Melbourne will lose players for clash with Sydney Swans but good news looms on injured stars

MELBOURNE is set to lose a couple of players following its epic win in the west. But there’s good news around the corner as they prepare to face a fellow great escape artist.

The Demons are emerging as a legitimate threat in 2017. Picture: AAP

IT’S Shawshank Redemption versus The Great Escape.

Football’s two greatest escape artists will collide on Friday night less than a week after their twin heists

NO DIVE: DEMON OLIVER HITS BACK

But while Melbourne and Sydney can win from anywhere, the clash will also decide the in-form team of the competition.

The day after their come-from-behind win, the Demons were still wondering how they came from 17 points down in time-on after Tom McDonald’s five-goal masterclass.

They have won four games in a row and six of the past seven games, but were also licking their wounds after a bruising encounter.

Christian Salem and Jeff Garlett will miss the MCG clash with hamstring issues, while co-captain Jack Viney will have to play through pain to take the field.

Demons coach Simon Goodwin said Viney’s AC joint injury would be assessed during the week despite a 26-contested possession display.

Viney returned to the ground and said he would be fit to play. Goodwin said Jack Watts would also be available despite hamstring soreness.

Jesse Hogan is likely to return the following week, and Melbourne is in no hurry to rush him back after McDonald’s successful emergence as a forward.

Christian Petracca hugs a Melbourne teammate as the Dees celebrate their win out west. Picture: AAP

Sydney’s inexplicable escape came from 19 points down with four minutes remaining, another remarkable contest in a year of close contests.

Statistician Josh Kay said 17 matches have already been decided by 1-3 points — the most in history after eclipsing last year’s 15.

Champion Data said 21 matches have been decided by under a goal by Round 14, beaten only by 1928’s total of 22 matches by the same stage.

Goodwin’s side has already overhauled large deficits against Adelaide and Gold Coast and watched Sydney’s win over Essendon closely.

“They were incredible games, weren’t they? They were probably similar positions but that is the way the competition is and it’s so tight and games are coming down to the last minutes of games.

“We have spent a fair bit of time on late-in-game scenarios.

“Early in the season we lost some close games and we have learnt from those experiences and seem to be executing in games a bit better.”

Jack Viney was superb against West Coast. Picture: Getty Images

The Demons will soon be spoiled for forward choice given Watts’ potential return and Sam Weideman’s six goals in the VFL on Saturday.

Small forward Jay Kennedy-Harris won 39 possessions after 47 earlier this month and will be one of the likely replacements.

Viney told Triple M he was sore but should play next week.

“(I’m) not too bad. I got a bit of a whack in the third quarter and had it strapped up. I pulled up pretty well. Hopefully I will be fresh for Friday night.”

The Demons take on Sydney off their third consecutive six day break but always planned to match changes for Friday.

“Both Salem and Jeff were a bit tight in the hamstring,’’ Goodwin said.

“We knew this would be a difficult part in the season but we think the VFL team is in some really good form so we have got some players to bring into the team,’’ Goodwin said.

“Jesse probably won’t play (on Friday) but will be very close the week after.

“It will be terrific. He is an important player to our footy club and he’s gone through a hell of a lot and it will be great to see him out there.”

AFL MATCHES DECIDED BY 1-3 POINTS IN LAST 10 YEARS

2017 — 17

2016 — 15

2015 — 7

2014 — 12

2013 — 10

2012 — 9

2011 — 11

2010 — 14

2009 — 8

2008 — 11

MOST MATCHES DECIDED BY LESS THAN A GOAL TO ROUND 14

22 — 1928

21 — 2017

20 — 1938

17 — 1954, 1960, 1965, 1999, 2005

16 — 1950, 2008