Melbourne have held off a spirited problem from Essendon to win by 11 factors and go two video games clear on high of the AFL ladder as they shut inside attain of their first minor premiership in 57 years.
Even prolific performances from star midfielders Darcy Parish and Zach Merrett weren’t sufficient for the younger Bombers to spring an upset in entrance of 19,414 followers on the MCG on Saturday night time.
Christian Petracca stepped up with two necessary objectives within the third quarter in a usually explosive efficiency to make sure the Demons bounced again from their shock defeat to Collingwood.
Essendon have been by no means far-off and nonetheless appeared a sneaky probability late, however the Demons’ four-goal run from late within the second quarter to halfway by the third proved sufficient as Melbourne gained 9.14 (68) to 8.9 (57) and go 12-2.
With eight rounds to go, the Demons may preserve their eight-point benefit in high spot as second-placed Western Bulldogs face a mammoth problem towards West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
Not since their final flag yr in 1964 have Melbourne completed as minor premiers.
It was a workmanlike efficiency from the Demons, who had misplaced two of their final three video games earlier than the bye, to fend off a Bombers staff filled with enthusiasm.
“We wanted to celebrate the position we were in; we were 11-2 and had done a lot right from where we started the season,” Demons coach Simon Goodwin stated.
“There have been just a few components in our recreation and the way in which we have been going about our footy that weren’t fairly to the extent on the break so it was an amazing probability to reset themselves.
“They had some really fruitful discussions around what they wanted to stand for again and that was led by (Max Gawn and Jack Viney).”
Newly re-signed Bombers star Merrett had 26 first-half possessions on his means to an equal career-high 41, whereas Parish (37 touches) and Jake Stringer have been at all times harmful.
“I was really pleased with our fight and our effort and I think we’re closing the gap,” Bombers coach Ben Rutten stated.
“Our games against (top-eight side) Port, Brisbane, Richmond and now Melbourne, our guys are getting more trust in what we’re trying to do but we’re not quite there yet.”
The Demons ahead line seemed dysfunctional early after dropping Sam Weideman, however they discovered sufficient avenues as Petracca and James Jordon have been their solely a number of goal-kickers.
As properly as Petracca’s brilliance, fellow Brownlow Medal contender Clayton Oliver was necessary across the clearances with 34 possessions.
Melbourne will likely be again on the MCG subsequent Saturday to face GWS, whereas Essendon (6-8) head to Geelong for the primary time since 1993 to deal with the Cats at GMHBA Stadium on Friday night time.
© AAP
