Fair warning to any residents in the vicinity of the MCG, there could be a noise disturbance in the way of Gala’s ‘Freed from Desire’ as the Demons kick off 2022 with a 26-point victory over the Bulldogs.
It may have been six months since the grand final, but Christian Petracca has not missed a step, tearing apart the Bulldogs’ midfield right from the start of the season opener.
A late out in Steph Martin allowed Max Gawn to serve the ball on the platter to his midfielders, who dominated the opening term.
Melbourne kicked the opening four goals of the game, mirroring the grand final in Perth, and kept the Bulldogs goalless until 26 minutes into the term.
Joel Smith and Ben Brown were prolific in the bookends, with the latter arguably being the best on ground in the opening term with his influence.
(Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Bailey Dale was the standout for the Dogs early outside of the usual duo in Jackson Macrae and Marcus Bontempelli.
The quarter finished 29-14 to the Demons after a questionable free kick to Cody Weightman in the dying seconds.
It was hard to expect the momentum shift that free kick would cause, with the Bulldogs kicking the first six goals in the quarter to take a 29-point lead.
Bailey Smith and Aaron Naughton took control of the quarter and propelled the Dogs early. Petracca didn’t take a backward step, adding another nine disposals to his tally.
The difference began with the energy from the Dogs, who had 20 tackles compared to 12 in the first quarter. There was enough of a rise in defensive effort to suffocate the Melbourne offensive unit.
Melbourne evened out through the halfway mark of the second term, kicking two of their own and bringing the ball into an arm wrestle, and going into half time with a nine-point deficit.
The story of the second half shaped up to be which midfield could get to the ball to their spearhead more. Brown and Naughton both looked for a big night.
Like a perfectly scripted night, the third term ran back in favour of the Demons with four goals to none.
As if there weren’t enough grand final comparisons getting around, Luke Jackson grabbed the game with both hands after the main break, snagging a goal and making his presence felt around the hallowed turf of the MCG.
It was a quarter for the outside runners and the big forwards. Ed Langdon, Bailey Dale, and Caleb Daniel continued to accumulate and steal territory for their respective sides.
Meanwhile, both attacking 50s were dominated in the air. Naughton was an ever-dangerous body while Brown and Bayley Fritsch put points on the scoreboard, taking the Demons up 68-53 with a quarter to play.
A brilliant effort in the defensive half from Melbourne saw them home to a 26-point victory. They kicked off their title defence in 2022.
Don’t be surprised to hear the words ‘C. Petracca, three votes’ come Brownlow night. There was no stopping the Norm Smith medallist, with 38 touches and two goals.
Bailey Smith looked to continue his form from the finals series. There were 33 touches and 11 tackles for the young Bulldog.
Ultimately, the red, white, and blue ran out of legs in the final term, and couldn’t keep with the smooth-moving Demons.
The positives for all footy fans remain that our favourite time of year is back, and we’ve got another six months to look forward to.
If this game is anything to go off, season 2022 is going to be a good one.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
You'll see.
Dale
Guest
In your dreams!!!!
DarwinDee
Roar Rookie
How, after 5 months to prepare, and with Melbourne missing 5 of their first choice defenders by 1/4 time, did the Dogs manage only 1 more scoring shot than the GF?
DarwinDee
Roar Rookie
2 of the least supported teams on a Wednesday night... 58,000 was not bad
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
I have a 100% tipping record this season. I'd be the only one, wouldn't I?
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
The more discerning football followers will be at tonight's game despite Carlton playing. Carna Tiges!
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
One thing is very clear . . . the Bulldogs won't win the flag through Melbourne.
Jakson Bertoli
Roar Rookie
Yeah mate, I think Bailey Smith was phenomenal last night. Really looked like taking that next step
Haha
Guest
First game of the season, lockdown over, footy back at the MCG, no capacity restrictions, 2 vic teams, grand final rematch no less, Demons unveiling first flag in a bazzillion years... And the best you get is a bit over 50ish% capacity anyways. 'Melbourne - home of footy' my butt cheeks. Lift your game people.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Woefully, frustratingly soft. Schache kept running under the ball to avoid contact from behind, Gardner kept trying to punch from 2 foot behind the forwards, when he wasn't coughing the ball up because he can't hit a 30m kick.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Yeah he went alright, haven't seen much of him. The reality is that Melbourne is a class above the rest of the competition at the moment; they have no real weakness. They probably should have won by more. What I'd like to see from the Dogs is to bring in Jordan Sweet (Martin has had it), swap him and Tim between ruck and forward pocket, play Jamarra in the other pocket, push Cordy into the backline, bring O'Brien into the backline and punt Gardner and Schache. I think they'd be a much more formidable team, and it'd allow Naughton to be one on one or open up opportunities for other forwards.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
i agree they looked small next to demons. Some of Dees looked much more powerful from last season. Jackson was one of them.
dab
Roar Rookie
I agree about the skills. Melbourne's also had a bad skill night. Some of the missed shots for goal were atrocious. Other than Smith. I liked Joel Smith's game.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Second best this year.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Gawd our skills were terrible last night. The boys looked panicked. Clearly we need to fix our defensive structure - they need to play closer to man on man against Melbourne. Far too many easy spot-ups in the Melbourne forward 50. That's not the biggest problem for our backline though - Gardner and Schache are clearly not up to it. The need to put Cordy back in the backline and play Jamarra in the foward line. On a positive note, I thought Timmy did quite well against Gawn; he won quite a few ruck contests but needs to work closer with his midfielders. He won taps and tapped it to no-one. And Bazlenka is getting better and better, so is Bailey Dale.
Jakson Bertoli
Roar Rookie
Some good takes there, Jamarra should be getting some games into him. I think Weightman's positive is the fact he can fly and take marks. Definitely going to be interesting to see how they make it work this year.
Knackaz
Roar Rookie
Dogs are too small, and their big men, apart from Naughton, are too soft ...
Knackaz
Roar Rookie
The Dogs are too small and apart from Astro-Naught, who's going to kick their goals? Weightman constantly flying for marks at his size is ridiculous. He needs to be roving the packs like a Tom Papley. Tim English took some good marks but for mine he's nowhere near aggressive enough to be a ruckman. Schache is not up to AFL standard and has no physical presence for a big guy. Why would you play him ahead of Jamarra? Bevo is crucifying the kid. He needs games, not protecting, and the Dogs certainly need another tall forward. Play him on a flank at least. Dogs a long way off Melbourne and over-rated for mine. Lucky for them Lever wasn't playing ...
Maxy
Roar Rookie
Bit of whisper going around Jed Mcentee may debut against lions,fill fantasia's spot
Jakson Bertoli
Roar Rookie
Completely agree mate, they just looked tired but they ran to the end. Seemed to be let done by skill execution.