McDonald’s sealer lifts Demons into rare air
MELBOURNE forward Tom McDonald kicked a slingshot goal with 26 seconds remaining to lift the Demons to a three-point win over West Coast in last night’s AFL clash at Domain Stadium.
The Eagles were on track for victory when Lewis Jetta’s behind extended the home side’s lead to 16 points midway through the final quarter.
But McDonald booted the last two goals of the game to lift Melbourne to a 15.9 (99) to 14.12 (96) victory, ending their 17-game losing streak in Perth.
McDonald’s last goal was spectacular, with the 24-year- old connecting with the ball while being slung in a tackle by Jeremy McGovern.
McDonald finished with five goals and eight marks in a dazzling display but captain Jack Viney was arguably the man of the match, both for his performance and bravery.
Viney ran riot in the first half with 23 disposals and a goal.
His night looked over when he injured his right shoulder early in the third quarter after copping a heavy bump from Eagles skipper Shannon Hurn, sending Viney into the rooms for treatment, but he returned to produce a scintillating final term to power his side to victory.
He finished with 38 dispos- als, nine clearances and a goal in Melbourne’s first win in Perth since 2004.
Hurn was left dazed and confused with just minutes remaining when he was cleaned up by Viney as both players contested the ball.
Eagles defender Will Schofield was reported moments after the halftime siren for catching Clayton Oliver in the face with an elbow. Schofield jabbed at Oliver’s chest with his fist, but his angled-up elbow hit Oliver’s face.
It’s the first time in 11 years the Demons have won four games in a row, the latest victory boosting their win-loss record to 8-5. West Coast are 7-6. MELBOURNE V WEST COAST 3.1 6.6 10.8 15.9 2.5 5.7 11.10 14.12