MELBOURNE
MELBOURNE has kept its top-four chances alive with a 76-point thrashing of Port Adelaide on Saturday night.
But the 20.12 (132) to 8.8 (56) win was soured by an ugly incident which will almost certainly see forward Jacob van Rooyen face MRO scrutiny for an attempted spoil on Power 200-gamer Aliir Aliir.
POWER v DEMONS Full match coverage and stats
The second term hit, late and ill-guided, left Aliir concussed and puts van Rooyen in danger of missing a final.
With Port Adelaide’s season over for several weeks now, Melbourne wasted no time in getting to work and had established a 36-point lead by quarter time.
Port’s willingness to kick long and high worked quite literally worked straight into the hands of the Demon defenders, who intercepted and propelled time after time. Melbourne was far more efficient having scored nine times from their first 11 inside-50s.
Port Adelaide improved after the first change, showing more intent to lower their eyes and use the corridor, but it didn’t stop the Demons from narrowly increasing their advantage.
With Aliir ruled out for the second half, an already-inexperienced Power defence missed their anchor, with the sting all but evaporated by half-way through the third quarter as the Demons continued to hit the scoreboard, registering six multiple goalkickers for the match.
Despite losing the clearance battle 44-30, Steven King’s side moved the ball without much fuss all game as it recorded their largest ever margin of victory over the Power.
The relentless Kade Chandler was outstanding all night in his 100th match, finishing with 18 disposals, nine tackles, six inside-50s and four goals.
Max Gawn (25 disposals and nine clearances) was as dominant as ever, while Bayley Fritsch (four goals) and Jack Steele (27 disposals) also impressed.
Ollie Wines and Jason Horne-Francis toiled hard for the Power and forward Mitch Georgiades booted four goals on return.
Melbourne improved to 15-7 to be only percentage behind fourth-placed Hawthorn heading into the final round.
Melbourne will head back to its MCG fortress to take on the Western Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon, while Port Adelaide’s season will draw to a close next Sunday against Essendon at Marvel Stadium.
Van Rooyen set to face MRO scrutiny
Things were going swimmingly for Melbourne as it led the Power by 36 points approaching half-time. That was until Jacob van Rooyen’s swinging hand collided with the head of Aliir Aliir. The Power veteran hit the ground hard and didn’t move for a tense few moments. He was later helped off the ground to a rousing applause in his milestone game, but played no further part.
Even contribution from Demons forwards
Demons coach Steven King would’ve been wrapped with the even contribution he received from his side against the Power, particularly in attack. Talls Matthew Jefferson (three goals), Harrison Petty (two) and Jacob van Rooyen (two) all had their moments and looked dangerous in the air. Bayley Fritsch did as he pleased and smalls Kade Chandler, Bailey Laurie and Harry Sharp helped mop up anything which spilled to ground. It all bodes well ahead of September.
Jack continues to prove a Steele
Jack Steele continues to show why he’s one of the best pickups of the season, having once again impressed against the Power. Typically strong in the contest, he gathered 27 possessions (nine contested), seven tackles and a goal as the Demons took care of business against a Power side limping towards the finish line. His leadership both on and off the field will be more important than ever over the next few weeks.
