In a wonderful night for the Melbourne Football Club – the Demons have beaten the Hawks at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and now advance to the preliminary final.
They will face a difficult task up against the Eagles in Perth next week, yet none of the remaining teams could ignore the roll and form of the Demons, as they look to create history.
Melbourne were relentless tonight and never wavered from the plan that was laid out by Simon Goodwin. The Hawks did waver. They challenged ferociously, made poor skill errors and at times dropped off in intensity.
That, in the end, was the difference between the two teams and the reason the Demons have been able to build the wonderful season that now threatens to become stunning.
Melbourne were consistent and resilient whereas the Hawks showed flashes of brilliance and promise, yet never looked like reeling in the juggernaut that the Demons have become.
Christian Petracca was outstanding for the Demons and Tom McDonald, Angus Brayshaw, Jake Melksham and Sam Weideman all played their roles.
For the Hawks, Jack Gunston found himself playing something of a lone hand up front. He needed far more support if the Hawks were to compile a score that would threaten the numbers the Demons have consistently put on the board this season.
It is indeed a grand old flag and the Demons will play off for a spot in the Grand Final when they face the Eagles next week.
The Hawks will walk away after a disappointing straight sets exit yet believe they have the basic structures in place to return in 2019 and be a force to be reckoned with once again.
Seano
Roar Rookie
The VFL under Gil.....
Daz
Roar Pro
..... Won't make the finals.... Won't beat Geelong... Won't beat Hawthorn.... keep underestimating the Dees at your peril. We beat you guys over there four weeks ago, there's no reason why we can't do it again. This year we have travelled to Brisbane, Brisbane, Alice Springs, Darwin, Adelaide, Adelaide and Perth and have lost only 1 of those games. Our interstate record is quite good. Having said that, even if we do lose, making the prelim exceeds my expectations for 2018.
User
Roar Rookie
I don't doubt Melbourne could win and it's good to have a Melbourne supporters reasoning, it's the bandwagon jumpers who aren't offering more than a win a few weeks back as reasoning, let's hope it's a cracking game mate.
User
Roar Rookie
Because no other side beyond wce have a true ff/CHF combo so is he dominating or ending up on players of similar ability? Schoenmakers still kicked two which as kicking goals is his job and he is avg at best I would say Friday was a even draw
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Why do you say that? He has stepped into Lever's space really well. Where do you see his failure?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
"What’s there to understand?" That sums up your issues in one dumb question.
Enigma
Roar Rookie
Jetta beat Lecras last time and Hibberd was serviceable despite being on one leg in the second half. McDonald is more than capable of beating Barras and we got the better of McGovern as the game went on last time too. You also have to find cover for Melksham and Hannan (7 goals between them last time) and Petracca. Our biggest problem without doubt though will be Kennedy and Darling, who we didn't have to face last time. We're going to have to rely on our team defence as much as anything - if you're able to isolate them one-on-one we're going to be in trouble. West Coast go in as deserved favourites but we have the capability to win this game.
Enigma
Roar Rookie
We had no Lever or Hogan. You weren't the only undermanned side out there, you know. I suppose the difference is your list isn't good enough to cover for your injured players. Whinging about being beaten by a side with high draft picks is rather hypocritical for a Hawthorn supporter whose recent success was served to them by the drafts of the mid-2000s, too.
User
Roar Rookie
Well then he's pretty average at his job then don
anon
Roar Pro
What's there to understand? Goodwin has taken them to another level.
Mango Jack
Roar Guru
I'd agree with that, as a Hawks fan. I wasn't sure they would make the 8, let alone 4, but that's the Clarko factor. Some green shoots for us. Omeara, Worpel, Impey all improved. My tip - Sicily to be the next Hodge, once he learns how to keep a lid on his emotions. A hard edged, talented leader.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He doesn't have to be the same class. If he was, he'd be a forward. All he has to do is his job.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
We actually know about Roos. We watch the footy. And we know about Melbourne and Goodwin. Why are you telling the history of stuff that we all know? You don't quite get how it works, do you? Aussie Opener explained it to you. Everybody...but you...understands it.
User
Roar Rookie
Lol not much substance there, your reasoning, matchups next week, anything beyond that dopey synopsis
Heat
Guest
Its going to be fun watching the eagles fall next week. Overrated team that gets beaten by a stiff breeze. Just like last year, and the year before, and the year before. Spineless.
anon
Roar Pro
Roos was still at Melbourne in 2016, but Goodwin had more or less been handed the reigns. Immediately they were much more positive and attacking under Goodwin. Went from a team scoring 1300 and 1500 points in '14 and '15 respectively to 1900 points with Goodwin effectively matchday coach. '17 it went to 2000 and 2200 this year. Goodwin is a much more attacking coach that Roos. Roos entire coaching history is defined by utilising negative tactics. Melbourne wouldn't be scoring 100 points per game under Roos. That's for sure.
Bruce
Guest
What must be a bit troubling for Hawthorn is their inability to kick a score this finals series (except for 4th quarter junk time goals). 3 goals to half time against Richmond, 2 of those from soft free kicks. 3 goals against Melbourne to half time, only 1 from a dodgy free this time. Very difficult to win a final from there.
User
Roar Rookie
Schoenmakers was his opponent last night and I think even a Hawks fan would agree not in same class as jk or darling.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
To be fair Richie I'm not confident the Pies can get past GWS after that brutal Eagles final last week. My question to you is who do you most fear from the remaining sides?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Yep, the Eagles will be crucified by the umps.