Melbourne Demons vs Brisbane Lions: Lions by 7 in JLT

Match result:

The Brisbane Lions have held on to defeat the Melbourne Demons by seven points at Casey Fields on a fine Saturday afternoon.

Multiple injuries for the Demons made matters worse in their final hit-out before Round 1 of the AFL Premiership season.

It was a high-pressure game, full of momentum swings and most of the scoring was done at the one end of the ground.

Brisbane piled on seven first-term goals and got away to a handy 20-point lead, before Melbourne reigned the lead with a five-goal to two second quarter.

An even start to the second half had everyone wondering when the Demons would just take off, but they never did.

Brisbane finished the third term with three majors and continued with the first two of the final quarter.

Melbourne fought back late to make this a respectable loss of just seven points, but at one point the deficit was 31.

Jarryd Lyons’ four goals and 26 disposals will go a long way to holding a position in the team come Round 1, while Lachie Neale also played a link-up role in his new colours with 27 disposals (24 handballs) and a goal.

Eric Hipwood (2 goals) was busy in the first term for the Lions but faded in the second half, his fellow full-forward Daniel McStay worked hard to get high up the ground to help his team and added two goals to the scoreboard himself.

Joel Smith impressed up forward for the Demons with four goals, while midfielder Angus Brayshaw racked up 26 disposals and hit the scoreboard with three majors.

Jayden Hunt in his new position in the forward line kicked two in the first half, but failed to find the footy and continue that influence later in the game.

Clayton Oliver (31 disposals, five tackles) was among Melbourne’s best, as was Max Gawn (32 hit outs, 22 disposals, eight marks) and Aaron vandenBerg who’s pressure was relentless with 16 tackles.

Jay Kennedy-Harris was stretchered off with a knee injury in the second term, James Harmes also came off in that quarter with what looked to be a dislocated finger. Both players headed to hospital for scans.

Joining them was Brisbane’s Archie Smith, who went to hospital for treatment for a throat injury.

Bayley Fritsch had his legs taken out by accidental lower leg contact from Daniel Rich, who was pushed in. Fritsch continued, but came to the bench and didn’t play out the final term looking uncomfortable running on the sidelines.

The Demons suffered two JLT losses and losses to start the year are never great, but they will be looking ahead to round one and having their co-captains (who played in VFL practice match today) back in the side.

Brisbane will take full confidence from their two JLT victories over Hawthorn and Melbourne and hope to make an early impression on the AFL standings.

Looking ahead to Round 1 of the AFL Premiership Season, Melbourne will host Port Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday afternoon and Brisbane will host reigning Premiers the West Coast Eagles at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Final score
Melbourne 97
Brisbane 104

Match preview:

The second weekend of the JLT Community Series continues at Casey Fields on Saturday afternoon with the Melbourne Demons hosting the Brisbane Lions. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:10pm AEDT.

Melbourne suffered a 12-point defeat to Richmond last Sunday afternoon at Deakin Reserve, Shepparton.

The Demons charged home with four successive goals, before Liam Baker sealed the win for Richmond with a late goal.

It was a tight first half and even on the scoreboard at the main break, but Richmond broke away in the third term with five goals and seven behinds as Melbourne faded, struggling to get the footy past the centre, scoring just two goals, one behind.

Braydon Preuss took first ruck duties, but failed to shine against a similarly second-string Tigers’ ruck situation.

Angus Brayshaw and Clayton Oliver dominated for the Demons, despite not having the brilliance of Max Gawn they’re used to at stoppages.

Also last Sunday, Brisbane defeated a young Hawthorn side by 42 points, a great start to their competitive matches for 2019.

Lachie Neale impressed in his first outing for his new side and combined well around the ball with fellow off-season recruit Jarryd Lyons.

It was an exciting opening game for the Lions who trialled a side fairly stacked with talent that will take the field in round one of the AFL season.

Melbourne will be boosted with the experienced inclusions of Steven May, Michael Hibberd, Jordan Lewis, Neville Jetta, Max Gawn and Aaron Vandenberg.

Jeff Garlett will miss this JLT clash with an injured shoulder, while the Demons have omitted five: Tom Sparrow, James Jordan, Corey Maynard, Josh Wagner and Braydon Preuss.

Still missing are co-captains Jack Viney and Nathan Jones, who will join the Casey Demons for their practice match earlier on Saturday.

Brisbane will be without captain Dayne Zorko, who finished up early in the Lions’ first JLT match with knee soreness and will be rested before the official season gets underway.

They have also omitted trio Ely Smith, Connor Ballenden and Brandon Starcevich.

Brisbane’s inclusions are headlined by Stefan Martin and Allen Christensen.

Young guns Ben Keays and Tom Berry have been rewarded with call ups for the final practice match, after impressing in their NEAFL warm up game last weekend.

Prediction
Brisbane have said this year they want to get off to a strong start, rather than find some form part way through the season. Two JLT wins will certainly give them some confidence to do that.

Melbourne didn’t have the best day out last Sunday, but with their inclusions they should lead proceedings at Casey and start the season with a win under their belt.

Melbourne by 27 points.

Venue: Casey Fields
Time: 4:10pm AEDT
TV: Fox Footy
Betting: Melbourne $1.19, Brisbane $4.70

Melbourne Demons
B: Steven May, Michael Hibberd, Jayden Hunt
HB: Jordan Lewis, Oscar McDonald, Neville Jetta
C: Christian Salem, James Harmes, Billy Stretch
HF: Angus Brayshaw, Sam Weideman, Bayley Fritsch
F: Christian Petracca, Tom McDonald, Jay Kennedy-Harris
Foll: Max Gawn, Alex Neal-Bullen, Clayton Oliver
I/C: Charlie Spargo, Sam Frost, Aaron vandenBerg, Marty Hore, Harrison Petty, Corey Wagner, Joel Smith, Declan Keilty

Brisbane Lions
B: Luke Hodge, Josh Walker, Daniel Rich
HB: Zac Bailey, Harris Andrews, Alex Witherden
C: Mitch Robinson, Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage
HF: Cam Rayner, Eric Hipwood, Lincoln McCarthy
F: Charlie Cameron, Dan McStay, Oscar McInerney
Foll: Archie Smith, Jarrod Berry, Jarryd Lyons
I/C: Ben Keays, Allen Christensen, Ryan Bastinac, Stef Martin, Thomas Berry, Lewy Taylor, Ryan Lester, Rhys Mathieson