Geelong win by three points, Max Gawn misses on the siren
Wow. What a finish. Devastating for the Dees, who seemed to have won the game at the last minute with Gawn taking a towering contested grab 20m out. He milked the clock for all it was worth, trying to ensure the win with the goal, but looked wonky on approach and missed to the left. He looked rattled after the game as his opponents sledged him.
Still, the Demons were themselves lucky not to have already lost the game when Daniel Menzel missed a shocker from 5m out, and had plenty of opportunities to kick the sealer when both Petracca and Oliver rushed shots on goal in the last couple of minutes. No doubt, Melbourne will be a tough side to beat this year, but it’s another frustrating case of so close yet so far.
For the Cats, it was a truly triumphant return for the little master, who topped the disposal count with 39 (equal with 250th gamer Joel Selwood).
Thanks for joining me, and I look forward to seeing you again next week!
Updated
Q4 00:30 Melbourne 13.15 (93) v Geelong 13.13 (97)
Oh god, a minute and a half to go and Neal Bullen kicks it out of bounds on the full. I don’t barrack for Melbourne, but all I can think is this might be the most typical Melbourne loss of all...
Drama, drama. Two out of bounds in a row from Geelong and now the Dees have another shot at it with 50 seconds to go. MAX GAWN MARKS IT 20m OUT! Chris Scott is out of his seat.
Updated
Q4 01:50 Melbourne 13.14 (92) v Geelong 13.13 (97)
Ball inside Melb 50, Gawn up against Blicavs. Ablett forces it over the line. Oh no! Clayton Oliver took the mark 30m out directly in front and then played on to kick a point. Think he thought it didn’t travel the distance. Simon Goodwin loses his cool. Christian Petracca takes the free for out of bounds on the full, and tries the snap around the body, but it’s a point. Looked to rush it. Not sure why he didn’t take his time. That’s two opportunities lost for the Dees now.
Q4 03:30 Melbourne 13.13 (91) v Geelong 13.13 (97)
Have to say, I don’t see the Dees winning this from here. Just haven’t had enough from Melksham up forward. Is there someone else they can swing forward? Need to get a move on, because it doesn’t look like there’s two more goals in it.
On cue, Gawn snaps one from the square and misses, just. Could we get our first draw?
Updated
Q4 06:10 Melbourne 13.12 (90) v Geelong 13.13 (97)
Wow. Daniel Menzel about to kick his fifth goal after a brilliant contested mark, one-on-one in the goal-square.
HE MISSED! I actually can’t believe it. That could prove VERY costly. Oh, nope. Here he is again with just as impressive a mark, this time 45m out. A harder kick, which if I know anything about football, will mean he’ll kick it. OK no, he missed again.
Have to agree I never understood why Geelong wanted to move him on.
Menzel is a gun! Difficult to believe he was almost delisted #AFLDeesCats
— Zac Jardine (@zaccyj) March 25, 2018
Updated
Q4 09:55 Melbourne 13.12 (90) v Geelong 13.11 (95)
Selwood up and running again as he overtakes Ablett on the disposal count (34 to 33). Nathan Jones has 26 for the Dees. Ball locked in the Demons’ forward line, lurching from stoppage to stoppage. Guess who? Selwood and then Ablett with the clearance. Make that 35 and 34.
Q4 11:10 Melbourne 13.12 (90) v Geelong 13.11 (95)
Here come the Dees again, but the long ball goes to Garlett, not the best overhead mark. Not sure about that option. Just 10 points in it, but Geelong still look on top. Ratugolea and Selwood combine to milk some time off the clock, but might be a bit early for that. Last-minute spoil from Hibberd saves a 45m right-foot banana from Joel Selwood.
Hibbered, meanwhile, pushes down the wing, and finds Garlett who in turn finds Hogan. He nails the round the corner snap for a critical goal. Some conjecture as to whether Garlett pushed his opponent out of the contest, but at first look it seemed like a side-on bump.
Q4 14:55 Melbourne 12.11 (83) v Geelong 13.10 (94)
Brilliant body work by Menzel. Could kick his fourth now, reckon he’s really underrated as a player. He kicks his fourth to put the Cats out by 12.
Down the other end, Oliver extremely unlucky not to get a kicking in danger (do they ever pay that anymore?) while Garlett tries the miracle goal out of the air. It’s a point only.
Updated
Q4 17:00 Melbourne 12.10 (82) v Geelong 13.10 (88)
Selwood looks unfit, and Jetta makes sure he really nails him in the tackle as he catches him. He comes from the ground now, as Petracca almost kicks a miracle soccer goal from the boundary. Ablett hits 31 possessions - the most of anyone on the ground.
Three-quarter time Melbourne 12.9 (81) v Geelong 13.10 (88)
Cats do well to clear the ball at the last second, Fritsch arguably unlucky not to get a push in the back. Just the seven points in it now, the Dees making up 20 in that quarter.
Updated
Q3 01:30 Melbourne 12.9 (81) v Geelong 13.10 (88)
Selwood down behind play, he was on the receiving end of a fierce Wagner tackle. Taking advantage of the lack of Selwood tag, Petracca roves a goal from the goal square. Selwood is pushed to full forward with some kind of knee or foot strain.
Melbourne’s best passage of the day finds Petracca, again, on the lead. He has a chance to kick the Dees’ fifth goal of the day. He misses poorly.
Updated
Q3 03:20 Melbourne 11.8 (74) v Geelong 13.10 (88)
Just five marks taken inside 50 for Melbourne today, but their forward pressure has been better than the Cats’. Selwood gives Clayton Oliver a ride into the ground, his head thumping into the turf, but no free given (funny, cos that kind of tackle cost Katie Brennan a grand final, nevermind!) Meanwhile, Selwood gets a high tackle – anyone seen that before?
Wow, some Menzel magic delivers his third, and some breathing space for the Cats. That was a lovely little no-look turn and goal.
Updated
Q3 07:11 Melbourne 11.8 (74) v Geelong 12.10 (82)
Dees get three in a row! This time through Neal-Bullen. That’ll teach me for (unwittingly) calling the game mid-way through the second quarter. That was forced forward with superior grunt work at the contest, before Neal-Bullen got the lucky bounce. Crowd up and about now this one is getting more interesting.
Updated
Q3 11:14 Melbourne 10.7 (67) v Geelong 12.9 (81)
Finally the Dees break through with a goal. This one goes to Mitch Hannan on the run, as Melbourne fans find voice. Now Cam Guthrie is off the ground with a possible groin complaint. Injuries may just tip this game back in Melbourne’s favour. Guthrie heads into the rooms as Stewart makes his way back up with some strapping. As a reminder, Taylor is out for the day.
Q3 13:07 Melbourne 9.7 (61) v Geelong 12.9 (81)
Ablett everywhere at the moment, 22 disposals, 17 of those uncontested. His outside work is pairing very nicely with Selwood (20 disposals) and Kelly (16 disposals) on the inside. Mitch Duncan also has 14 running with Gaz on the outside. Looks like Tom Stewart might have hurt himself, he’s hobbling on the boundary line with a couple of trainers. Now he’s heading down into the rooms with what looks like an ankle issue.
Updated
Q3 15:07 Melbourne 9.7 (61) v Geelong 12.9 (81)
Harmes surely taken high, twice, and finally gets the call on the second occasion. He gets onto it from 52m, but it’s off to the left.
Really nice day in Melbourne, by the way, sun’s out and half the MCG is bathed in sunlight, the other in shadow.
Q3 17:44 Melbourne 9.6 (60) v Geelong 12.8 (80)
Gawn wins a free for a ruck infringement inside 50 on Zac Smith. He’ll kick from just inside 50. It’s a perfect kick, straight through the middle, and just what the Dees needed.
I have to say, after a season of AFLW I feel like this game goes forever. I actually thought it was third quarter before when I called this one for Geelong. So yes, I went silly early.
Updated
Q3 18:53 Melbourne 8.6 (54) v Geelong 12.8 (80)
Some entertaining scenes with Geelong fans sporting head bandages to commemorate Selwood’s 250th. It’s Melbourne who start the quarter with an inside 50, however, but Fritsch’s kick misses the target. Goodwin wasn’t happy with their second quarter performance, apparently. Geelong rush one through with Pedersen lurking.
Updated
Half-time Melbourne 8.5 (53) v Geelong 12.8 (80)
Jones thumps the ball long into the forward line, but Melbourne are being outnumbered two to one in their forward line. Gaz with some trademark magic hits up Hawkins, but he can’t completed the juggled mark. The rebound falls to Selwood who finds Parfitt on a tight angle. The siren sounds meaning he’ll need to kick a drop punt. He’s kicked it for a 27 point lead at half time.
I’m taking a quick break and will be back with you shortly!
Updated
Q2 01:39 Melbourne 8.5 (53) v Geelong 11.8 (74)
Blicavs has been playing back on Hogan, and seems to be winning the battle so far. Such an impressive, versatile player. I hardly recognised him with the Tom Stewart hairstyle.
Great team play by the Cats sets up Jordan Murdoch for his first goal. Signs are ominous – I reckon this one is a Cats victory.
Q2 02:56 Melbourne 8.5 (53) v Geelong 10.7 (68)
Cats have taken some of the pace out of the game as they look to consolidate their lead. Dees need to find some of the fire they started the game with. Hibberd looks to have been shifted forward, he hasn’t had much of it in the backline. Lever does well to win the ball off Kelly who threatened to break the game open through the middle. Still, Kelly follows it up and nearly sets up Parfitt for a significant goal. It’s just left.
Q2 04:56 Melbourne 8.5 (53) v Geelong 10.6 (67)
Brilliant individual play from Cam Guthrie who wins the ball out of the middle and roves it up the ground to snap a goal. Kelly involved again. Big cheer goes up from the Geelong faithful as Dees fans start to get worried.
And, just as I’m about to write off Melbourne again, Ratugolea gives away the 50 to give Jayden Hunt a shot on goal. He should kick it, but hits the post. Big let off.
Q2 05:46 Melbourne 8.4 (52) v Geelong 9.6 (61)
We’re out to 15 points after Selwood’s snap goes across the face and in for a minor score. Biggest lead of the game so far, and you get the sense the Cats are on top, the Dees in need of a goal. Jeff Garlett obliges just in time.
Q2 07:28 Melbourne 7.4 (46) v Geelong 9.6 (60)
That’s a shame for Melbourne, Garlett almost kicks a miracle goal from the boundary, but hits the post. Hasn’t had the best day. Geelong starting to get on top across the ground, as frustration from Josh Wagner gives away a 50 to Parsons. He fires the ball inside and Zac Smith takes a near-uncontested mark in the goal square. Very disappointing from the Dees – Gawn claims he was shepherded out, while Hogan and Petracca shake their heads.
Updated
Q2 09:09 Melbourne 7.2 (44) v Geelong 8.5 (55)
Kelly involved again, this time setting up Parsons on the lead. Couldn’t have been more impressive on debut for mine. Poor turnover from Petracca who has otherwise been Melbourne’s best. Lucky let off for the Dees as he misses to the right.
Bernie Vince heads into the rooms, to get stitches on the webbing of his hand.
Q2 10:54 Melbourne 7.2 (44) v Geelong 8.5 (55)
Kelly! He gets his first goal in the AFL after a big afternoon at the G for him. He’s had eight disposals, six contested possessions and two inside 50s. He adds a goal to that tally, this one snapped from 25m out in traffic. Reckon Melbourne need a goal - Geelong looking threatening.
Updated
Q2 12:47 Melbourne 7.1 (43) v Geelong 7.5 (47)
Jake Lever has been fairly quiet today, but earns himself a possession in defence. Has had just the two disposals so far. I was going to say I hadn’t seen Hibberd either, but he’s actually had nine so I clearly don’t know what I’m talking about. Meanwhile Daniel Menzel fires through another for the Cats, this one a snap from a tight angle on the boundary, and they’re back in front.
Ablett tops the possessions for Geelong with 11.
Q2 14:29 Melbourne 7.1 (43) v Geelong 6.5 (41)
Yet another 50m penalty given away by the Dees, this time a protected area issue (reckon that was the wrong call personally). Justice prevails as Parfitt sprays it left. This time Jake Kolodjashnij has a go, but he too is inaccurate.
Q2 16:17 Melbourne 7.1 (43) v Geelong 6.3 (39)
Jordan Lewis gives away a 50m penalty to Parfitt for umpire abuse. He then gives the umpire plenty as he defends on the goal-line. I’d agree that it was a soft free kick, but poor discipline from Lewis to give away the free and certain goal. Speed of scoring showing no sign of abating.
Updated
Q2 17:07 Melbourne 7.1 (43) v Geelong 5.3 (33)
Ouch, Salem has landed badly on his head, after Selwood shepherded him (could have been interpreted as a tunnel, but didn’t look intentional). Thankfully he doesn’t seem to be concussed, but Harry Taylor has taken off his boot and doesn’t look likely to return. In fact, the doctors have put a rubber glove on his foot. Please explain...
Clayton Oliver with a brilliant pick-up and goal on the run. Seven for the Dees as they go two clear.
Updated
Q2 18:30 Melbourne 6.1 (37) v Geelong 5.3 (33)
Apparently Geelong’s Fogarty is pronounced FOE-garty, while Adelaide’s is FOH-garty. You’re welcome. Petracca leading all-comers on field with 11 disposals, seven contested possesions, four clearances and three tackles. All I can hear is my Supercoach points racking up...
Also Harry Taylor looks proppy, plantar fascia injury. Might not return.
Updated
Quarter-time Melbourne 6.1 (37) v Geelong 5.3 (33)
Great defensive work by Melbourne, running down both Ratugolea in the goal-square, and then Gary Ablett on the 50m line. Crowd went nuts when Garlett caught Ablett. Cats get one back, catching Hibberd unawares. No added score, but a big, high-scoring first term with 11 goals scored altogether.
Updated
Q1 01:40 Melbourne 6.1 (37) v Geelong 5.3 (33)
Kelly has been super impressive for the Cats. Has five disposals already including two inside 50s. Was overlooked in previous drafts, and looks one of the finds of the season already. Was second in the Sandover medal in the WAFL.
Pedersen wins a free for holding up forward, after Petracca drifted into defence to set his team up. he puts the Demons back in front with his second.
Q1 04:30 Melbourne 5.1 (31) v Geelong 5.2 (32)
Petracca wins a free for holding the ball, 55m out, chips it to the top of the square and Fritsch almost takes another spectacular grab. Looks Howe-esque. Speaking of impressive, Ratugolea has pushed up the wing, presenting well. Apparently has only played footy for give years, or about 40 games total. Soccer background until local club needed a ruckman. Wow. Could be anything.
Meanwhile, Selwood finds Menzel 45m out who delivers it to Parsons on the run, 15m out. Should slot this easily for yet another score. He does - five goals each.
p.s. can we have just one season without Brian Taylor commentating? Honestly
Q1 06:47 Melbourne 5.1 (31) v Geelong 4.2 (26)
We may have yet another goal. Chris Scott is characteristically furious as Pederson takes the contested grab, one on four. Pederson lines up for Melbourne’s fifth, no angle, 40m out, and it’s through!
Updated
Q1 07:39 Melbourne 4.1 (25) v Geelong 4.2 (26)
It’s raining goals! (I wrote that, and then the commentators said the same thing. But really, I thought of it first). Hogan, in a very similar fashion, strikes one from 45 out on the run. Very entertaining stuff at the G.
Updated
Q1 08:13 Melbourne 3.1 (19) v Geelong 4.2 (26)
Great tackle from Petracca sets up Neal-Bullen for the goal, snapped from 45 out, and we’re back to a point! Cracking game so far. 12-3 clearances for Melbourne. That’s despite going up against Ablett, Selwood, Duncan!
Speaking of Gaz, he fires through a goal from 45m out on a tight angle, after he wins the clearance, and Selwood finds him pushing forward. Crowd erupts.
Updated
Q1 09:15 Melbourne 2.1 (13) v Geelong 3.2 (20)
Fogarty with the snap goal! Another debutant hits the scoreboard (he joins Fritsch, and Ratugolea). Demons had control of the midfield, but Geelong are now more efficient going forward.
Q1 09:53 Melbourne 2.1 (13) v Geelong 2.2 (14)
Great pressure so far from the Dees, who manage to stop Tom Stewart’s burst of speed on the wing. Nathan Jones has eight disposals for Melbourne. Tuohy takes a bounce up the wing, Oscar McDonald can’t stop Tom Hawkins, who takes a nice contested grab 30m out. He hits the post.
Q1 11:54 Melbourne 2.1 (13) v Geelong 2.1 (13)
Fritsch gets caught cold, holding the ball but it isn’t paid. Poor decision (speaking of poor umpiring, anyone else see the AFLW grand final? Sheesh!) Have liked Kelly’s game so far for Geelong, he’s had the most disposals for his team, but he too gets caught holding the ball this time. That awareness will come with experience.
Plenty of cheers as Selwood and Ablett link up on the wing.
Q1 13:28 Melbourne 2.1 (13) v Geelong 2.1 (13)
Raugeolea is getting involved early, but this time can’t find the middle. He looks likely, and is already worrying the Demon defenders. This time Tim Kelly fires the Cats back inside 50, and Menzel snaps a goal. Reckon Geelong fans will be glad he’s still at the Cattery.
Q1 14:17 Melbourne 2.1 (13) v Geelong 1.0 (6)
Could have another goal for the Dees here, Hogan benefits from a 50m, after Murdoch runs through the protected zone. You have to be 10m clear – and he wasn’t. Melbourne have had the last five clearances of the game. Hogan nails it.
Q1 15:17 Melbourne 1.1 (7) v Geelong 1.0 (6)
Salem gives away an in-the-back for a particularly excitable tackle in the forward line. A shame, because the Dees are on fire. Hogan tries to match Fritsch’s hanger, but he gives away the free. The ball rebounds quickly and Esava Raugolea has it inside Geelong’s 50. He’s of Fijian heritage, and grew up in country Vic. He joins the club of those who’ve goaled with their first kick.
Q1 17:18 Melbourne 1.1 (7) v Geelong 0.0 (0)
Fritsch! He hasn’t taken long to excite the Demon fans, taking a spectacular contested mark in between Harry Taylor and Jed Bews. He’s only 15m out, and slots it through.
Updated
Q1 18:15 Melbourne 0.1 (1) v Geelong 0.0 (0)
Unfortunately for Ablett, his first possession in Geelong colours is an out of bounds on the full. The Demons crowd let him know it, too. First-gamer Fritsch excites the home crowd by taking a few bounces and shooting for goal, but it’s across the face.
Q1 19:00 Melbourne 0.0 (0) v Geelong 0.0 (0)
Some good signs early for Christian Petracca, who has had a few possessions in the first half a minute. He looks to be running with Gary Ablett - what a match-up. He has the first shot on goal, but he’s tackled as he kicks, and can’t score.
Updated
It’s Joel Selwood’s 250th game
It has been relatively overshadowed in the context of Gaz returning, but Chris Scott has said Selwood is the best leader he’s ever played with or coached. That’s pretty impressive given Scott played for a decade under Michael Voss, a triple-premiership captain.... alright we’re off!
GWS v Bulldogs update
In case you want to know the score for the other game happening at the moment (I don’t), the Giants are up 17.4 (106) to the Bulldogs 5.6 (36) at the end of the third quarter. Worst of all, it seems as if Tom Liberatore has done his ACL. Disaster for the Dogs.
Jeremy Cameron has six goals while Stephen Coniglio has 29 disposals and two goals. Impressive return from him.
Updated
Re-mastered theme songs
Anyone able to clarify whether Geelong accepted the AFL’s re-mastered version of their theme song? It sounded like it to me. I personally was glad when my club (Bulldogs) rejected theirs – it sounded far too crisp and clean! Any idea where that whole thing emerged from (with no warning) either?
Demons welcome Jake Lever
We’ve just seen some footage of Jake Lever – my pick for recruit of the off-season – receiving his red and blue jumper for the first time. What a moment for him. He took plenty of heat from his former teammates after making the move, but I think he’ll thrive here and be worth the two first rounders the Dees gave up for him.
Welcome
Hello and welcome to what should be the game of the AFL round, with Melbourne widely tipped to be an improved force in 2018, and the Cats celebrating the return of their prodigal son, Gary Ablett Jnr. There was some uncertainty as to whether he would play today, particularly after his manager Liam Pickering declared him a 100% chance to play (what exactly does that mean?) Anyway, you suspected he’d get up once Patrick Dangerfield was ruled out, and here we are. Will be fascinating to see how he performs after a tough end to the season off the field in 2017. Jonathan Horn at least reckons he still has plenty he wants to prove.
Over at Melbourne, the Dees started the pre-season strongly with two JLT wins, once again teasing that this will finally be their year. We have had two years of fairytale premierships, so there’s a good case that Melbourne are next in line, particularly with the longest existing premiership drought. As I said in my own preview of the season, however, this is a team notoriously difficult to trust (for good reason). Let’s see if they can give us a reason to believe today, although they’ll be without both captain Jack Viney and Tom McDonald, who have both been ruled out for six-eight weeks with foot injuries.
Kate will be here shortly.
In the meantime, have a read of Jonathan Horn’s preview of Gary Ablett’s return home to Geelong.
