Melbourne vs Fremantle: AFL live scores, blog
Roar Guru By TheSportsFreak, 14 Jul 2012 TheSportsFreak is a Roar Guru & Live Blogger
- Tagged:
- AFL, Fremantle Dockers, live blog, Melbourne Demons
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The Fremantle Dockers will be hoping they can come away with back-to-back wins today as they take on Melbourne at Etihad Stadium. We’ll have live scoring plus live commentary throughout the afternoon.
Today is a key moment for the Dockers as they continue their quest for an unlikely finals spot. Their run over the next couple of means they’re a good chance to be ten wins and seven losses with five games to go in the season.
It’s a game that they would win and win comfortably if it was Patersons Stadium. So the question is a simple one: can they win on the road?
The away record for Freo has always been a concern. However in their last two genuine road trips (both to the MCG) they were able to get a come-from-behind win against Richmond, while push Collingwood and keep the scoreboard against the top team respectable.
Matthew Pavlich is playing out of his skin of late – 20 goals from his last four games is testament to the dominance of this guy on the footy field. It gets forgotten how good this guy is when he plays on the other side of the country.
While Jon Griffin has done very well stepping into the big shoes of Aaron Sandilands in the ruck, getting some good assistance from Matt de Boer and Michael Barlow.
We know the woes of Melbourne in season 2012. It’s a time for them to finish off on a positive note, and for them it starts today.
Fremantle’s record at Etihad Stadium since mid-2010 has been deplorable with just one win (coming Round 4 this year against St Kilda) from their last seven. So in all reality, this could be a winnable game for a Dockers line-up that has been nowhere near their potential.
But I’ve got bad news for Demons fans – it’s been even longer since a win at Etihad for the red and blue. Round 19 2007 was the last win here against the Western Bulldogs. That equates to 12 losses with an average losing margin of 44 points.
The only positive is that Melbourne is two wins from two matches at Etihad Stadium against Fremantle. But they were back in 2000 and 2001 when the club was going okay, and Fremantle were on struggle street.
Today they’ve made a total five changes, including Brad Green and Ricky Petterd’s returns as well as ruckman Mark Jamar.
They’ve had some more bad news during the week with Aaron Davey gone for the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his right foot. He could have been an important inclusion in the last few games of the season to give the young Demons some run and carry through the middle.
But this gives recently elevated rookie Tom Couch a chance to shine on the big stage this afternoon.
Green could be a serious weapon up forward, after kicking a bag in the VFL last week, while Jamar’s return gives Stefan Martin a chance to go into the forward line and be a potent target.
The question though with Melbourne lies with ball use and whether they can improve on past weeks.
They’ve shown glimpses of decent footy. However, they have been few and far between and nowhere near four-quarter performances. If they can produce close to a full game today, who knows…
Join us from 1:45pm AEST for what is another season defining game for Freo. It’s Melbourne versus Fremantle from Etihad Stadium. Make sure you have your say on who you think will win and if you’re watching along with us, add your thoughts to the game.
Live Score Updates
Scores updated each minute. REFRESH NOW
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The Crowd Says (81) | Page 1 of Comments
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4:40pm
TheSportsFreak said | 4:40pm | Report comment
FINAL | Fremantle 18.9 117 def. Melbourne 12.11 83
That wraps up our coverage from Etihad Stadium. The Dockers getting up by 34 points, gives them a real shot at the top eight.
There’s still more live sport to come over the weekend, including the blockbuster renewal of West Coast vs. Sydney at Patersons Stadium tomorrow.
I’ll catch you again soon.
4:34pm
TheSportsFreak said | 4:34pm | Report comment
FINAL | Fremantle 18.9 117 def. Melbourne 12.11 83
Quarter by Quarter
Melbourne 6.2 8.6 12.7 12.11
Fremantle 3.2 6.5 11.6 18.9
Goalscorers
Melb (7) – Brad Green 3, Stefan Martin 2, Rohan Bail 2, Sam Blease 2, Jamie Bennell 1, Colin Sylvia 1, Matthew Bate 1
Fre (9) – Matthew Pavlich 4, Michael Walters 2, Hayden Ballantyne 2, Michael Barlow 2, Stephen Hill 2, Clancee Pearce 2, Tendai Mzungu 1, Kepler Bradley 1, Chris Mayne 1
Player Stats
David Mundy (Fre) 16 kicks, 11 handballs, 16 contested possessions, 6 tackles, 8 clearances, 5 inside 50’s
Colin Sylvia (Melb) 12 kicks, 11 handballs, 13 contested possessions, 7 tackles, 8 clearances, 4 inside 50’s, 3 rebound 50’s, 1 goal
Joel Macdonald (Melb) 5 kicks, 17 handballs, 6 tackles, 3 rebound 50’s
Jack Grimes (Melb) 16 kicks, 6 handballs, 9 contested possessions, 7 marks, 7 tackles, 5 clearances, 4 rebound 50’s
Matthew Pavlich (Fre) 10 kicks, 6 handballs, 4 goals, 10 score involvements
Team Stats
Disposals: Fre 338-316; Contested Possessions: Fre 146-133; Disposal Efficiency: Fre 71%-68%; Marks: Fre 121-69; Tackles: Melb 83-66; Inside 50’s: Fre 57-47; Time In Forward Half: Melb 36%, Fre 41%, In Dispute 23%; Marks Inside 50: Fre 15-8
4:23pm
TheSportsFreak said | 4:23pm | Report comment
FINAL | Fremantle 18.9 117 def. Melbourne 12.11 83
There’s the final siren! Fremantle eventually run out 34 point winners today and get to 9th on the ladder. Really made to work hard throughout, but Matthew Pavlich, David Mundy and Chris Mayne led the charge during the third quarter.
Melbourne really did give it a real dip today against Fremantle, but they’ve come up short. The early injury to ruckman Mark Jamar (who re-injured his calf) made it difficult straight away, with Stefan Martin having to ruck for the rest of the game by himself. They went down to 2 rotations during the third quarter with Jamie Bennell going down, so they were always going to run out of puff.
4:23pm
TheSportsFreak said | 4:23pm | Report comment
Q4 0:40 left | Melb 12.11 83 | Fre 18.9 117
Quick kick at half forward from David Mundy, trying to find Michael Walters at the goal square. It’s defended from him… but Clancee Pearce is nearby, soccers off the ground and a bit of cream on top for today!
4:21pm
TheSportsFreak said | 4:21pm | Report comment
Q4 1:24 left | Melb 12.11 83 | Fre 17.9 111
Hayden Ballantyne wins the footy at half forward and almost had a chance to run away with it. He got coralled by Joel Macdonald, but Ballantyne spots up Stephen Hill at 50m
Kicks truly – boots home his 2nd and Freo are on their way to their 8th win of 2012.
4:17pm
TheSportsFreak said | 4:17pm | Report comment
Q4 4:52 left | Melb 12.11 83 | Fre 16.9 105
Colin Sylvia unlucky to give away a 50m penalty. Tackles Luke McPharlin after he’d taken the ball. But he actually marked the ball from an accidental boot off a Melbourne player.
McPharlin’s kick on goal hits the post. So maybe the right result in the end.
4:15pm
TheSportsFreak said | 4:15pm | Report comment
Q4 5:58 left | Melb 12.11 83 | Fre 16.8 104
It’s gone straight down the other end. Quick transfer helped by a 50m penalty at the kick in.
Ball inside 50m, Matthew Pavlich wins a free kick!
This to put the nail in the coffin – from 40m out – misses for the first time today.
Keep in mind, Pav’s kicked 24 goals in 5 matches now.
4:14pm
TheSportsFreak said | 4:14pm | Report comment
Q4 6:42 left | Melb 12.11 83 | Fre 16.7 103
Turnover across half forward for the Demons by Colin Garland. Eventually the kick goes to the forward line to Thomas Couch… couldn’t finish the mark.
Pack forms and a stoppage in the pocket.
David Mundy gives away a free kick for holding the ball. Jared Rivers with the kick. We’ve seen runs of goals today, so if Rivers kicks this, don’t think Melbourne are out of it just yet…
But he misses. That probably ends any chance of Melbourne getting back into it.
4:10pm
TheSportsFreak said | 4:10pm | Report comment
Q4 9:06 left | Melb 12.10 82 | Fre 16.7 103
Brilliant kick from Lee Spurr to get the ball forward to Cameron Sutcliffe. Then a quick handball off to Hayden Ballantyne.
Launches from 50m out – just a behind. That could have brought on the celebrations.
4:09pm
TheSportsFreak said | 4:09pm | Report comment
Q4 9:31 left | Melb 12.10 82 | Fre 16.6 102
Melbourne still have time, but need a miracle to get back into the match.
They’re inside their forward pocket now. Clancee Pearce though taken high for the Dockers. Cleared away now.
Back inside 50 for the Demons… quick kick forward from Ricky Petterd… but it drifts right and a behind only.
4:07pm
TheSportsFreak said | 4:07pm | Report comment
Q4 10:54 left | Melb 12.9 81 | Fre 16.6 102
Matthew Pavlich now has a chance to make it 7 goals in a row for the Fremantle Dockers.
This for his fourth of the afternoon – never in doubt! GOAL to Freo and now look the goods to go on from here.
4:06pm
TheSportsFreak said | 4:06pm | Report comment
Q4 12:02 left | Melb 12.9 81 | Fre 15.6 96
No surprises Fremantle are running over the top of Melbourne late. Even though they’ve had a 6-day break, the lack of rotations since around late in the second quarter has meant a lot more work needed to be done by the Demons players.
Ball to half forward for the Dockers – Chris Mayne can’t mark, but he quickly gives off to Pavlich, then to Michael Walters… kicks from 45m out – GOAL! That could be the beginning of the end for Melbourne today.
4:03pm
TheSportsFreak said | 4:03pm | Report comment
Q4 13:01 left | Melb 12.9 81 | Fre 14.6 90
Jamie Bennell still not on the bench. Forget about him playing any part in the rest of the match.
The ball’s in the forward pocket now for the Dockers. The pressure’s right on the Demons defence. Can they hang on?
From the stoppage, Chris Mayne works hard to get a handball off to Michael Barlow… runs into an open GOAL! The Dockers by 9 points now.
4:01pm
TheSportsFreak said | 4:01pm | Report comment
Q4 14:30 left | Melb 12.9 81 | Fre 13.6 84
Jordie McKenzie wins a free kick in the middle of the ground for high contact.
Could have almost got a 50m penalty too… not paid.
Handballs to James Strauss, then kicks to half forward, but stopped by Lee Spurr.
3:59pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:59pm | Report comment
Q4 15:20 left | Melb 12.9 81 | Fre 13.6 84
Michael Barlow with the footy on centre wing, right on the boundary.
Kicks to half forward, bounces in front of Michael Walters. Then turns around and finds Chris Mayne!
Now, surely he won’t pass this one off? He kicks from 45m out – to put Freo in front – GOAL!
3:58pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:58pm | Report comment
Q4 16:28 left | Melb 12.9 81 | Fre 12.6 78
Jeremy Howe kicks long to the forward pocket – two Dockers crash the pack and almost lose the footy. Thankfully they clear.
But it’s coming straight back in through Jared Rivers. Kicks towards Matthew Bate, spoiled away from Luke McPharlin… ball in.
From the stoppage, quick snap from Jack Grimes, but drifts for another behind.
3:56pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:56pm | Report comment
Q4 17:39 left | Melb 12.8 80 | Fre 12.6 78
Ball kicked inside 50 for the Demons, against the run of play. A chance for the Dees… great tackl on Lee Spurr, comes free to Jared Rivers.
Quick kick on goal is off to the left – behind only.
3:55pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:55pm | Report comment
Q4 18:17 left | Melb 12.7 79 | Fre 12.6 78
Cameron Sutcliffe wins a free kick in the middle of the ground. Kicks out in front of Stephen Hill. No effects of any ankle injury whatsoever from the third quarter.
Kicks to the pocket – beautifully weighted to Chris Mayne.
Decides to pass it off to Matt de Boer – DIDN’T MARK IT! Turned over, Melbourne clear it to the boundary. Lucky Melbourne
3:53pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:53pm | Report comment
Q4 19:24 left | Melb 12.7 79 | Fre 12.6 78
Stoppage at half forward for the Dockers.
Ball up, real scrap inside the pack… Michael Barlow manages to gather eventually, with a quick snap around the corner… bounces to the GOAL! Amazing start!
3:52pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:52pm | Report comment
Q4 19:59 left | Melb 12.7 79 | Fre 11.6 72
Final quarter underway. Melbourne still a chance to win the contest, but they’re probably down to just 2 rotations on the bench.
3:49pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:49pm | Report comment
THREE QUARTER TIME | Melb 12.7 79 | Fre 11.6 72
Quarter by Quarter
Melbourne 6.2 8.6 12.7
Fremantle 3.2 6.5 11.6
Goalscorers
Melb (7) – Brad Green 3, Stefan Martin 2, Rohan Bail 2, Sam Blease 2, Jamie Bennell 1, Colin Sylvia 1, Matthew Bate 1
Fre (7) – Matthew Pavlich 3, Hayden Ballantyne 2, Michael Walters 2, Stephen Hill 1, Tendai Mzungu 1, Kepler Bradley 1, Clancee Pearce 1
Player Stats
Joel Macdonald (Melb) 5 kicks, 16 handballs, 5 tackles, 3 rebound 50’s
Colin Sylvia (Melb) 10 kicks, 10 handballs, 12 contested possessions, 7 tackles, 8 clearances, 4 inside 50’s, 3 rebound 50’s, 1 goal
David Mundy (Fre) 11 kicks, 9 handballs, 12 contested possessions, 4 clearances, 4 inside 50’s
Jack Trengove (Melb) 8 kicks, 10 handballs, 3 tackles
Nathan Jones (Melb) 10 kicks, 8 handballs, 6 tackles, 4 clearances, 7 score involvements
Team Stats
Disposals: Fre 262-261; Contested Possessions: Fre 120-104; Disposal Efficiency: Fre 71%-69%; Marks: Fre 89-63; Tackles: Melb 66-47 (Melb had 35 tackles in Q3); Clearances: Fre 27-26; Inside 50’s: Fre 45-38; Time In Forward Half: Melb 36%, Fre 40%, In Dispute 24%
3:46pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:46pm | Report comment
THREE QUARTER TIME | Melb 12.7 79 | Fre 11.6 72
The siren sounds. Thought Freo were going to gallop away with the game, but Melbourne found themselves kicking four goals in a row. It’s a really strange game when you think of the fact that Melbourne are struggling with rotations and Freo are still in the finals race. Then again, it’s something many Freo fans are unfortunately used to.
Who gets up from here?!?!
3:44pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:44pm | Report comment
Q3 0:18 left | Melb 12.7 79 | Fre 11.6 72
Hayden Ballantyne runs through the middle of the ground, then kicks to a pack at half forward.
From the stoppage, quick clearance from the Dees, but the Dockers get it back.
At half forward, Chris Mayne kicks a high ball to the pocket – BRADLEY! Goes up and takes a hugely important mark.
With time ticking away… kicks a behind – Poor kick Kepler!
3:43pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:43pm | Report comment
Q3 1:50 left | Melb 12.7 79 | Fre 11.5 71
Quick kick from Ricky Petterd to an open goal square… there’s no one there at all.
The race is on between Clancee Pearce and the ball… Pearce wins out. Clears it for the Dockers. Relief for Freo.
3:41pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:41pm | Report comment
Q3 3:00 left | Melb 12.7 79 | Fre 11.5 71
Jamie Bennell still not on the ground. He’s down in the rooms. Unlikely to see much more of him today.
The Demons trying to hang on… they’re at half forward. Quick kick to the goals, 20m out, pack forms though.
Ball up – de Boer clears it as far as he can… finds the boundary, but Tom McDonald has given away a really poor free kick to the Dockers.
3:39pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:39pm | Report comment
Q3 4:11 left | Melb 12.7 79 | Fre 11.5 71
Greg Broughton has been substituted off the ground for Cameron Sutcliffe.
And Sutcliffe gets an important possession, to eventually get the footy to Matthew Pavlich.
In his 300th official game in his career in the AFL… kicks from 45m out – GOAL! Margin back to 8 points
3:37pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:37pm | Report comment
Q3 6:01 left | Melb 12.7 79 | Fre 10.5 65
Centre clearance from the Dockers thanks to a kick from Jon Griffin. It finishes up with Michael Walters and it’s a quick reply from Freo! Boy did they need that!
3:36pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:36pm | Report comment
Q3 6:18 left | Melb 12.7 79 | Fre 9.5 59
Just when you thought the Dockers were going to race away with the match when Matthew Pavlich put the Dockers in front, it’s spurred the Demons on and they all of a sudden getting first to the footy and running better.
Now Sam Blease takes on Matt de Boer… shrugs him off… gets close to a defender at 45m… kicks in hope… no way… GOAL! Amazing risk, but that’s a massive lifter for Melbourne!
3:34pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:34pm | Report comment
Q3 6:51 left | Melb 11.7 73 | Fre 9.5 59
Paul Duffield having a few horror possessions in the last 20 minutes of this game. Almost turns the ball over at half back from his kick in. Luckily the Dockers manage to force the ball out of bounds.
A chance to reset.
Kepler Bradley uses his body to crash a couple of packs, but the Demons back inside 50. Ricky Petterd – not sure where he wanted that ball to go – but it finds Matthew Bate! I reckon he wanted the goals, but a great pass in the end.
Bate from 25m out – THREE ON THE TROT FOR MELBOURNE!
3:32pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:32pm | Report comment
Q3 8:23 left | Melb 10.7 67 | Fre 9.5 59
Michael Johnson kicks it into the man on the mark… stolen by Jared Rivers. Kicks into the forward line for the Demons, rebounded out. But then Broughton turns it back over to Rivers. Chips inside 50 to find Jeremy Howe.
Kicks from 50m out – but misses.
3:29pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:29pm | Report comment
Q3 10:12 left | Melb 10.6 66 | Fre 9.5 59
Quick kick from the pack at half forward for the Demons from Jordie McKenzie… not the best kick – but it did find Brad Green! He could be vital in this second half.
Kicks from 45m out – GOAL! Back to back goals inside 2 minutes to Melbourne. They get back out to a 7 point lead.
3:28pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:28pm | Report comment
Q3 11:15 left | Melb 9.6 60 | Fre 9.5 59
There’s every chance this game could easily break open for the Dockers in this third quarter. Starting to win a lot of the contests.
Against the run of play, the Demons going forward with a kick into the forward 50 – Brad Green looked like he was hanging onto Adam McPhee… not paid! It goes past both of them. Green finally gathers, handballs to Rohan Bail, snaps from the pocket – GOAL! Great kick, but how did that not get picked up?!
3:26pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:26pm | Report comment
Q3 12:17 left | Melb 8.6 54 | Fre 9.5 59
Fremantle closing in on Melbourne in the disposal count – that gap was at around 30 possessions at quarter time and half time. But the Dockers getting more of the footy… and plenty of it up forward.
A high ball from a massive pack at centre half forward by Adam McPhee goes towards Frawley, Trengove and PAVLICH! Wins the free kick… could have been given the mark.
Kicks from 30m out – the Dockers in front!
3:23pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:23pm | Report comment
Q3 14:53 left | Melb 8.6 54 | Fre 8.5 53
Stephen Hill hobbles to the bench with an ankle injury, while Jamie Bennell looks a little worse for wear on his haunches.
The Dockers get it from their back line. Long kick to half forward to Crowley, then kicks towards Michael Walters – takes the mark against 2 Demons defenders, then plays on and goals. The Dockers within a point.
Bennell being carried off the ground
3:20pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:20pm | Report comment
Q3 17:00 left | Melb 8.6 54 | Fre 7.5 47
Seen a bit of ping-pong footy from both teams. Finally, the Dockers get the ball back up forward. Michael Walters with a clever little kick to centre half forward to find Chris Mayne.
He plays on with a handball to Clancee Pearce… he chips it from 53m out… bounces to the goal line – GOES THROUGH!
3:14pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:14pm | Report comment
Q3 19:59 left | Melb 8.6 54 | Fre 6.5 41
Jack Grimes doing some run-throughs before the quarter gets underway. Doesn’t look terrible. Will have plenty of strapping. The medicos looking at him carefully.
Third quarter underway.
3:12pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:12pm | Report comment
HALF TIME | Melb 8.6 54 | Fre 6.5 41
Keeping in mind that Mark Jamar’s out after he re-injured his calf in the first quarter… if Jack Grimes is out for the rest of the match with an ankle injury, that will do damage to their rotations late in the match.
They’ll need a fast start to the third quarter if they want to hang on. Having said that, they seemed to be down to two rotations for the second half of that second quarter and seemed to go alright.
The teams are back out on the ground.
3:01pm
TheSportsFreak said | 3:01pm | Report comment
HALF TIME | Melb 8.6 54 | Fre 6.5 41
Quarter by Quarter
Melbourne 6.2 8.6
Fremantle 3.2 6.5
Goalscorers
Melb (6) – Stefan Martin 2, Brad Green 2, Jamie Bennell 1, Sam Blease 1, Colin Sylvia 1, Rohan Bail 1
Fre (5) – Hayden Ballantyne 2, Stephen Hill 1, Tendai Mzungu 1, Kepler Bradley 1, Matthew Pavlich 1
Player Stats
Joel Macdonald (Melb) 4 kicks, 13 handballs, 3 marks, 6 score involvements
Colin Sylvia (Melb) 8 kicks, 8 handballs, 7 contested possessions, 4 tackles, 4 clearances, 1 goal
David Mundy (Fre) 8 kicks, 7 handballs, 9 contested possessions, 3 clearances, 4 inside 50’s
Jack Trengove (Melb) 7 kicks, 7 handballs, 3 marks
Nathan Jones (Melb) 8 kicks, 6 handballs, 4 tackles, 3 clearances, 3 inside 50’s
Team Stats
Disposals: Melb 195-168; Contested Possessions: Fre 72-70; Disposal Efficiency: Fre 70%-67%; Tackles: Melb 31-29; Clearances: Fre 17-15; Inside 50’s: Fre 31-25; Time In Forward Half: Melb 32%, Fre 45%, In Dispute 23%
2:54pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:54pm | Report comment
HALF TIME | Melb 8.6 54 | Fre 6.5 41
Paul Duffield with a poor kick out of defence straight into the hands of Jared Rivers who will kick right on the siren.
Huge kick – comes in and doesn’t score!
Go figure.
Half time and Melbourne resisted Fremantle’s pressure very well. They lead by 13 points at the main break.
Can the Demons hang on for their 3rd win of the season? We’ll find out in 15 minutes.
2:50pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:50pm | Report comment
Q2 1:52 left | Melb 8.5 53 | Fre 6.5 41
Just to clarify, the Jack Grimes injury could be an ankle, hence the twist I mentioned on the leg.
Meanwhile, a summit is required on what is holding the ball right now – Jon Griffin literally dropped the ball while being tackled. It SHOULD BE holding the ball… not called. This is where fans get frustrated with the constant changing of rules.
Anyway, the Dockers now have a chance on goal through the captain Matthew Pavlich. Kicks from 40m out – GOAL! That was a must get for Freo.
2:48pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:48pm | Report comment
Q2 3:40 left | Melb 8.5 53 | Fre 5.5 35
Jack Grimes holding his knee… it looked like he got a knock on it – nothing too serious, but it’ll sting. In fact, on a second look at it, there may have even been a slight twist on the leg. Hmmm, hope all is okay
As Nathan Jones kicks beautifully into the forward line and spots up Brad Green!
A chance at his second goal of the day…BAM! Goal to the Demons and they lead again by 18 points.
2:46pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:46pm | Report comment
Q2 4:51 left | Melb 7.5 47 | Fre 5.5 35
The Demons have done really well to hold up Freo in this quarter. The Dockers have had a lot more of the footy, but their use has been pretty disappointing up forward.
2:45pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:45pm | Report comment
Q2 6:01 left | Melb 7.5 47 | Fre 5.5 35
Nice kick from James Strauss, he finds Jared Rivers at half forward… then kicks to the pocket.
Rohan Bail takes a great mark going back with the flight of the ball against Matt de Boer. They can thank the calmness of James Frawley in defence for setting this up.
The kick on goal from Bail is a GOAL! Nice kick from a tough pocket.
2:42pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:42pm | Report comment
Q2 8:00 left | Melb 6.5 41 | Fre 5.5 35
Just 3 behinds from the Demons this quarter. Fremantle has only been able to score 2.3 in a quarter they’ve really dominated around the ground.
Need to get some reward on the scoreboard here or it could come back to bit them later in the match.
Remember, no Mark Jamar for the Demons – he’s subbed off with a calf injury. Stefan Martin having to ruck the rest of the match
2:40pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:40pm | Report comment
Q2 9:10 left | Melb 6.5 41 | Fre 5.5 35
Tom McDonald tries to spoil the attempted mark by Chris Mayne… but lept a little too early and Mayne marks.
He’s near the boundary 25m out… but pushes the kick wide for just a behind.
2:38pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:38pm | Report comment
Q2 10:30 left | Melb 6.5 41 | Fre 5.4 34
Garrick Ibbotson wins the footy in the middle of the ground for a push in the back.
Short ball to Matthew Pavlich… and he goes long… and long… and long to Michael Johnson! Good mark at 50m.
Kicks to the goal line – STEFAN MARTIN! Great work. Thinks he’s tired. Needs to fight through the pain barrier, because he’s not playing that badly in the last couple of minutes.
2:35pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:35pm | Report comment
Q2 12:30 left | Melb 6.5 41 | Fre 5.4 34
The Dockers have lifted the intensity in the last couple of minutes, which has resulted in a lot more of the footy, but also some costly turnovers from the Demons.
Stephen Hill with a quick snap on goal, but misses.
Meanwhile, a shot of Stefan Martin – he’s really struggling, having to ruck for pretty much the rest of the day.
2:34pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:34pm | Report comment
Q2 13:31 left | Melb 6.5 41 | Fre 5.3 33
A turnover from the Demons across half forward, helped by a spoil from Pavlich on Frawley.
Kicked back into the teeth of the goals… Kepler – almost, knocked away at the second bite at it… but Hayden Ballantyne gathers, snaps and GOAL!
2:32pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:32pm | Report comment
Q2 14:23 left | Melb 6.5 41 | Fre 4.3 27
There’s been a couple of heroic-like plays from some of the Melbourne players. Told to take on the match and attack it with fervour. The only problem with that is when you do it in your own back line. High tackle on Matthew Pavlich and he’ll have a shot on goal from 53m out.
Long ball right to the goal line… Kepler Bradley takes the mark on the line! Could have shepherded that through, but made it a certainty. Slams it home. Pav will be annoyed!*
*NOTE – He probably won’t mind that much…
2:29pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:29pm | Report comment
Q2 16:31 left | Melb 6.5 41 | Fre 3.3 21
Fremantle attempt the switch of play across half back. It’s now with David Mundy at centre wing. Has to find Ibbotson in the middle of the ground… and then officially switch back to the right to Duffield.
Rebounded out by the Demons, but only as far as Ibbotson again, Michael Walters almost with a ripping mark up forward… now comes free to Clancee Pearce, but his kick skews off the side of the boot and out on the full
2:26pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:26pm | Report comment
Q2 18:03 left | Melb 6.5 41 | Fre 3.3 21
Jack Trengove wins a free kick, then 50m from half back. Takes him just shy of half forward.
Quick kick into the forward line finds Brad Green!
Good diving mark ahead of Adam McPhee. Kicks from 48m out… near the boundary… just misses the mark.
2:25pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:25pm | Report comment
Q2 18:53 left | Melb 6.4 40 | Fre 3.3 21
Matthew Pavlich made to work hard for the footy at a ball up 40m out from goal… two efforts, finally sticks a handball to Hayden Ballantyne, but his kick misses.
2:24pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:24pm | Report comment
Q2 19:59 left | Melb 6.4 40 | Fre 3.2 20
Mark Jamar has hurt his calf – that’s not good news for Demons. He’s been substituted off. That brings James Strauss into the game. But it means Stefan Martin will need to ruck the rest of the game, instead of going up forward. Does that change the game?
2:21pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:21pm | Report comment
QUARTER TIME | Melb 6.4 40 | Fre 3.2 20
Goalscorers
Melb (5) – Stefan Martin 2, Jamie Bennell 1, Brad Green 1, Sam Blease 1, Colin Sylvia 1
Fre (3) – Hayden Ballantyne 1, Stephen Hill 1, Tendai Mzungu 1
Player Stats
Joel Macdonald (Melb) 4 kicks, 8 handballs, 3 marks
Nathan Jones (Melb) 4 kicks, 5 handballs, 5 contested possessions, 2 tackles, 2 clearances
Colin Sylvia (Melb) 4 kicks, 5 handballs, 5 contested possessions, 3 clearances, 1 goal
Michael Barlow (Fre) 6 kicks, 1 handball, 4 contested possessions,
Team Stats
Disposals: Melb 116-82; Contested Possessions: Melb 45-36; Disposal Efficiency: Fre 66%-64%; Tackles: Melb 19-15; Clearances: Melb 10-7; Inside 50′s: Melb 20-15;. Time In Forward Half: Melb 34%, Fre 38%, In Dispute: 28%
2:18pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:18pm | Report comment
QUARTER TIME | Melb 6.4 40 | Fre 3.2 20
The quarter finishes with a rushed behind. Siren sounds and the Demons fans are on their feet! That’s a good sign. They wanted the footy more in the opening 30 minutes – sounds simplistic, but that’s the best way for Melbourne to attack this game. Nothing too flashy, just get the footy and use it well.
Fremantle need to get their defensive structures in place in the second quarter, or it could be another loss at Etihad Stadium against the Demons.
2:16pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:16pm | Report comment
Q1 0:20 left | Melb 6.3 39 | Fre 3.2 20
A few too many handballs coming out of defence for the Dockers almost costs them a score. Pavlich again the target, but the Melbourne defence has stood up strong.
Chris Mayne in a little bit of strife. Looks like his thigh. Getting some attention from the Freo trainers.
Last chance for the Demons.
Kick into the pocket comes to Rohan Bail… snaps… behind only.
2:14pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:14pm | Report comment
Q1 2:10 left | Melb 6.2 38 | Fre 3.2 20
Thomas Couch has had a good start to his debut. He’s kicked the ball into the forward line for the Demons. A few chain of handballs to get a free player – that player is Colin Sylvia… kicks from 45m out – GOAL! Melbourne break the lead back out to 18 points. Worrying signs late in the quarter for Freo.
2:10pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:10pm | Report comment
Q1 4:21 left | Melb 5.2 32 | Fre 3.2 20
Joel MacDonald has 9 possessions in the early stages of the game. Barlow, Bradley (Fre), Jones, Sylvia & Trengove all with 6 possessions nearing quarter time.
2:09pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:09pm | Report comment
Q1 4:31 left | Melb 5.2 32 | Fre 3.2 20
A bit of composure in the defensive line from Melbourne, under a bit of pressure.
Stefan Martin marks at centre wing, then wins a 50m penalty for a bit of late contact – maybe a little tiggy-touchwood.
Martin will kick from 47m out… NEVER IN DOUBT! Great goal for the Demons, pushes the lead out to 12 points.
2:07pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:07pm | Report comment
Q1 5:30 left | Melb 4.2 26 | Fre 3.2 20
Matthew Bate with the footy at centre wing. Kicks long to the 50m arc, almost the mark to Colin Sylvia. Get’s some help from Nathan Jones… but then a high tackle on Luke McPharlin for Freo.
The Dockers clear to half back, but intercepted by Colin Garland.
2:06pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:06pm | Report comment
Q1 7:11 left | Melb 4.2 26 | Fre 3.2 20
Free kick for holding the ball against the Demons just in the Freo attacking half. Long ball to the forward line, handball from Ballantyne to Michael Walters. Snaps from 25m out… but misses.
2:05pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:05pm | Report comment
Q1 7:59 left | Melb 4.2 26 | Fre 3.1 19
Slow build-up from half back for the Demons. Jeremy Howe finally turns it over at centre wing, but the Demons manage to fightback to get it to half forward.
Stefan Martin kicks towards Jack Trengove – misses the mark, just over his finger tips.
Just missing a few targets in the last 5 minutes as the intensity builds up.
Back up forward for the Demons… scrappy footy, but somehow falls to Sam Blease. Kicks from 30m out… and GOAL! The Demons get back out by 7 points.
2:02pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:02pm | Report comment
Q1 10:21 left | Melb 3.2 20 | Fre 3.1 19
Colin Sylvia with the centre clearance and kicks to half forward towards Brad Green… Rohan Bail though gets the footy off the ground. Quick kick on goal though misses the target.
2:00pm
TheSportsFreak said | 2:00pm | Report comment
Q1 10:35 left | Melb 3.1 19 | Fre 3.1 19
After a very sluggish start, Fremantle finally starting to hit their straps. Dylan Roberton wins the turnover in the middle of the ground, then kicks to the half forward flank and finds Tendai Mzungu.
Kicks from 45m out – and GOALS! Scores level at Etihad.
1:59pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:59pm | Report comment
Q1 12:07 left | Melb 3.1 19 | Fre 2.1 13
A coast to coast chance for the Dockers. Greg Broughton has the footy after the ball sailed over the pack at centre wing. Gives a handball off to Stephen Hill – RUN BOY, RUN! Four bounces, gets to 20m out – GOAL!
It’s great footy from Hill
1:58pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:58pm | Report comment
Q1 12:41 left | Melb 3.1 19 | Fre 1.1 7
Jordie McKenzie getting a little bit of the footy early. Wins a free kick at half forward. He gives it off quickly to Nathan Jones, who fires a quick kick into the 50m area and finds Ricky Petterd.
Kicks from 35m out… but it drifts to the right late. Behind only.
1:56pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:56pm | Report comment
Q1 13:44 left | Melb 3.0 18 | Fre 1.1 7
Free kick against the Demons from James Frawley for high contact. Hayden Ballantyne’s got a chance to make amends. He’s got the footy now on the boundary 45m out. Keeps it low, but straight – ripping kick! GOAL to the Dockers – finally on the board
1:55pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:55pm | Report comment
Q1 14:20 left | Melb 3.0 18 | Fre 0.1 1
Long ball into the forward line for the Dockers – first real good chance of a goal. The target’s Matthew Pavlich… spoiled away… but Hayden Ballantyne’s near it. 15m out runs in… TACKLED!
Amazing work from Rohan Bail! Chased him down to stop any score
1:53pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:53pm | Report comment
Q1 15:41 left | Melb 3.0 18 | Fre 0.1 1
Jamie Bennell involved again, this time with a kick to Matthew Bate at half forward. He pumps it long towards the teeth of the goals – pack forms, Brad Green’s there! Picks up, quick snap around the corner – GOAL! Melbourne flying early on. This not a good sign for the Dockers – especially with this game being so important. Outnumbered in a lot of areas early
1:52pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:52pm | Report comment
Q1 16:13 left | Melb 2.0 12 | Fre 0.1 1
Ball in at half forward for the Demons. Nathan Jones kicks it into the forward pocket. Jared Rivers the target, but falls to Jamie Bennell…. runs into an open goal… nicely done! The Demons off to a quick start.
1:50pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:50pm | Report comment
Q1 16:59 left | Melb 1.0 6 | Fre 0.1 1
Some of the early match ups…
Ryan Crowley tagging Nathan Jones
Jordie McKenzie running with Stephen Hill
Matthew Pavlich now forward up against James Frawley.
Speaking of Pavlich, takes a diving mark just near the 50m arc on the boundary.
Shot on goal is to the pocket, falls to Kepler Bradley… put misses the snap. Behind only
1:48pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:48pm | Report comment
Q1 18:42 left | Melb 1.0 6 | Fre 0.0 0
Jordie McKenzie with a kick to the top of the forward 50m, Brad Green was the main target, but Stefan Martin behind him. Crumbs the ball, quick snap from 45m out – GOAL!
Melbourne get the first on the board
1:46pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:46pm | Report comment
Q1 19:30 left | Melb 0.0 0 | Fre 0.0 0
Matthew Pavlich starts in the middle of the ground. He had the first kick of the game, then almost set up Stephen Hill to the first score of the game… but Hill’s kick chopped off 10m from goal by the Demons.
1:45pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:45pm | Report comment
Q1 19:59 left | Melb 0.0 0 | Fre 0.0 0
Opening bounce now at Etihad Stadium
1:44pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:44pm | Report comment
That means a little bit of the defensive line knocked around for the Dockers, but nothing that will worry them too much.
1:41pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:41pm | Report comment
BREAKING NEWS
Lee Spurr is a late inclusion into the Fremantle side! Antoni Grover has injured himself in the warm up, which has forced the change from Fremantle.
1:41pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:41pm | Report comment
With the roof closed, it will be a fast track.
We saw goals galore last night (24 goals 5 behinds from the Kangaroos was outstanding to say the least). But we know the Dockers can be very defensive and Melbourne’s not the most talented team in the competition. So it may not be a shootout, unless someone like a Pavlich gets hot. Who knows, he could boot another massive bag of goals today…
1:38pm
TheSportsFreak said | 1:38pm | Report comment
It’s a momentous day for Matthew Pavlich today who joins the 300 Club and receives AFL Life Membership. It’s his 271st premierhip game, along with 25 pre-season matches, 3 International Rules matches against Ireland and a State of Origin game.
He actually made his AFL debut against Melbourne back in Round 5 2000, so it’s a nice little bit of history for Pav today.
12:45pm
TheSportsFreak said | 12:45pm | Report comment
Good afternoon and welcome to The Roar’s coverage of Melbourne vs. Fremantle from Etihad Stadium.
There has been a little bit of rain about in Melbourne and the surrounding areas over the last few hours, so the roof will be closed for today’s game.
But if you’re expecting a big crowd today, I’d say you’ll be bitterly disappointed. Demons fans don’t usually like going to Etihad Stadium – they see it as an insult. There should be a fair amount of support for the Dockers, but will we get to 20000 people through the gate? Highly unlikely I’d say.
12:28pm
TheSportsFreak said | 12:28pm | Report comment
TEAM CHANGES
Melbourne – Late change with Luke Tapscott out and James Strauss in for him. Strauss will be the substitute
Fremantle – No late changes today with Cameron Sutcliffe the substitute
11:31am
ren said | 11:31am | Report comment
freo by 68