Melbourne Demons vs Carlton Blues: AFL live scores, blog

» Click here to read the full match report Votes One thing to make clear: ignore possession counts for games like these. There were a bunch of players with a stack of low quality disposals. 3. Nathan Jones (Melbourne) - For years he has been Melbourne's key man in difficult games, and so it was again today. By far the most effective of the Demon midfielders, and involved in several key moments, including two important goals. He also had 29 possessions and 8 inside 50s. 2. Patrick Cripps (Carlton) - He was the man winning the ball and driving Carlton forward, particularly in that third quarter when they got on top. With ten clearances he was clearly the game's best inside player. 1. Matthew Wright (Carlton) - Wright made solid contributions all around the ground for the entire day, and used the ball better than most other players. But it was his three goals that stand out. Not just because he kicked them, but because each of them were his own creations formed almost out of nothing. On a day when both sides struggled to kick goals his quality in the forwardline stood out. Gawn, Salem, Oliver and Murphy all very close.

It was close for the most part, but low quality. I feel for you, AD. Growing up a Fitzroy fan I had many sad afternoons watching my team nine goals down at half time with the crowd against them.

Match report 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 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 forwardline, 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. Marchbank and 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.

And that's full time Melbourne Demons 13.8.86 Carlton Blues 9.10.64

GOAL MELBOURNE Jones puts a full stop on this game with a snapped goal in the final seconds. Melbourne 86 Carlton 64

If we had cut to the coach's box every time there was a mistake in this game, we would see none of the play. It has not been a classic.

No matter how unconvincing they've been today, Melbourne will start the season 2-0, and at the very least they can say they're winning these sorts of games, even if they're not producing their best footy.

This game is winding down now, with 2 minutes left and the Dees leading by sixteen points. Carlton don't seem to be playing with much intent at this stage.

He's been doing it all game, mind you.

Oh my god, Brian Taylor just called Plowman 'Rowe'. They look nothing alike. How can anyone make that sort of mistake. It's appalling we have to put up with him calling games.