MELBOURNE is one win away from securing their first minor premiership in 57 years after accounting for Adelaide by 41 points at the MCG
The Demons first loss of the season came when the rebuilding Crows caused a major upset in round 10, but the flag fancies made no mistake this time as they triumphed 16.8 (104) to 9.9 (63) on Sunday.
Melbourne will enter the final round of the season on top of the ladder, meaning if they can defeat fellow flag contenders Geelong next weekend they will finish on top of the ladder for the first time since 1964 – the year they won the last of their 12 premierships.
But the Demons’ 16th win of the season was more hard-fought than anyone could have imagined, with the Crows (6-15) clawing their way back into the contest multiple times when it appeared Melbourne would power away.
The margin blew out to 28 points during the second quarter but the Crows piled through the first three goals of the third term to get back within three points.
However, Melbourne’s leaders were able to wrestle back momentum as Bayley Fritsch starred with seven goals, four of which came during a hot streak in the final quarter when the result was beyond doubt.
Fellow Demons forward Ben Brown started strongly with two first-quarter goals but was barely sighted after that.
Melbourne did it without star defender Steve May (soreness), who was a late withdrawal but is expected to be fit to face the Cats at GMHBA Stadium.
Despite the result, there was plenty for Crows coach Matthew Nicks to like as Paul Seedsman and Ben Keays were among the better midfielders on the ground.
Adelaide went down a tall early when Elliott Himmelberg (hamstring) was subbed out, leaving the ruck duties to second-gamer Kieran Strachan
Adelaide will complete their season with a cellar-dweller battle against North Melbourne next weekend.
(C) AAP 2021
MELBOURNE 3.3 7.4 12.7 16.8 (104)
ADELAIDE 1.6 3.7 8.8 9.9 (63)
Goals: Melbourne: B Fritsch 7 B Brown 2 C Petracca 2 L Jackson 2 C Spargo J Melksham K Pickett. Adelaide: D Fogarty 3 S McAdam 2 D Mackay L Murphy P Seedsman T Lynch.
Umpires: Chris Donlon, Robert Findlay, Leigh Haussen.
Venue: MCG.
