Round 14 – Melbourne Vs Fremantle

Liam Chambers

How sweet it is! Demon fans have something to smile about again.
After four losses in a row, Saturday’s win was a tonic for the troops.

The highly fancied Dockers came to the MCG eyeing a potential top five spot. And why not. With three wins on the trot (one against Collingwood, possible Grand Finalists in waiting), their confidence was sky high.
Unfortunately for Fremantle but very fortunately for the Dees, the visitors went home empty handed.

Tim Smith opened the scoring for Melbourne within three minutes. Smith is a solid player for the Dees and seems to be finding form in front of goal. There was some good play from our midfield but the Dockers dominated the scoreboard, kicking four goals to Melbourne’s two. Christian Petracca got the Dees’ second.

Nat Fyfe was inspirational for Fremantle in the opening quarter. One time Demon Jesse Hogan was injured early on and sidelined for the remainder of the game. The Melbourne fans though happy to see Jesse again were secretly relieved that he wouldn’t be kicking goals against his former club. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Tim Smith failed to add to his goal tally with two behinds early in Q2. When prolific goal scorer Michael Walters got his first halfway through the quarter you could feel the tension start to build for Melbourne.
Then Tim Smith got his second which was fair reward for the Dees’ pressure and tackling. Two late goals for Jay Lockhart and Clayton Oliver meant Melbourne finished the first half only trailing by six points.

The third quarter started well for the Demons with Smith kicking his third. Then it was back and forth between the two sides, each scoring three goals. First Sam Weideman slotted one home. Tom McDonald got a boost to his confidence and his first goal twenty minutes in. Then Jay Lockhart got his second.

Unfortunately late in the quarter there was a few unsavoury incidents. Michael Walters was reported for headbutting Lockhart, thus giving away a free kick in front of goal. Then the usually cool headed captain Nathan Jones shoulder charged Walters knocking him to the ground and reversing the free kick decision. An additional 50 metre penalty was added and Brandon Matera was able to convert the Dockers’ advantage with a goal at the other end.

Melbourne went into the last quarter five points behind instead of potentially seven points in front as a result of the third quarter melee. However the momentum was with the Demons. Max Gawn (looking quite grumpy) kicked a first minute goal to put Melbourne in front for the first time since early in the first quarter.

Michael Walter restored Fremantle’s advantage but only until back to back goals from James Harmes and Tom McDonald gave the Dees’ their biggest lead of the game. With the Dockers running out of steam, Melbourne sealed the deal with a third goal from the back in form McDonald.

There were many encouraging signs for the Dees in this round. Getting through the game more or less injury free was a bonus. Beating a top six side showed determination. Last year Melbourne suffered derision for being unable to beat a top eight side. This year they’ve beaten Freo and came close against Adelaide as well as giving title holders West Coast a scare at home. Ironically though they are in their worst position on the ladder for several seasons.

Next week we take on the Brisbane Lions who have been the surprise of the season and now touted to make their first finals series in ten years. So far they have only lost once at the Gabbatoir and that was against Collingwood.

Melbourne will have no room for error but after their last performance, don’t be too surprised if they emerge from the Lion’s den with full honours.
Go the Mighty Dees!!!

MELBOURNE 2.1 5.4 9.6 13.7 (85)
FREMANTLE 4.1 6.4 10.5 11.5 (71)
GOALS
Melbourne: Smith 3, McDonald 3, Lockhart 2, Petracca, Oliver, Weideman, Gawn, Harmes
Fremantle: Matera 3, Walters 3, Cox, Langdon, Darcy, Tucker, Brayshaw
BEST
Melbourne: Oliver, T.McDonald, Gawn, Viney, Frost, Lockhart
Fremantle: B.Hill, Fyfe, Matera, Walters, Conca, Langdon