By Ronny Lerner
These are the moments that defined the 2021 grand final as Melbourne stormed to a famous drought-breaking win...
WILLIAMS SUCCUMBS TO THE PRESSURE
At the 20-minute mark of the first quarter, Bulldogs defender Bailey Williams found himself under huge pressure from Kysaiah Pickett and coughed it up straight to Luke Jackson. The Rising Star winner then handballed it to Spargo who kicked the easy goal from 10 metres out. Moments later Williams dropped a mark which allowed Bayley Fritsch to pounce and put the Demons up by 19 points.
Bayley Fritsch celebrates his fifth of six goals on the biggest stage of them all.Credit: AFL Photos
TRELOAR ANSWERS THE CALL
The Bulldogs desperately needed a spark after being outplayed in the first quarter, and their boom recruit Adam Treloar stood up to kick the first two goals of the second term and cut the deficit to 10 points. The former Magpie set the tone for the Dogs who fought back from 21 points at the first change to lead by eight at half-time.
BONTEMPELLI RISES TO THE CHALLENGE
After a very quiet first quarter (four disposals), Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli led from the front in the second term with nine touches and two goals, both coming from pack marks, to help Treloar inspire the Dogs’ dramatic first-half turnaround.
FRITSCH FIRES UP THE DEMONS
After the Bulldogs looked like they were going to run away with the contest when they shot out to a 19-point lead in the third quarter, Fritsch booted a quick couple of goals to turn the tide and spark a jaw-dropping Melbourne barrage which included 12 consecutive goals - one of which was a sensational checkside dribbler from Christian Petracca - to put the Demons up by 55 points in the final term. At that stage, it was game over.
Christian Petracca was dominant in his Norm Smith Medal-winning performance.Credit: AFL Photos
PETRACCA PUTS HIS STAMP ON THE CONTEST
Christian Petracca etched his name in the record books, equalling Simon Black with 39 disposals in a grand final. The Melbourne superstar was instrumental in the Demons’ incredible second-half fightback to finish with 39 disposals (24 contested), nine clearances, 896 metres gained, 11 inside 50s, 15 score involvements, eight intercepts, two goals and two goal assists.
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