The Melbourne Demons have recorded their fifth win of the season and continued a push towards the finals, recording a 63-point win over the Brisbane Lions on Sunday afternoon.
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The Lions fought valiantly through the second and third quarters to keep themselves within distance but the final stanza just blew them out of the water, as the Demons ran riot over the hapless Brisbane defence.
Melbourne double-act Jesse Hogan and Jeff Garlett shared seven goals in the 19.17 (131) to 9.14 (68) romp at the MCG on Sunday.
While at times the football was far from fluent, the win was Melbourne’s biggest home success in four years.
Hogan’s five goals were spread across all four quarters, while Garlett nabbed two and assisted three others in the first half when the match was on the line.
James Harmes also bagged four goals, three in time-on in the fourth quarter as the Demons blew the margin out.
The Demons’ dominance was built in the second term, growing a buffer in the second quarter with four unanswered goals in seven minutes.
That included Viv Michie’s first goal of his career, which had Demons running from every corner of the ground in congratulations.
Tomas Bugg also impressed while young Dees Billy Stretch and Clayton Oliver showed signs of development.
Melbourne won both the disposal and the tackle count but for most of the afternoon, this was no Brisbane horror show.
The Lions took almost 45 minutes to hit the scoreboard in their heavy last-out loss to Collingwood, but did so within 45 seconds against the Demons.
Justin Leppitsch’s undermanned side were outclassed but showed an improved intent and had their moments.
Brisbane were on top during the third term but didn’t take their opportunities, kicking 1.5 to let the Demons off the hook.
Bernie Vince’s kick after a string of Melbourne handballs in the congestion was given Bronx cheers from the 26,892-strong crowd.
The Lions lowered their colours late, allowing Melbourne to kick nine of the last 12 goals to run out strong winners.
Melbourne improved their win-loss to 5-4 with the result, while Brisbane have now lost five straight.
Final score
Melbourne 19.17.131
Brisbane 9.14.68
The Roar’s AFL MVP votes
3: Jesse Hogan – squeezes out Bugg and Harmes on this one. Five goals and a dominant display up front from 21-year old with 5 inside 50’s, a couple of goal assists and even 20 disposals.
2: Tomas Bugg – he flew under the radar a touch this afternoon but really did the hard yards in the middle, finishing with 30 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 22 handballs and 6 clearances.
1: James Harmes – had a great all round game and even sunk a few six pointers in the final quarter to end up with four goals for th day, also finished with 20 disposals.
With AAP.
Connor Bennett
Editor
They had some really good periods of play in there but their shot accuracy was dismal, not to mention the last quarter where they really just stopped trying and let the flood gates open.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Shame, it's another promising start to the season being crushed by injury and repeated defeats. No wonder the Lions players are starting to drop their heads. We're just not a very good side, they know it, and the other teams know it too.