Melbourne have toppled the Western Bulldogs once more, profitable a topsy-turvy grand-final rematch by 26 factors within the AFL season-opener on the MCG.
The Demons stormed out of the blocks on an evening after they unfurled their first premiership flag in 57 years, with the first-half taking part in out in eerily related circumstances to final 12 months’s decider.
After booting the primary 4 targets of the match, Melbourne then needed to face up to a blistering surge because the Bulldogs piled on the following eight majors.
However simply as they did a number of occasions in 2021, the Demons’ stars turned the sport round in fast vogue to kick off their premiership defence in fashion, prevailing 14.13 (97) to 11.5 (71) in entrance of 58,002 followers.
The parochial Demons crowd was handled to scintillating soccer in-person, after having to look at Melbourne’s magical run to the premiership whereas in lockdown.
After having a quiet first-half, captain Max Gawn stepped up when the sport was on the road, nailing an important set-shot from past 50m halfway by way of the ultimate quarter.
Hardnut James Harmes then sealed the outcome for the Demons, changing from point-blank vary after bringing down a terrific mark.
Christian Petracca virtually matched his Norm Smith Medal-winning efficiency, gathering 38 possessions and booting two targets to be probably the most influential participant on the bottom.
There might be extra enchancment within the ahead line, with full ahead Ben Brown in large contact by kicking 4 targets after a sluggish begin to his first season with the Demons in 2021.
The Bulldogs battled bravely and hung in much better than they did within the grand ultimate after they conceded 16 of the final 17 targets, however have been nonetheless outclassed.
Aaron Naughton flew out of the blocks, booting 4 targets in an imposing efficiency from the strong-marking Bulldogs ahead.
Coach Luke Beveridge has extra considerations than simply the defeat, with captain Marcus Bontempelli fighting an ankle harm.
Runner-up in final 12 months’s Brownlow Medal, Bontempelli twice went off the bottom within the third quarter to obtain medical consideration.
However the Bulldogs celebrity was capable of return to the bottom, kicking a significant aim within the ultimate time period and working out the sport, however was clearly hampered by the harm situation.
It got here after weird pre-match circumstances when midfielder Lachie Hunter was demoted to medical sub, earlier than coming again into the starting-22 simply 10 minutes earlier than the match when Jason Johannisen was a late withdrawal.
Beveridge had bristled at a report earlier within the week claiming premiership participant Hunter can be overlooked as a consequence of his poor type.
The Demons might be sweating on the health of half-back Christian Salem (knee), who was subbed out for Toby Bedford within the first quarter.
“It was a reasonably superb night time,” Petracca stated.
“It’s so superb to see Melbournians again on the G.”
“It was a reasonably related sport to the grand ultimate. First quarter we began nicely and we knew they have been going to return again. I believed our backs have been unbelievable.”
Earlier, Melbourne unfurled their first premiership flag since 1964.
After breaking their 57-year title drought in Perth final September when the town of Melbourne was in lockdown, the Demons have been lastly capable of rejoice with supporters on Wednesday night time.
Melbourne solely performed a handful of video games earlier than followers within the stands at their MCG base throughout their excellent 2021 marketing campaign.
Demons legends Hassa Mann, Greg Wells, Stan Alves, Garry Lyon, Todd Viney, video games record-holder David Neitz and not too long ago retired Nathan Jones all took half in hoisting the flag.
However the man who obtained the most important roar was AFL legend Ron Barassi, Melbourne’s most up-to-date premiership captain till Max Gawn took that honour from him final 12 months.
Melbourne president Kate Roffey gave a stirring speech earlier than the legends entered the sector.
“I hope that is the primary of many (premierships) and we’re arrange for a interval of sustained success,” Roffey stated.
“I’m fairly positive I’ll be alive by the point we increase our subsequent flag.”
Melbourne had deliberate to conduct a fireworks spectacle at half-time, however “as a consequence of circumstances outdoors of our management” the show was cancelled.
The AFL is hoping for a crowd of about 80,000 for the primary grand-final rematch in round-one since 2009, however seems more likely to fall in need of that mark.
Richmond and Carlton have historically been the opening encounter of the AFL season, however even new Blues coach Michael Voss has conceded the reigning premiers needs to be rewarded early within the 12 months.
The Blues and Tigers will nonetheless play their common Thursday night time sport, with the AFL transferring the Demons-Bulldogs match to the weird Wednesday night time timeslot.
“I wish to maintain our Thursday night time, no matter occurs, however I need to admit, having the ability to open with the grand ultimate, whether or not it’s simply the premiers or the sport itself, I believe there’s something good in that and we must always take a look at in this system,” Voss stated on Wednesday.
“However I might be egocentric right here and say I wouldn’t thoughts protecting the Thursday night time sport as nicely.”
© AAP
