, Adelaide to win - $1.39 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 17.5.107 defeated Adelaide 9.12.66 Round 15, 2017 at the Adelaide Oval The Demons stunned the Crows and the football world when they turned a 28 point deficit at the 18 minute mark of the second term into a 41 point victory. The turnaround came about thanks to the dominance of midfielders and co-captains Nathan Jones (25 disposals) and Jack Viney (30 touches) and emerging star Christian Salem (31 disposals), none of who will be out on the field on Saturday night. Michael Hibberd (34 possessions) was superb in defence while Bernie Vince, playing against his old club, celebrated his 200th AFL game by closing down the dangerous Rory Sloane. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE B: Michael Hibberd, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Josh Wagner, Sam Frost, Bernie Vince C: Alex Neal-Bullen, Jordan Lewis, Mitch Hannan HF: Christian Petracca, Tom McDonald, Jayden Hunt F: Jeff Garlett, Jesse Hogan, Cameron Pedersen FOLL: Max Gawn, Jake Melksham, Clayton Oliver I/C: James Harmes, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Dean Kent, Joel Smith EMG: Billy Stretch, Jack Trengove, Sam Weideman IN: Jay Kennedy-Harris OUT: Billy Stretch (omitted) ADELAIDE CROWS B: Rory Laird, Jake Lever, Andy Otten HB: Luke Brown, Daniel Talia, Jake Kelly C: Rory Sloane, Richard Douglas, Brodie Smith HF: Riley Knight, Taylor Walker, Charlie Cameron F: Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins, Mitch McGovern FOLL: Sam Jacobs, Matt Crouch, Brad Crouch I/C: Rory Atkins, Hugh Greenwood, Tom Lynch, David Mackay EMG: Jonathon Beech, Jordan Gallucci, Paul Seedsman IN: Hugh Greenwood, Tom Lynch OUT: Wayne Milera (calf), Scott Thompson (omitted) Once it was clear that they were not ready and that Dom Tyson and Jack Watts were therefore not going to make the trip to Darwin, the team selection for the Adelaide Crows game was fairly predictable. Jay Kennedy-Harris received another chance to revive his career at the expense of Billy Stretch who has been disappointing of late. Kennedy-Harris' form at VFL level has been outstanding since he was dropped earlier in the season and he might well have been welcomed back a fortnight ago but for that well-documented drinking incident with a few of the boys after a recent Casey victory. His selection makes sense for a game in muggy heat and under lights that calls for smaller players with pace rather than the bigger types. However, the story is not all about the diminutive Demon youngster who showed promise in his debut season but has been severely curtailed by injuries ever since. The selectors would have dearly loved the option of bringing in more fit players for the team's fourth six-day break (and second interstate) game in five weeks but the cupboard was decidedly bare as a result of having those midfielders in the infirmary recovering from the ailments of recent rounds. Compounding matters is the fact that the Casey Demons had only three players in their last game who have played at AFL level this year and none of them fits the requirements in terms of their size. Simon Goodwin is however, extremely confident that the next tier of mids can step up to the plate: "We train all our players up to play a certain way, so it really isn't personnel based. Clearly we've got some really good midfielders out of the team. "But that's provided a great opportunity for guys like (Christian) Petracca, Mitch Hannan and James Harmes to come into the midfield and … last week (they) were very good in that area." Much the same could be said of the team when they met the Crows at Adelaide Oval in round eight and recorded their best win of the season. They did so without Max Gawn and Jesse Hogan but others stood up in their absence. This is exactly what Goodwin is asking for on Saturday night. The two teams are first and second for contested possessions so that battle will be crucial. If the Demons can contain the likes of dangerous forwards, Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins and Tex Walker who are the Crows' heaviest goalkickers, then half the job will be done. I can't be entirely convinced that this will happen and that Melbourne will kick enough goals on the night so I'm going to sit on the fence and tip a draw.

Off to TIO Stadium, Darwin to play Adelaide. Does anyone know if we've played them there before for premiership points? The last time these teams met was a mere two months ago just after Jesse Hogan's illness was diagnosed but not yet divulged publicly. We were also without any tall ruckman but we beat them anyway by dominating the midfield. This time around, it's the opposite - our entire centre line who were so instrumental in the win will be missing. ADELAIDE B: Jake Kelly, Daniel Talia, Luke Brown HB: Rory Laird, Kyle Hartigan, David Mackay C: Rory Sloane, Richard Douglas, Brodie Smith HF: Tom Lynch, Josh Jenkins, Wayne Milera F: Andy Otten, Taylor Walker, Eddie Betts FOLL: Sam Jacobs, Rory Atkins, Matt Crouch I/C: Charlie Cameron, Brad Crouch, Curtly Hampton, Troy Menzel EMG: Jordan Gallucci, Hugh Greenwood, Reilly O'Brien IN: Wayne Milera Troy Menzel OUT: Riley Knight (corked gluts) Jake Lever (hamstring), MELBOURNE B: Michael Hibberd, Tom McDonald, Neville Jetta HB: Jayden Hunt, Sam Frost, Bernie Vince C: Nathan Jones, Jack Viney, Christian Salem HF: Christian Petracca, Jack Watts, Clayton Oliver F: Jeff Garlett, Sam Weideman, Mitch Hannan FOLL: Cameron Pedersen, Jordan Lewis, Dom Tyson I/C: Tomas Bugg, Dean Kent, Oscar McDonald, Josh Wagner EMG: Alex Neal-Bullen, Billy Stretch, Sam Weideman IN: Dean Kent Sam Weideman OUT: Jesse Hogan (ill) Jay Kennedy-Harris (omitted)

I'm calling it now - season over. We can't withstand pressure. And we need another key forward.

Vote here please 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1