Dees grab final spot, lose Neitz, Bell

Melbourne   95 defeated Essendon   85

A miracle Russell Robertson goal in time on of the last quarter has ensured that Melbourne will participate in this year’s finals series after they defeated a gallant Essendon by 10 points at the MCG today.

Although leading by five points, Essendon had all the running as they attempted to slash Melbourne’s finals hopes but Robertson’s goal from the boundary line grabbed the ascendancy and set up a showdown with Geelong next week.

However, injuries to David Neitz and Daniel Bell will hamper the Demons preparations for next week’s elimination final.

When Neitz left the field in the first 10 minutes of the match, Russell Robertson had to stand up and he did once again with four goals to take his season’s tally to 69 and third on the Coleman Medal table. Midfielders Travis Johnstone and Nathan Brown were influential in the middle of the park with 26 and 23 possessions respectively while Brad Green booted three goals once he was moved forward in the second half.

For Essendon, Brent Stanton finished off his sensational year with 25 possessions and a goal off a wing while Mark and Jason Johnson battled hard all day.

Going into the match knowing that all they had to do was win to knock the Western Bulldogs out of the eight, the Dees started slowly trailing at quarter time by 16 points. It was the Bombers young brigade, led by Stanton, Angus Monfries and Ricky Dyson that were running Melbourne off their feet.

Melbourne, however, started the second quarter like they meant business with early goals to Johnstone and Adem Yze. Mark Johnson hit back to restore an eight point margin but four minutes later the lead was Melbourne’s as goals to Ben Holland and Green saw the momentum swing. The exciting Andrew Lovett quickly grabbed the lead back one minute later and when Monfries grabbed his second, the margin was back out to nine points. Late goals to Shannon Motlop and Robertson saw the Dees head into half time with a three point lead.

The Demons came out of the rooms like winners with three early goals as the lead stretched out to 23 points but Essendon fought back with goals to Lovett and David Hille. Green’s second goal of the quarter saw the Demons take a 19 point lead into the final change.

The final quarter was a tight affair scattered with missed opportunities. Jason Johnson and Lovett booted the first two goals of the quarter to give the Bombers a chance yet Brown replied quickly from the centre bounce. When Hird goaled at the 15 minute mark, the deficit was seven points, but missed chances to Kepler Bradley and Monfries saw the hope of success fade away.

When Robertson goaled, the Demons were up by 11 points after 27 minutes, and when Johnstone booted a point from the centre clearance. The margin of 12 points was enough to see them through to September. Late chances to Mark Johnson and Peverill were also unsuccessful as the Demons scrapped through with a 10 point win.

Next week the Demons will take on Geelong and will feel confident having beaten them twice during the home and away season, while Essendon will face Mad Monday proceedings tomorrow.

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