A James McDonald goal in 'red-time' during the final term has given Melbourne its second
win of the season, a
thrilling four-point victory over the Kangaroos at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
The Demons 13.12 (90)
defeated the Roos 12.14 (86) to continue their recent good form over the 'Shinboners'. The last time the Kangaroos defeated Melbourne was round 15, 2003, while the Roos have now lost four in a row this
season.
The opening term provided few clips for the archives. Just three goals were scored, while flooding and
ineffective ball-use was prevalent. At one point every player was either inside the Kangaroos' forward 50 or just on the edge of their half-forward line.
Matthew Bate, making his debut, got the ball rolling when he nailed one on the run with his first kick in league football to put the
Demons in front for the first time. And when Yze jagged his third, Melbourne was out to a 24-point lead at the 17-minute mark - the biggest margin of the match.
Thompson was the lone goalscorer for the Roos in the second term, as they trailed by 20 points at the long break.
Yze's fourth - and Melbourne's first for the second half at the 18-minute mark - put the Demons back in front briefly but by the end of the term, the Kangaroos had six goals to two and a three-point
advantage.
Although the
Kangaroos looked set to take the honours on several occasions during the last term, the Demons piled on four goals to three to scrape home.
In a match that had 10 lead changes - including eight in the second half - Melbourne bounced back from a
disappointing third quarter to pull off a gritty win.
MELBOURNE: 1.3, 7.5, 9.9, 13.12 (90)KANGAROOS: 2.4, 3.9, 9.12, 12.14 (86)GOALS – Melbourne: Yze 4, Davey 3, Wheatley, McDonald, Robertson, Green, Johnstone, BateBEST – Melbourne: Pickett, Yze, Davey, Green, Bruce, McDonald, Johnstone