The Serve

Melbourne break duck with historic comeback

It’s fitting that Melbourne’s first win of a retched season will enter the history books. The Demons recovered from a 51 point deficit to overrun hapless Fremantle 17.17 (119) to 15.23 (113) at the MCG.

Booed by the few Demons fans who bothered to show up, Melbourne kick-started its comeback via a double to Aaron Davey in a five goal burst. The Demons still faced a mountainous task at three quarter time when they trailed by 32, however Russell Robertson booted three goals and two quick majors to Austin Wonaeamirri dragged the Demons to an unlikely lead 27 minutes into the final quarter.

Fremantle will rue its kicking in front of goal, especially at the finish. The Dockers missed four shots in the final seven minutes. Jeff Farmer particularly poor with 2.4. Even Matthew Pavlich, delivering another gilt-edged MCG performance, kicked as many behinds as goals.

The win is welcome relief for a Demons side that has barely looked like winning in 2008. In a bitter irony for Fremantle, Melbourne is now level with the Dockers on the ladder at 1-6.

 

Melbourne scorers

Russell Robertson 4.3

Austin Wonaeamirri 4.1

Brad Miller 3.0

Aaron Davey 3.0

Brad Green 2.1

Brent Moloney 1.0

Cameron Bruce 0.2

Matthew Bate 0.2

James McDonald 0.1

Paul Wheatley 0.1

 

Fremantle scorers

Matthew Pavlich 5.5

Chris Tarrant 3.0

Jeff Farmer 2.4

David Mundy 1.2

Dean Solomon 1.1

Peter Bell 1.0

Garrick Ibbotson 1.0

Rhys Palmer 1.0