A new-look Melbourne have scored an upset 26-point AFL win over Gold Coast at the MCG.
With seven players making their debuts for the club, the Demons led at every change and saw off a late challenge by the fast-finishing Suns on Saturday to record the 17.13 (115) to 13.11 (89) victory.
Gary Ablett played with his left shoulder heavily strapped and appeared to be hampered at times, but he looked set to break Demons hearts with back-to-back goals that narrowed the margin to eight points in the final term.
However, the Demons dug deep with Heritier Lumumba kicking an inspirational goal in his 200th AFL game that sparked a decisive four-goal burst.
Jack Viney shadowed Ablett for most of the game and kept the dual-Brownlow medallist to 19 possessions while gathering 24 of his own.
Nathan Jones worked hard for his 25 disposals, while Tom McDonald was important down back with 26 touches.
Dion Prestia led the way for the Suns with 29 possessions, but he didn’t have enough support in a midfield that was outworked by the Demons.
The match started in fiery fashion with the Suns’ Matt Shaw reported for a high hit on Dean Kent.
A nine-point quarter-time lead to Melbourne quickly blew out to 28 points early in the second term before the Suns enjoyed a bright patch with successive goals.
The Demons of old would’ve wilted under the increased pressure, but a team-lifting goal from Jones sent them into halftime with a deserved 25-point advantage.
Jesse Hogan was one of three Demons players making their AFL debuts and he put his side further ahead with the first goal of his career early in the third quarter.
Gold Coast mounted another challenge, with Michael Rischitelli booting two goals and first-gamer Adam Saad adding another in a three-goal burst, but Melbourne replied yet again.
Former Carlton forward Jeff Garlett impressed with his forward pressure all day and booted his second goal as the Demons restored a 25-point buffer at three-quarter time.
Ablett turned the game in Gold Coast’s favour in a thrilling final term, but Paul Roos’ men held their nerve to get their season off to a winning start.
Martin
Guest
Let us hope Gary Ablett's shoulder operation turns out to be successful; otherwise, the fans are going to be disappointed.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
We will have to agree to disagree on that I think. The very notion a game is lost by a 'cruel bounce' is where I think we see things very differently also.
Don Freo
Guest
I don't subscribe to the idea that a particular coach can't win a Grand Final. Ross Lyon, for instance, drew one and missed another with the cruel bounce of a ball. If a coach can lead a side onto a top six, he is probably needing good performances on the day to win the next game. Some teams may win despite a few wrong calls from a coach. Rocket is just the wrong person for this team and the wrong person for 2015.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I said it in one of Cam's posts and I'll say it again here: Rocket is the guy who takes you from the basement to the 99th floor. He's not the guy who gets you the penthouse keys. Bluey in all likelihood would have made finals this year also, or maybe not according to Rocket. The only difference is Bluey doesn't have a track record of being a bridesmaid. Actually, he's not even been a bridesmaid come to think of it - perhaps a flower-girl?
Don Freo
Guest
I just hope he doesn't trade out all those good kids for yesteryear's players ...actually, I do hope for that. Freo has some money...and Colin Sylvia.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Not too sure how this whole sage is going to play out. I was a little confused as to why Bluey was sacked and to now hear Rocket talking about not expecting finals football for another 2-years is borderline nuts! You don't start saying these things after round 1, talk about a joke! Every team should be thinking they can win the premiership. Look at Port 3-years ago, they were as bad - if not worse - than Melbourne. New coach and in his second year he is one goal away from defeating the premiers. It's fare to say Rocket is taking over a far better team than what Hinkley was handed, so for him to start making excuses for not making finals this year really makes me wonder?
DiscoDave
Roar Rookie
Is Rodney the most over rated coach anyone can think of? Gold Star to anyone who can think of someone with a better claim on the title.
Penster
Guest
I almost went for the Suns but changed because I don't like Rocket Eade, he's a polarising character. Went for Swans instead (like last year) and thought I was round 1 k/o again at 3/4 time. Difficult tipping round and interesting season. Great to see Dees and Dogs get up - last time they did that the FJ Holden was all the rage.
Don Freo
Guest
...or O'Meara... That's not the reason. It is the coach.
Don Freo
Guest
That's the difference between Eade and McKenna. McKenna built a family...Eade is already yelling at them...and claiming they are 2 years from finals. Oh dear. Whose coaching career will finish first? Eade or Malthouse?
Radelaide
Guest
Gotta admit I'm surprised how bad the Suns are when Gazza is not up and firing.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Dees vs Suns game received an extremely healthy 253k in ratings (on Fox), identical to what Carlton vs Richmond got on the opening night on Thursday.
Uncle Junior
Guest
So Melbourne were widely tipped to finish in the bottom 4 and we are constantly told Suns will win a flag within 2-3 years. Just as well Suns have the best AFL player in their team. Shudder to think what happens when he retires? I presume when Ablett retires the narrative will move to "Suns are a 20 year project".
Balthazar
Guest
Awesome effort from the Dees. Challenged in each quarter and toughed it out. Good game to watch too. Sad Hogan isn't playing for Freo. Watts played a very mature game, Henretier with a steadier, defence was solid (who needs Frawley anyway?) and some good young prospects in their forward line. Methinks GCS plays more like a team of champions than a champion team ATM
slane
Guest
I chose the Suns for the knock-out comp we do. I thought the Suns winning was as sure as the sun rising. Turns out I was dead wrong!
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Big win by the Dees, also 27+k to see Dees vs Suns a pretty good turn out.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
Didn't expect this. Only one person in my 20+ tipping comp did too!