Demons Slay Giants
Round 23 – Melbourne Vs Greater Western Sydney – Demons Slay Giants
By Liam Chambers
Melbourne finally broke through this week. The win against the Eagles was significant but the way they played against GWS was a statement of self-confidence. The first quarter was some of the best footy that Melbourne have played under coach Simon Goodwin.
It was a great start with Tom McDonald scoring the opening goal. After the Giants scored the next three, Melbourne seized back control with goals from Harmes, vandenBerg and a second from McDonald. Harry Himmelberg got GWS’s only goal of the second quarter as the Dees started to stamp their authority on the game. Our contested possessions were impressive, and Max Gawn was again brilliant in the ruck.
Max also got the first goal of the second half with Melbourne putting in yet another sterling third quarter performance. With a forty-three-point advantage going into the last quarter it looked like Melbourne had it in the bag. Earlier in the season, a similar lead against a top side, would have the fans on edge, counting down the seconds to the siren. There was an air of confidence this week; everything was under control and we could sit back and enjoy the ride.
It wasn’t all good news though. Dean Kent was off early in the first quarter with an AC joint injury followed by a wrist injury to Dom Tyson. There was also the sickening clash of heads between Jake Melksham and James Harmes. Luckily both players escaped serious injury.
Well, we’re officially in the final eight after securing 5th spot (only denied a top four position by a lucky Collingwood against a resurgent Fremantle in Perth). We play Geelong at the MCG on September 7th. Third time lucky? I’ve got a good feeling, but nobody will expect an easy game. Geelong are one of the hardest teams to beat and they’ll fancy their chances on Friday night. Melbourne have waited twelve years for this though and won’t give up easily. Bring it on!
MELBOURNE 4.2 7.6 12.9 15.12 (102)
GWS GIANTS 4.1 5.5 5.8 8.9 (57)
GOALS
Melbourne: T. McDonald 3, Petracca 3, Neal-Bullen 2, Harmes, vandenBerg, Brayshaw, Gawn, Jones, Weideman, Melksham
GWS Giants: Coniglio 2, Tomlinson, Lobb, Cameron, Himmelberg, Langdon, Finlayson
Follow us on twitter
Join our facebook group