Melbourne controls aggression to claim emotional win against Port Adelaide

CONTROLLING emotions has been an issue for Melbourne. Inspired by heartwarming efforts by Jack Trengove and Jeff Garlett, today they got the balance spot on, writes GLENN McFARLANE.

Max Gawn breaks away.

CONTROLLING emotions and channelling aggression has been a genuine focus in recent weeks for Melbourne.

Today, the Demons struck the perfect balance between the two to not only register their 10th win of the season but also make a statement that they are not just chasing that elusive first finals appearance in 11 years, they are a chance of going deeper into September.

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A week after Bernie Vince’s most recent suspension put more focus back on the club’s discipline, the 23-point win over the Power was a far more mature performance from a team chasing respect.

They mugged Port Adelaide from the start of the game, with a four-goal to nil opening quarter, and then toughed it out in the final term as their opponents launched a late assault.

Through it all, the Demons stood firm on what was an emotional day for the club for a number of reasons.

Jeff Garlett spent much of the week back in Western Australia, attending the funeral of a close family member. Some feared he wouldn’t make it back for the game, but he not only did that, he paid a fitting tribute to his lost loved one.

Garlett kicked the first of his two goals late in the opening term — he should have kicked more — and he kissed his arm as he celebrated the goal by pointing to the heavens. He received a stirring reception when he ran from the ground soon after.

Jeff Garlett points to the sky after kicking a goal.

It capped off a great start for the Demons, who kicked the only four goals of the opening term, as it took the Power more than 50 minutes to claim their first major.

Garlett’s second goal was even more impressive, and equally important. Just as Port Adelaide got itself back into the contest, and with only minutes left in the third term, the Demon forward threw the ball onto his left foot on a seemingly impossible angle.

It looked destined to trickle through the behinds then bounced in bizarre fashion, as if someone was looking after him.

He wasn’t the only story of emotion on a day so chillingly cold that the 27,068 fans in attendance had to stay warm by being as audible as a crowd of that size could possibly be.

Jesse Hogan played his best match since returning three weeks ago from surgery following testicular cancer, and his three-goal haul was an important piece of the Dees’ jigsaw puzzle.

Hogan, who has endured not only his own personal challenges, but also the death of his father earlier this season, kicked all of his majors in the first half, but he worked hard across the day to break packs, and gave his team a great focus in attack.

Jarman Impey gets airborne after a collision with Christian Salem.

One of those who elicited the biggest roar wasn’t even officially in the play — and only barely on the ground — when he was acknowledged by the Demons’ faithful. That roar at the six-minute mark of the game was reserved for former skipper Jack Trengove, playing his first game this season, and only his sixth since the start of 2014.

Few people have been through the injury and form issues suffered by the 25-year-old. He tried his heart out, and while he is never going to be the player that his No. 2 draft selection from the 2009 draft suggested, it was a fine return sealed with one last roar with his 16th disposal just before the siren.

Watts was far from his best in his return from injury, but his reward came not on the scoresheet or the stats panels, but with victory in his milestone game. Few players have endured as much scrutiny as Watts has in his journey so far, but for all that, he is loved by his teammates — and the Demons faithful.

Jack Viney provided the miracle, playing just over a fortnight after plantar fascia surgery, an incredible feat in itself. But the way he attacked the footy and the contest shouldn’t really surprise given what we know of him.

Mates Jack Trengove and Jack Watts enjoy the Demons’ win.

Max Gawn competed gamely, fighting against his body and spending time on the bench, before running out a game he probably shouldn’t have finished.

The two former Bombers — Michael Hibberd and Jake Melsksham — were big performers. Hibberd was outstanding and gave the Demons plenty of run, while Melsksham, who has been much maligned, kicked three goals and made a difference.

There were plenty of great images on an emotional day for the Demons. But there was none better than seeing two great mates Watts and Trengove arm-in-arm — their journey a difficult one, yesterday’s shared experience priceless.