IT was not pretty but Melbourne has kept its unbeaten start to the AFL season alive, grinding their way past a determined Sydney in a nine-point win at the MCG.
Demons onballer Clayton Oliver won a game-high 35 disposals and 10 clearances in the dour slugfest, as new key forward pairing Ben Brown (three) and Tom McDonald (four) combined for seven goals.
The 10.7 (67) to 8.10 (58) win on Saturday night ensured the Dees moved to an 8-0 record for the first time in 56 years and maintained top spot on the ladder.
Christian Petracca (28 disposals), Christian Salem (27) and James Harmes (30) were all important contributors for Simon Goodwin’s side.
Sydney veteran Lance Franklin returned earlier than initially expected from a knee injury and set foot on the MCG for the first time in almost three years, but did not look his usual self.
The star forward lacked his trademark explosive power and was held goalless by All-Australian candidate Steven May from six just disposals after an early set shot from 52m fell short.
May led a resolute Demons defence but will be scrutinised for a bump on Franklin in the first term when his elbow hit the Swan’s shoulder and slid up to make high contact.
Franklin hit the turf but did not appear seriously troubled by the glancing blow.
Sydney’s interrupted preparation due to coronavirus issues in their home city did not seem to have much of an effect as they kicked the opening two goals of the match.
They got the first through Justin McInerney inside a minute but lacked a reliable key target close to goal with Franklin blanketed by May.
Both sides were guilty of slow ball movement as Oliver’s 18 disposals and five clearances helped Melbourne head to the main break with an 11-point lead.
Three times Sydney got within a goal during a second-half of swinging momentum before McDonald’s huge pack mark and fourth goal in the final term gave the Demons breathing space once and for all.
Callum Mills (33 disposals) was one of the Swans’ best in his 100th game with Luke Parker (32) and Jake Lloyd (28) also busy.
Melbourne can extend their winning streak to nine matches against Carlton at the MCG next week, while Sydney host Collingwood at the SCG.
(C) AAP 2021
MELBOURNE 3.1 5.6 8.6 10.7 (67)
SYDNEY 3.3 3.7 6.8 8.10 (58)
Goals: Melbourne: T McDonald 4 B Brown 3 C Petracca C Spargo J Melksham. Sydney: W Hayward 2 C Mills C Sinclair J Lloyd J McInerney T Hickey T Papley.
Umpires: Jeff Dalgleish, Brendan Hosking, Curtis Deboy.
Official Crowd: 35,567 at MCG.
