Liam Stocker was given the task of running with Petracca,but the Demons’ star still exerted a major influence,with 24 touches.
Max Gawn and Luke Jackson were a fine tandem in the ruck and gradually wore down Marc Pittonet,although Jack Silvagni was typically industrious as an under-sized back-up ruck. Silvagni was also a threat up forward.
Carlton coach Michael Voss sent elite runner Matthew Cottrell to the wing to curb Ed Langdon,and the Blue won the day.
Patrick Cripps,after a week of drama,highlighted why the Blues were so desperate to clear him at the AFL appeals tribunal. He had 26 disposals,including 10 clearances. Sam Walsh was typically industrious,the Blues losing Adam Cerra on game day to an abductor injury.
Unheralded defender Harrison Petty had the better of Curnow,coming as Harry McKay responded to critics who had questioned his intensity with three goals.
The Blues’ small forwards Corey Durdin,Matthew Owies and Martin provided pressure and pace but,at the other end of the ground,Melksham had a night out,continuing his good form since returning to the side in round 18.
PRESENCE FELT
McKay has been described as passive recently,but he was engaged in this clash. He provided the Blues’ opening goal after a strong tackle on Brayshaw,converting the set shot. He kept May,who was one of the Demons’ best,accountable and,on the rebound,delivered the Blues’ second after Gawn had been too cute attempting a short pass. The Blues lifted their intensity in the second term,with defender Lewis Young,the No.1-ranked player at one point,outstanding. Young went on to break the VFL-AFL record for most spoils (24) in a game. However,Melksham,playing for his future,was a handful for Jacob Weitering. Melksham,sent to full-forward in a new role,had two goals by half-time.
UNHAPPY CAMPERS
It was described as “great theatre” by one commentator but one wonders why Demons’ supporters jeered Cripps whenever he touched the ball in the first term. If it had been Oliver or Petracca facing a two-match ban with finals on the line,the Demons almost certainly would have done all they could to have the penalty overturned.
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ACTION JACKSON
Luke Jackson reinforced why he is so coveted by Fremantle when the off-contract Demon combined with Gawn in the first term. Jackson,at half-back,found his skipper with a short pass,then ran to half forward and marked Gawn’s kick. Jackson missed the goal but his athleticism was a sight to behold.
MELBOURNE1.2 4.6 7.11 11.13 (79)
CARLTON1.3 3.4 7.8 10.14 (74)
GOALS
Melbourne: Melksham 4,Pickett 2,Langdon,Fritsch,Brown,Gawn,Petracca.
Carlton: McKay 3,Martin 3,Durdin,Curnow,Silvagni,Fisher.
BEST
Melbourne: Oliver,Brayshaw,Melksham,Petty,Gawn,May.
Carlton: Cripps,Walsh,McKay,Marchbank,Young,Silvagni.
UMPIRESDonlon,Stevic,Broadbent.
CROWD55,705 at MCG.
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