Melbourne have gatecrashed Corey Enright’s 300th AFL game celebrations, beating Geelong for the first time in nine years.
The Demons led at every change to win 18.5 (113) to 13.11 (89) on Sunday at Simonds Stadium.
Jeff Garlett kicked a game-high four goals for the Demons, who racked up their best victory of 2015.
The Cats would have gone into the top eight had they won on Sunday, but instead slipped to 6-6 heading into the bye.
Prior to Sunday, Melbourne’s last win over Geelong was back in 2006.
They have suffered some fearful beatings in the intervening years, none worse than the 186-point demolition in 2011 which cost then coach Dean Bailey his job.
Geelong have now lost three of their first four matches this year at Simonds Stadium – a venue where they had been nigh-on unbeatable in the preceding eight years.
The Demons dominated the midfield, with Bernie Vince and Nathan Jones combining for 73 disposals.
Youngsters Jack Viney and first-year player Angus Brayshaw were also prominent.
The Cats were best served by Steven Motlop and Cameron Guthrie.
Enright was solid rather than spectacular in his 300th match, ending with 18 disposals.
He was carried shoulder-high from the field at the end of the game by longtime teammates Andrew Mackie and Tom Lonergan.
Geelong’s only other 300-gamers, John Newman and Ian Nankervis, also lost their major milestone games.
Barb
Guest
Well done Corey Enright on an outstanding 300 game achievement.Chris Scott was out coached by Paul Roos and has no plan B or maybe a team that don't follow instructions. Although there were many players out with injuries and no ruckman many players have let down a teammate with their insipid performance.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Happens all the time. Fans left before Brownie’s 250th last year, they cleared out before Cornes’ 300th, and I’m sure they left before Fletcher’s 400th as well. Why bother getting hot and bothered about it, you can’t barricade people inside the ground. If they want to leave, they can leave. You’re overreacting. On another note, it does seem that the fastest way to lose a game this year is to celebrate a milestone. Seems like virtually every game where one team is celebrating an individual player’s achievement, they wind up going down.
WhereIsGene
Guest
Nevermind Geelong's performance, the most embarrassing sight of the day was the many Cats fans streaming out of the ground during the 4th quarter when it became apparent they'd lose. You'd think after everything Corey Enright's done for the club they'd hang around to give him the rousing send off he deserved, but I guess beating the traffic was more important. Exceedingly poor display from folks who've been lavished with more success over the past 8 years than supporters of many clubs enjoy in a lifetime.