The Melbourne Demons have held off a determined effort by Carlton to record a 22-point win at the MCG this afternoon.
Melbourne started the game strongly, kicking the opening goal and dominating possession, but despite threatening to break the game open couldn’t quite shake off the Blues.
After a low scoring first half more or less dominated by the Demons they held a narrow ten-point lead at the main break.
Perhaps sensing the opportunity, Carlton played their best footy in the third quarter, getting on top around the ground and forcing the Demons into mistakes.
Patrick Cripps and Marc Murphy found plenty of the ball in the midfield, and while they never really had a threatening key forward, the Blues converted enough of their chances to get out to a nine-point lead.
The Demons kicked the last of the quarter to bring the margin back to three points heading into the final period of the game.
After a few cagey minutes of the last term, highlighted by some excellent individual defensive efforts on both sides, Melbourne gradually got on top to pull away from the Blues.
The Demons began to attack the dangerous area in front of goal, and while they still struggled to take contested marks, they were repeatedly able to kick important crumbing goals in the key final moments.
Although Levi Casboult kicked a late major to give the Blues a sniff, the Demons certainly ran the game out more strongly and deserved their win in the end.
Over the course of the game, Melbourne had by far the most of the ball with 64 more touches, and youngsters Dom Tyson, Christian Salem, Clayton Oliver all finished with 30-plus possessions.
But each of those players was guilty of some sloppy ball use, and the Demons probably would have been better off with some of their more experienced players getting more of the pill; Jordan Lewis was well held and had little influence.
Nathan Jones, however, was as inspirational as ever, and executed some key plays at times.
Overall, Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin, although obviously happy with the win, would have to be a little concerned with the overall performance. They didn’t particularly look like prospective finalists today.
They were keen to move the ball through the wings, but were generally too slow to switch effectively and often went wide into the forward line, making it hard to generate quality scoring chances.
Carlton, who are likely to have lower expectations for the season, could certainly find some positives in their defensive work. Caleb Marchbank and Lachie Plowman were once again effective as young defenders.
They too though suffered from poor ball use throughout the match. As usual, they lacked a sharp edge in front of goal, but Matthew Wright kicked three sensational goals to keep them in the game.
To be blunt, this wasn’t a game that will live long in the memory. Melbourne got the win they should have done, but made hard work of it.
Macca
Guest
I'd like to see Buckley come in for Armfield this week, the bombers have a fair bit of pace up forward and I wouldn't mind seeing Buckley go back and Simpson come out onto a wing.
Lofty
Guest
I would like to see Mckay get a game but they will need to be carefull with the old and young balance. In saying that I gather Armfield had a poor game going on comments so there is another spot up for grabs.
Macca
Guest
No worries lofty - I couldn't tell you how much time he is spending through their but I did see him in at least a couple of centre bounces and he got a good clearance. I see same Rowe got some late onset concussion from Sunday's game - if he doesn't get up I would love to see them bring McKay in and switch Weitering back.
Lofty
Guest
Thanks Macca. Have seen very little of the demons game and missed half the tigers game. Work and daylight savings have not helped.
Macca
Guest
Were we offered 2 early picks?
Macca
Guest
Lofty - Curnow is getting some game time through the middle
Macca
Guest
Slane - I understand your concern but my point is that it is just a temporary issue. The blues probably shouldn't be playing Plowman, Marchbank, MacReadie and Rowe down back but right now they 3 youngsters need to be developed and we need the size and strength of Rowe to help them out - in time Rowe will go and probably be replaced by a smaller running defender. Up forward the blues are looking to make C Curnow a mid fielder (he took a coup,e of centre bounces on the weekend) but he isn't there yet so they are giving him exposure as a key forward.
Lofty
Guest
Interesting thought about Weitering in the midfield. Not one I would consider but I'm open to ideas. Charlie Curnow is the one I would like to see in there but he has bit to learn first.
Jack
Guest
We should of traded Gibbs. Two early picks would be two 10 year players in a building side.... daisy is horrible lots of salary cap space next year
Slane
Guest
Macca- I can see how my comment came across as a a criticism of recruiting/list management. It was also meant to question their best 22. The guys who are actually getting games. I'm struggling to think of another team that is playing with so many talls stacked down either end of the ground. It's not necessarily a bad thing, it just seems like half the team are KPPs.
Macca
Guest
Steve - I think both will stay on the list next year - they will just have to fight for their spot in the 22.
Macca
Guest
Steve - I think Weitering replacing Rowe in defence (or even MacReadie's if they want to keep Rowe) and McKay taking his spot forward gives us much more than McKay replacing Casboult. Also while I thought Phillips showed promise last year he averaged 6.8 disposals and 2.3 marks and just 0.4 goals - so far Casboult is offering much more and Kreuzer's output has increased as well - to me the forward back up ruck spot is Casboult's to lose and Phillips will have to force him out. It is a good problem to have though and it will be interesting to see how it turns out.
Macca
Guest
Steve - All players have "clangers" and Gibbs and Murphy haven't had as many in the first 2 rounds as Dangerfield or Martin - Murphy in particular has had very few. Simmo did make a lot of mistakes in round 1 but he didn't get the ball to make a mistake in round 2.
steve
Guest
As soon Phillips is ready, Casboult will be most vulnerable to being replaced by McKay. McKay not quite ready yet. Casboult is safe for now as we need him to ruck. Once Phillips returns he will be. . I'm more than happy for Weitering to stay forward. Id be most pleased is we are running Weitering , McKay and Jack as the KPF's towards seasons end. At This point, I wouldn't even contemplate replacing any of Plowman, Marchbank, Macreadie or even Rowe yet in defence.
steve
Guest
I expect they will both play the majority of he season. I'm not expecting either to be replace anytime in the coming weeks. But IMO they need to be replaced by seasons end. If either are in the best 22 in 2018 our rebuild isn't going so well I would suggest.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Pretty weak effort from Lewis but usual form from him. Off the ball and to a player not expecting to be hit. Hopefully only being a small fracture and no displacement to the jaw might see Cripps play this week but I would imagine the club will play it safe and if there is any chance of further damage they will rest him. The AFL website is saying that Rowe sustained some sort of injury from the Hogan hit and may also be in doubt for this week.
steve
Guest
Its not the possessions that are bad, its the turnovers from them that have hurt us. Simmo may have had 33 possessions round one but he was terrible, worst game from him in recent memory.
Mark B
Guest
afl.com has report that Cripps has a fracture in his jaw although not displaced
Macca
Guest
Paul - Did the Geelong player that got "smashed" end up with a broken Jaw like Cripps did? Or did the North player have a "bad record" like Lewis does?
paul cotton
Guest
Antd norhtplayer gets 1 week for smashing his elbow into a defenceless palyer on the ground, consistency is so important