Melbourne exacted revenge for a loss to the West Coast Eagles seven weeks ago when they produced an exhilarating first-quarter onslaught on the way to a 54-point victory at the MCG today.
On the back of a blistering seven-goal opening term the Demons controlled the game for the majority of the day to win 17.10 (112) to 8.10 (58).
The Dees were keen to avenge the 35-point loss to the Eagles at Optus Stadium on May 19 and off the back some Max Gawn class, blew the visitors away as they put their stamp on the game.
In that opening stanza Melbourne played with irresistible energy and continually surged forward where they eventually put the game to bed with WA products Jacob van Rooyen and Koltyn Tholstrup lively.
They set up a 39-point advantage by quarter-time, stretched that to 49 points at half-time and were never under threat of losing their grip on the game.
Van Rooyen finished with four goals, Bailey Fritsach was opportunistic for three and another player with WA roots Kysaiah Pickett and Tholstrup kicked a couple each.
While the Eagles produced some good moments – in the middle stages of the second and third terms – they were somewhat fleeting as they struggled to get a midfield foothold.
It was a consistent rather than dominant effort from the Melbourne midfield while Tim Kelly, Elliot Yeo, Reuben Ginbey and Harley Reid were workmanlike, rather than inspiring, for the Eagles.
Up forward one of the positives for the Eagles was the performance of co-captain Oscar Allen who finished with four goals while Jake Waterman kicked a couple of majors after proving himself fit to play despite a large gash at the back of his knee.
In defence Jeremy McGovern was again outstanding with a trademark performance, Liam Duggan provided strong efforts through the midfield and in defence while Brady Hough again committed to the contest.
Jayden Hunt, in his 150th senior match against his original club, was also strong in the contest.
While the Demons were never threatened the clubs split the inside 50 count at 49 apiece and the Eagles won the clearances 35-30 and won the centre clearances 18-8 as they improved their work around the contest after quarter-time.
Details
Melbourne 7.3 11.5 14.9 17.10 (112)
West Coast Eagles 1.2 3.4 6.8 8.10 (58)
Goals – Melbourne: van Rooyen 4; Fritsch 3; Pickett, Melksham, Tholstrup 2; Gawn, Windsor, Langdon, Turner.
West Coast Eagles: Allen 4; Waterman 2; Darling, Ryan.
Best – Melbourne: Gawn, van Rooyen, Rivers, Windsor, Salem, Fritsch.
West Coast Eagles: Allen, McGovern, Duggan, Kelly, Yeo, Ginbey.
