Image Credit: Flickerd
The Melbourne Demons broke through for their first win of the year at the Sydney Cricket Ground Thursday night, overpowering the Sydney Swans in the second half to win 15.10 (100) to 11.12 (78).
According to the AFL’s Match Centre stats, Clayton Oliver dominated possessions for the Demons with 33 touches, while Christian Salem and Nathan Jones also starred in this area. Jones also provided a useful target up forward for the Demons, kicking three majors. Arguably, however, the Demon with the most impact was arguably Max Gawn; he registered 55 hitouts against Callum Sinclair’s nine and Sam Reid’s four. This allowed the Demons to win with the clearances 44-37.
Melbourne recorded over 50 inside-50’s for the third week in a row. This time, however, it resulted in a much-needed win after three straight losses to start their season. The win was all the more important considering Melbourne’s next couple of weeks, with difficult matches coming up against the improved St Kilda Saints and always-dangerous Richmond Tigers.
For Sydney, it was their second loss at home from two matches at the SCG this year. In the second half, they scored just three goals to seven, with turnovers in the last quarter proving particularly hurtful as they stifled any chances of a Sydney victory.
Dane Rampe, Jake Lloyd, Josh Kennedy, Oliver Florent, and Zak Jones were major ball-winners. Florent, Kieren Jack, and Jordan Dawson were the multiple goal kickers up forward for night.
Next week, Melbourne will have a chance to build momentum against St Kilda on late Saturday afternoon at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Later that night across town at Marvel Stadium, Sydney will play a wounded Richmond outfit. Both games are shaping up to be vital for the seasons of these two sides.