Melbourne have hung on in a frantic last quarter to record a four-point win over Collingwood on the Queen’s Birthday holiday.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Melbourne Demons 15.14.104
Collingwood Magpies 15.10.100
Two not-all-that-successful teams fight it out on the Queens Birthday holiday, as the Melbourne Demons host the Collingwood Magpies at the MCG. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 3:20pm.
There was a small war of words between the two teams during the week about who was or wasn’t a successful club, but this afternoon will probably help us answer that question.
The Demons and Pies are both sitting just outside the eight as we get to the end of Round 12, and with just one game separating fifth spot from thirteenth there is clearly going to be a tight contest for those last finals spots.
Both these sides are well in that contest, and both have particularly high stakes this season.
Melbourne haven’t played finals footy since 2006 and their supporters feel they deserve better.
Collingwood have experienced a slide the last few years under Nathan Buckley, and need a better season to arrest that and shore up their coach’s future.
So games between these teams and other finals aspirants have just that extra bit of interest this season.
Something of a different preparation for the competing teams, with Melbourne coming off the bye, while the Magpies played eight days ago in Perth, where they recorded an impressive win against the Dockers.
Unfortunately, the butcher’s bill from that game included Jamie Elliott, Daniel Wells, and Tyson Goldsack, all missing this afternoon through injury.
Jackson Ramsay has also been omitted, while James Aish and Alex Fasolo return, along with Tom Langdon who has recovered from long term injury. Callum Brown also has been selected for his AFL debut.
A rather more settled side for the Demons, while Christian Salem replacing Josh Wagner.
Interestingly, Jake Spencer has been left on the emergency list, with Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin apparently deciding that Cam Pedersen is doing well enough as an undersized ruck to keep him in that role solo for at least another week. Not without some justification, either.
Prediction
Most signs point to the Demons this afternoon. They’ve had a longer break, have fewer injuries, and would expect to run the game out stronger. Their backline has been miserly for the most part this season, and would expect to keep a somewhat inexperienced Collingwood forward line to a low score.
For all that, the Pies have played some good footy lately, and Melbourne have been disappointing at times this year. You’d be foolish to tip anything with confidence today.
All the same, Melbourne by 20 points.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 3:20pm.
Bert
Guest
Did you see the game? Umpiring was appalling. What was the free kick to Melbourne for just before quarter time, you can't even spoil now? Melbourne definitely got all the frees in the last quarter. The interpretations by each umpire were inconsistent and questionable. Holding the ball when the opposition actually has hold of the ball. Terrible.
Tricky
Guest
Beaten by a team that played 3 quarters we played 2, so yeah you're right
TomC
Roar Guru
Yeah, I'm aware of my own words. One free kick described as harsh definitely doesn't amount to a side being treated unfairly
Bill larkin
Guest
Whinge away. Beaten by a better team.
Bill larkin
Guest
Hreaven help the team when the Demons put four quarters together! We have potential to be a top 4 side.
Perry Bridge
Guest
Enjoyable game for neutrals - good to have real footy entertainment on Queens Birthday. Irony of Watts kicking the sealer and in effect then at the other end denying the Pendlebury shot (touched on the line). Collingwood folk do believe in booing - that's for sure but gee don't they go on with it.
Fairsuckofthesav
Guest
On your own commentary the last 4 free kicks went to one side the Dees and were described by you at times as 'harsh' in the context of the game. Then there was the 'unfortunate' push in the back not paid to the Pies. Frankly I am not surprised their was booing given this one sideness. And I barrack for neither of these teams.
Mark
Guest
Bad Luck pies good effort .. We are just lack a bit of skill in the bottom end players . If J smith does not play pies win by 2 goals as he must have turned over 4 to 5 goals with his shocking disposal . Gr8 game Patracca wish u would come to the pies . Hopefully the second half will be a better one for the pies .. Go pies
TomC
Roar Guru
» Click here to read the full match report
Mattician6x6
Guest
Well done Melbourne & pies that was one of the most entertaining games I've watched this season.
Mark
Guest
Demons gifted the win! Well played umpires!
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
I wanted to try to watch it whilst at work, but we served 1000 people in 6 and a half hours so there wasn't time to think, let alone watch footy!
TomC
Roar Guru
Nah, they really weren't. There were an awful lot of free kicks not paid either way in that last term. The ones that went against the Pies might've stood out because they needed a break and they needed a goal, but they were second to the ball most of the last half and wouldn't have benefited from more pro-active umpiring.
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Wow, just listened to the last 20 mins or so on the radio on the way home from work. Some of the most intense commentary I've heard in a long time. I couldn't see the game, but from the sounds of things Collingwood was hard done by in terms of umpiring? I may be wrong though. Sounds like an unbelievably great game, though.
TomC
Roar Guru
Oh appalling sportsmanship by the Collingwood fans! Loud booing after the siren. What an absolute disgrace after a marvellous day. They have no legitimate reason to complain. Uh. That really takes the shine off a great day.
FreoFan
Roar Rookie
Magnificent game! Well done Dees!
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Boo away you ungrateful hobos. Back to your cheap fibros and gnaw some more old bones as you reflect on your true place in the AFL - defeated and prostrate at the feet of the mighty Fuchsias
TomC
Roar Guru
Fasolo takes a spectacular one handed grab and will shoot for goal, but it doesn't matter. Fasolo kicks the goal to keep the final margin within a kick.
TomC
Roar Guru
Pendlebury gathers and hurriedly kicks at full forward. It's online, but Watts flaps his hand at it, and touches it through for a behind. Definitely over now. Melbourne by ten points as the final seconds tick away. A great win for the Demons.
TomC
Roar Guru
A desperate lunge to deny Adams a clean kick for the Pies. Unfortunate, as it very much looked like a push in the back, but is called play on.