Typically, at this juncture of the AFL season, a team will emerge with the confidence of a three-time Melbourne Cup champion like Makybe Diva, positioning itself as a serious premiership contender. Brisbane has mastered this strategy, leading to consecutive championships.
Following Melbourne’s remarkable victory over ladder-leaders Fremantle at the MCG on Saturday, which has been described as the match of the year, the Demons find themselves well-placed for the final stretch. It is quite impressive that Melbourne has secured a finals spot this year, especially considering the talent that departed the club at the conclusion of the previous season.
Many astute analysts had anticipated the 2021 champions would struggle at the bottom of the standings this year, alongside other teams in the midst of rebuilding. However, under the guidance of new coach Steven King, the Demons have rejuvenated their play with a dynamic and offensive game plan perfectly suited for the MCG.
The quick ball movement exhibited by the Dees against Fremantle was captivating, contrasting sharply with former coach Simon Goodwin’s more conservative style. Should Melbourne advance deep into September, King will likely be a leading candidate for coach of the year.
With an impressive 10-1 record at the MCG this season, this statistic could prove crucial during the finals. Now within reach of the top four, the Demons have rightfully earned recognition as a legitimate premiership threat.
Thrilling Match Dynamics
Despite Fremantle’s ability to dominate opponents late in matches, Melbourne appeared vulnerable when the Dockers surged ahead by 15 points midway through the final quarter. Nevertheless, the Demons displayed remarkable composure under pressure, scoring four of the last five goals to clinch a four-point victory in a breathtaking contest.
The match was marked by relentless speed, with the two teams combining for 17 goals in what was arguably the finest display of attacking football this season. It is highly probable that these teams will meet again in September, as both demonstrated their capacity to handle the high-pressure atmosphere characteristic of finals.
The game featured more momentum shifts, twists, and suspense than the classic film The Empire Strikes Back. Fremantle came out aggressively, with standout player Patrick Voss creating chaos in attack—not only with his exuberant Gangnam Style goal celebrations but also by scoring two swift goals.
Shortly thereafter, Harrison Petty contributed his own comedic touch to the match by rubbing his freshly shaved head after scoring, a cheeky retort to Voss, who had teased him earlier this season. Petty displayed his true capabilities by netting two of his three goals in the final quarter, even when the Dees seemed to be on the brink of defeat.
Midfield Mastery
However, it was Melbourne’s underappreciated and makeshift midfield that delivered many impressive moments against Fremantle’s highly regarded unit. Kysaiah Pickett (27 disposals, two goals) and Tom Sparrow (24 disposals, two goals) excelled in clearances and stoppages.
Sparrow has emerged as a revelation this season, stepping up in the absence of key midfielders Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca. The 26-year-old is averaging 22 disposals, six tackles, five clearances, and an impressive 11 goals over 21 matches this season. His performance has certainly been aided by receiving the ball from one of the greatest ruckmen in the game, Max Gawn.
The clash between Gawn (16 touches, 33 hit-outs) and dynamic big man Luke Jackson was a tantalizing spectacle. While Gawn likely edged out Jackson (17 disposals, seven tackles, 26 hit-outs), it is highly probable that both will receive All-Australian honors at the end of the season.
Melbourne’s victory was even more significant considering that the league’s most formidable trio of Josh Treacy, Jye Amiss, and Voss combined for 11 goals.
Defensive Strategies and Controversies
Yet, one of the pivotal factors in the Demons’ success was their ability to accomplish what other teams have struggled with all season: neutralizing the impactful playmaker Murphy Reid. In just his second year, the 19-year-old has showcased an array of impressive skills, but at one point deep in the second quarter, Melbourne’s tormentor Koltyn Tholstrup had restricted him to only three touches.
Moreover, it wasn’t solely Tholstrup applying pressure; Melbourne’s relentless intensity forced Dockers defenders Jordan Clark and Matthew Johnson into uncharacteristic errors late in the match. No classic contest would be complete without an element of controversy: Bayley Fritsch’s mark near the boundary line in the dying moments appeared to be closer to the Shane Warne Stand than within the playing area.
Ultimately, the Demons handled the finals-like intensity better than Fremantle. It would be a mistake to assume that Fremantle had nothing at stake. Visits to the MCG are rare for one of the AFL’s frequent travelers.
Gaining familiarity on the revered ground is essential for the Dockers, especially since they seem unlikely to return unless they reach the grand final. Moreover, a defeat to the Demons is bound to raise doubts about Fremantle’s capacity to perform on the grand stage. If Fremantle does secure a place in the last Saturday of September, they may very well encounter a Demons side that plays without fear.
