AFL Round 16 ‘Melbourne v GWS: All the news, action and fallout from Alice Springs
The Demons dominated all the key indicators and looked home early in the last quarter – enter Giants star Josh Kelly. See the goal and the latest on Clayton Oliver.
AFL News
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Two classy second half goals from Josh Kelly proved the difference as the GWS Giants stole the lead late at a sodden Traeger Park to beat Melbourne by two points in a Red Centre thriller.
It looked like the Dees might withstand the loss of Bayley Fritsch in the opening minutes, and a serious lack of forward line connection where they kicked just 5.15 (45) in Alice Springs.
In conditions more resembling a suburban ground back in Victoria, the Dees dominated all of the chief indicators including inside 50s (73-46), clearances (48-28) and possessions (439-372) but struggled to show it on the scoreboard.
A set shot goal from Ed Langdon was massive in the context of the game, giving the Demons back the lead early in the final term after the Giants had got 18 points up in the third and threatened to run away with it.
But then a superb running goal from Josh Kelly, his second for the day, put the Giants back in front by three points with just minutes remaining.
The Giants held on to win in a frenetic finish and banked their fourth win over the past five rounds while the Dees lost their second in succession.
Wayward Dees
The Demons dominated all the key indicators but couldn’t produce the numbers where it counted: on the scoreboard.
A final score of 5.15 (45) wasn’t adequate reward for an utter inside 50 domination, as their win-loss record in the Territory went to 4-5.
It wasn’t an easy day for goal kickers but coach Simon Goodwin would have been expecting a bit more from his forwards.
“We’re filthy with the result,” he said.
“I can’t question the players’ effort, I can’t question their want and desire.
“Really tough conditions.
“Inefficiency cost us the game and it’s something we need to get right.
“We weren’t able to take our opportunities when we had them.”
He said the stats clearly showed the Demons dominated the contest, with Jack Viney, Christian Petracca and Lachie Hunter putting up big numbers, but he couldn’t get enough from his forwards.
The Demons have not kicked more than 76 points since round 9 when they beat a young and developing Hawthorn.
Oliver hope
Goodwin was hopeful midfield bull Clayton Oliver, who hasn’t played since round 10, would return to the team next round against St Kilda.
“He did a really strong session today,” he said.
“We’re really hopeful he’ll be available next week
“I know I’ve said that a few weeks now.”
Familiar weather for the Dees
With leaf blowers used to dry out the centre of Alice Springs’ premier sports ground, the temperature hovered around a biting nine degrees, well below the max of 14 back in Melbourne.
There was a consistent drizzle for most of the match, too, and the second cold one in a row for the Dees after a rain-soaked round 15 clash against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.
The Dees will be looking forward to much drier conditions next round against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
Third term crucial
The Giants produced arguably the most eye catching period of footy in the third term as they wrestled control of the match and converted their chances, kicking 3.1.
GWS simply used the ball more efficiently and found targets as Stephen Coniglio and Tom Green collecting nine and seven touches respectively for the term.
In a sign of things to come, Josh Kelly produced a magnificent snap in a rare piece of polish in a match where goals were difficult to acquire.
Josh Kelly from the carpark!
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) July 2, 2023
The Giants hit the front as their star nailed an epic goal out of nowhere.
📺 Watch #AFLDeesGiants LIVE on ch. 503 or stream on Kayo https://t.co/EkITiMwccZ
âœï¸ BLOG https://t.co/7sehj8PgWB
🔢 MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/9SWjC0nkCRpic.twitter.com/Cv8FLcIJm9
Bayley goes down
Losing a small forward on a wet day is never handy but it was a huge moment for the Dees when Fritsch was subbed out in the eighth minute.
Jake Melksham may have kicked a goal almost immediately, after coming on as a sub, but was largely ineffective with just six touches for the afternoon.
That being said, he almost pulled down a mark of the year contender in an exciting conclusion to the game.
However, the Dees could have used Fritsch’s silkiness up forward as crowd favourite Kysaiah Pickett was busy but kept to just one goal.
Pickett snagged six majors in July last year at Traeger Park against Port Adelaide, albeit in much warmer conditions.
Scoreboard
DEMONS: 1.5, 2.9, 4.12 5.15 (45)
GIANTS: 1.0, 3.3, 6.4, 7.5 (47)
CAMERON’S BEST Demons: Viney, Petracca, Salem, Hunter, May. Giants: Kelly, Green, Greene, Coniglio, Haynes.
GOALS Demons: Bowey, Melksham, Grundy, Pickett, Langdon. Giants: Greene, Kelly 2, Brown, O’Halloran, Cumming,
UMPIRES: Stevic, Toner, Heffernan, Rodger.
INJURIES Demons: Fritsch.
CAMERON’S VOTES
3: Jack Viney
2: Josh Kelly
1: Christian Petracca
More Coverage
Originally published as AFL Round 16 ‘Melbourne v GWS: All the news, action and fallout from Alice Springs
Dons track watch: Opening Round hints, ruck roles, Tsatas stars
The Bombers took to the track on Saturday for some match simulation, revealing plenty of hints as to how they might shape up for Opening Round against the Suns. More here.
‘Positions up for grabs’: Leake keen for Giant start as Devils loom
GWS are looking towards the next generation and Tasmanian James Leake is eager to break into the side. Plus the young Giant touches on his future — with the Devils entering the AFL in 2028.