Melbourne have picked up their first win of the season after controlling much of the clash against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday at the MCG.
In front of 44,100 fans on a hot day at the ‘G, the Dees held the Dogs at arm's length throughout the second and third terms before pulling away late to win 16.13 (109) to 9.10 (64).
The Bulldogs started well on the back of Marcus Bontempelli, but a couple of late Demons goals in the first term helped them grab some momentum that they’d never give up again.
Melbourne’s big guns led the way and the goals were shared up forward, while a few Dogs had interesting performances in their first games for the club.
The Dees now sit 1-1 after their Opening Round loss to Sydney, while the Bulldogs begin their campaign 0-1.
See our player grades below:
Melbourne
Max Gawn – A+
Enormous. Won his battle with Tim English in the ruck and impacted aerially all over the ground. Nine marks, 26 disposals and 35 hitouts.
Steven May – A
Great game in defence. Controlled the air and got plenty of it. Mainly had Naughton for a matchup and took the points there.
Christian Petracca – A
Typical Petracca performance. Very good and picked up a lot of footy with 29 touches and kicked a nice goal.
Clayton Oliver - A
Dispelled any fears he wouldn’t recapture his best after a tumultuous pre-season. Picked up numbers at will with 35 disposals, the only thing holding him back somewhat was his efficiency.
Jack Billings – A
Great first-up showing. Was neat when he had it looking inside 50 and found a lot of ball. Will be a nice addition as a half-forward/midfielder. Finished with a goal and 23 disposals.
Kade Chandler – A
Made the most of his chances inside 50 and looked lively at the feet of the key forwards with three goals.
Tom McDonald – B+
Moved back into a key defensive role and looked at home.
Jack Viney – B+
Decent outing. Couldn’t recapture the heights he got to in Opening Round.
Jake Lever – B
Solid game and helped restrict the Bulldogs. Struggled with cramp late.
Judd McVee – B
As dependable as ever.
Jacob Van Rooyen – B
Kicked a few important goals and the sealer late. Gets a tick for his day.
Ben Brown – B
Looks back to his typical output as a solid key forward option.
Trent Rivers – B-
Blake Howes – B-
Continues to show good signs as part of a strong defence.
Caleb Windsor – B-
Very nice first showing for the top 10 pick. Has speed to burn and class. Quietened as the game went on and was subbed out in the last quarter with 16 touches to his name.
Christian Salem - C+
Kysaiah Pickett – C+
Didn’t get a heap of it, but chased well and made an impact on the scoreboard.
Alex Neal-Bullen – C+
Ed Langdon - C+
Marty Hore – C
Didn’t get a heap of it in his first game back on the list.
Tom Sparrow - C-
Down on his usual output with 11 disposals.
Bayley Fritsch – D
Didn’t get near it often enough and missed his chances kicking 0.3.
Taj Woewodin - NA
Was subbed on late for Caleb Windsor.
Western Bulldogs
Marcus Bontempelli – A
Strong all-around performance after a great start. What you’ve come to expect from the club captain.
Lachie Bramble – B+
Impressed in his first game for his new club, kicked a goal and got a lot of footy on the outside with 22 touches.
Tim English – B+
Had some decent numbers himself and was solid but beaten by Gawn.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan – B+
Kicked a couple and raked in some very nice marks. Could explode in 2024.
Tom Liberatore – B+
Picked up a lot of footy and had nine clearances. Typical Liberatore outing.
Jason Johannisen - B+
Got a lot of ball and involved himself in scoring chains from half-back.
Bailey Dale – B
Adam Treloar – B
Got a heap of it but didn’t have a huge impact.
Ed Richards – B
Ryley Sanders – B-
Showed some nice early signs in his debut game picking up 15 disposals before being subbed out late in the third term.
Rhylee West – B-
Cody Weightman - C+
Kicked a goal but could have done more with his opportunities.
Buku Khamis – C+
Showed some promising signs as an intercepting defender.
Bailey Williams – C+
Lachie McNeil – C+
Liam Jones – C+
Didn’t do a lot offensively but did his role well in key defence.
Nick Coffield - C
Didn’t do a lot in his first game in club colours.
Harvey Gallagher – C
Kicked a nice goal but didn’t have a big game in his debut.
Aaron Naughton - C-
Kicked an early goal but didn’t do much. Was beaten by May.
Rory Lobb – C-
Hard to impact in his role but didn’t do a lot.
Laitham Vandermeer – C-
James Harmes – D
Didn’t do much in his first game for the club. Won’t pick up huge numbers though in a defensive midfield role.
Caleb Daniel – NA
Was subbed on in the third term for Ryley Sanders and picked up a lot of footy as others tired.
