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Very disappointing day for the Melbourne Demons. The few faithful fans that made an appearance on a cold Sunday afternoon will be shocked by the insipid performance given by Roos’ men.
The Giants showed today what their future holds and coach Leon Cameron will be extremely pleased with his side’s performance, securing their first ten goal win in the club’s history as well as winning their first game at the MCG.
The game was won through the Giant’s forward entries and spacing, often having a free man running through the Melbourne zone and picking up easy goals. Devon Smith was best afield today, the crafty midfielder finished with thirty disposals, ten marks, five tackles and two very classy goals.
Rhys Palmer (four goals) and Will Hoskin-Elliot (three Goals) did most of the damage up forward and caused Melbourne headaches all day. Although Tom Boyd kicked just the one major, his presence in the forward half in the absence of an injured Patton and Cameron proved pivotal in the result.
Tomas Bugg was also prolific off half back with a game high thirty three disposals and set up many of the Giants entries. The only negatives for the Giants will be the fitness of some key personal, Leon Cameron will be sweating on the availability of Patton, Ward and Davis after they all sustained injuries in today’s victory.
For the Demons, the positives are few and far between, Paul Roos really has to be asking himself why he signed a contract extension, such was the club’s onfield performance today. Nathan Jones continues to earn respect and admiration, the tough nosed captain collected thirty of his own touches in a midfield that was well and truly beaten today.
Jones had little support today, but Bernie Vince was the Demons second best, with twenty eight disposals and five marks. The heat will be on the Demons this coming week and deservedly so.
FINAL SCORE:
Melbourne 3.16 (34)
GWS Giants 15.8 (98)
The Melbourne Demons face off against the Greater Western Sydney Giants on Sunday in what promises to be an intriguing clash. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3:20pm (AEST).
Both sides will be desperate for a hard earned win as both teams have failed to secure the four points in their last five games.
The Giants have been steady in the past month, pushing flag contender Geelong to within two goals and putting up a strong performance against Richmond at the MCG.
If recent history is anything to go by, the Giants are in with a great chance. Leon Cameron’s men have won three of the last five games against the Demons, with two of the past three clashes play out as GWS victories.
Not much can be said of the Demon’s season in terms of wins – but improvements have been made.
Paul Roo’s men were within a whisker of pulling off a major upset at Adelaide Oval in Round 18 against Port Adelaide, narrowly succumbing by three points.
The Dees however were easily accounted for by a classy Hawthorn unit last week, so expect a big response from Nathan Jones and his side on Sunday.
Melbourne’s chances of getting the four points for the first time since Round 13 largely depend on the fitness of promising co-captain Jack Grimes, who is still touch-and-go for Sunday’s match after having a two week lay off with a hamstring injury.
The young and impressive Dom Tyson is of particular interest in regards to Sunday’s clash, Tyson gathered 30 possessions against the Hawks last week and has been an influential presence through the midfield for Melbourne this season.
Prediction:
While the Giants do have firepower up forward that will stretch the Demons down back, Melbourne’s gritty play in recent weeks will shut down the supply into the Giants forward half.
Melbourne by 13 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 3:20pm (AEST).
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