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Amid ample external commentary, Harry Petty stood up in defence for the Demons.
But overall key players struggled on the big stage, with four fails.
Every Melbourne player rated out of 10 from its semi-final clash against Brisbane.
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1. Steven May
Went to Eric Hipwood but also spent time on Dan McStay. Racked up the intercept possessions and looked strong in the air all night. 6
3. Christian Salem
Rotated through an array of Lions half-forwards. Couldn’t really get going across half-back and give the Dees that quintessential drive. 4
4. James Harmes
An efficient game, with a high portion of his disposals leading to Demons scores. Started on a wing with no specific run-with role and was a constant threat. Had a team-high nine disposals in the opening term. 7
5. Christian Petracca
Not bad for a guy with a broken leg. Spent a lot of the game forward of centre but pushed up to get his hands on the ball. Had a game-high 16 disposals in the first half but looked sore towards the end of the second term. Fox Footy’s Nathan Buckley said: “Early on he was sharp, he was on his toes, moving around the contest, he was on loose balls, quick hands – he’s been really impressive … He’s handled that injury really well.” Against the grain, pulled off a stunning clearance in the third term that set up Bayley Fritsch’s second goal. 8
6. Luke Jackson
His last game for the Dees? Showed off his tremendous athleticism throughout the night, including a brilliant inside 50 kick to Bayley Fritsch in the third term. Not much influence at ruck contests, but was good following up at ground level. 5
7. Jack Viney
Not a big night in terms of volume, but was a constant in-and-under presence, winning ample contested possessions and clearances. 5
8. Jake Lever
Played on several opponents, including Tom Fullarton, Cameron Rayner and Charlie Cameron, but tried to get loose as often as possible. Came from the ground late in the second term with an ankle concern but came back out after half-time. Wasn’t as prolific offensively, but was rarely beaten defensively. 5
9. Charlie Spargo
Played across half-forward and wing, but had low time-on-ground numbers. 4
10. Angus Brayshaw
‘Ran with’ Lachie Neale, rather than tagged him, so didn’t have the same offensive output as he’s had in most games so far this year. Had a big start to the last quarter with a brilliant running goal that lifted the Dees. 6
11. Max Gawn
Walked around an MCG three hours before the first bounce, so there was a sense pre-game the skipper was in for a monster — and he delivered early. Despite being “banged up” with various ailments, set the tone in the first quarter with eight disposals and a couple of clearances, while seven of his nine hit-outs went to a teammate’s advantage. Set a “really significant tone” for the Dees, according to Fox Footy’s Garry Lyon. Spent a lot of the second term on the bench and didn’t have as much influence around the ground as he would’ve liked. 6
13. Clayton Oliver
Barely had any space to work with as Devon Robertson wore him like a glove in the first half. Still relentless in tight, winning plenty of the footy at the coalface and tackling hard. 7
14. Michael Hibberd
Had a fascinating duel with Charlie Cameron and looked far stronger one-on-one compared to when the ball hit the deck. Cameron had little of the ball but made the most of his opportunities. Hibberd was solid without being outstanding with the ball. 6
15. Ed Langdon
Patrolled the Shane Warne grandstand wing, gathering so much territory for his side. 6
18. Jake Melksham
Put last week’s shocker behind him and had a ripping start, clunking a strong contested mark then converting his set-shot. Looked more threatening this week than last week. 5
24. Trent Rivers
Came off the bench and played as a high defender. Not a lot of impact on the game. 4
29. Jayden Hunt
Rotated through a variety of Brisbane forwards, but provided ample drive, run and carry forward of centre in the first term. Then barely sighted after that. 5
30. Alex Neal-Bullen
Strong start after a nightmare game against the Swans. Gave Ed Langdon his first goal then added one himself later in the first term, in which he had seven touches, five marks and three inside 50s. Kicked his second goal in the third term thanks to a lovely snap and was constantly involved in Demons scores. 6
31. Bayley Fritsch
Statless until midway through the second term. Took a great mark just before half-time then converted his set-shot to give the Dees some breathing space then added another goal in the third quarter. Points probably go to opponent Darcy Garinder though. 5
32. Tom Sparrow
Started on the bench then played as a high half-forward. Was sent to Lachie Neale for the fourth quarter to try and quell his influence. Missed a couple of shots at goal. 6
35. Harry Petty
Started superbly on, no doubt, an emotional and significant night. Started on Dan McStay. An awesome first quarter, taking several intercept marks before producing a brilliant defensive effort that denied McStay of kicking Brisbane’s first goal. 7
36. Kysaiah Pickett
Electric early. Set the tone defensively in the first term with some outstanding passages where he applied awesome pressure. Then got reward for effort in the second term, pulling off two stunning dribble goals that thrilled Dees fans. 6
50. Ben Brown
Had Harris Andrews for company. Competed hard but ultimately had his colours lowered. 3
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