DEMONS BURST BUBBLE AS SWANS SINK FURTHER
MELBOURNE have broken their 2019 duck by beating a sorry Swans side who remain anchored near the foot of the AFL ladder.
Despite a shaky start and looking like falling out of touch in the first half, the Demons powered to a 15.10 (100) to 11.12 (78) victory at the SCG last night.
The Demons, who kicked the opening two goals of the game, had fallen four goals behind by midway through the second term as the Swans gained control and put Melbourne’s fragile defence under pressure.
However, consecutive goals within a couple of minutes to co-captain Nathan Jones swung momentum the Dees’ way, and eight of the next 10 majors saw them enter the final term 14 points in front.
It was Jones’ third goal late in the fourth quarter that enabled Melbourne to secure their first win of the season.
Former Gold Coast talent Braydon Preuss kicked two goals, staking a claim to stay in the side alongside star ruckman Max Gawn.
At the other end of the ground the Sydney forwards failed to cash in, with Lance Franklin finishing with one goal, three behinds, with a number of other shots falling uncharacteristically short.