A crucial defensive play by Melbourne champion Max Gawn in the final moments of a tightly contested match against the Lions has ensured the Demons remain undefeated at the MCG in 2026. The team managed to secure a narrow two-point victory, despite a number of challenges throughout the game.
The turning point came when Gawn made a match-saving tackle on Lions’ star Will Ashcroft. Ashcroft was attempting to break away from a stoppage and launch a counterattack that could have changed the momentum of the game. Gawn’s intervention prevented what could have been a decisive moment for the Lions, who had previously fallen 16 points behind with less than five minutes remaining.
Lachie Neale also marked a significant milestone in his career, playing his 300th match for the club. However, the game was not without its concerns. Defender Harrison Petty suffered an incident that saw him ruled out due to potentially delayed concussion. The situation left the coaching staff assessing the cause of his fainting episode, which occurred after he received a ball in the goal square.
Melbourne coach Steven King explained that Petty reported blurred vision at the time of the incident. “He thinks he probably should have stopped the game,” King said. “Whether it was anything more sinister or delayed concussion, we will have a look at it.”
Kade Chandler emerged as another key player, scoring two quick goals in the final quarter that extended Melbourne’s lead to 16 points. This came after the Lions briefly regained the lead following the final break, but the Demons’ ability to capitalize on set shots proved crucial.
The Demons delivered a strong second half, with a remarkable performance in the third quarter where they kicked six goals. They demonstrated exceptional accuracy inside 50, even managing to score 10 goals in a row from set shots via marks. In total, they finished the game with 12 goals from 12 set shots, a statistic that both King and Lions coach Chris Fagan acknowledged as a key factor in the outcome.
The atmosphere at the MCG was electric, with Irish music played after every goal and fans joining in with a jig. However, the Lions faced immense pressure, particularly after key players like Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage missed two straightforward set shots. Jarrod Berry also suffered a calf injury in the first half, adding to their difficulties.
Despite these setbacks, the Lions showed resilience, kicking the final goal of the quarter after Petty accidentally passed the ball to Will Ashcroft. Ashcroft then became distressed and wobbly on his feet, prompting teammate Blake Howes to assist him. Petty eventually knelt on the ground before being taken to the medical room and ruled out with delayed concussion.
Harvey Langford, named best on ground, helped extend Melbourne’s lead after receiving a controversial free kick. The Demons continued to press forward, with Logan Morris scoring soon after, followed by a stunning goal from Charlie Cameron from a centre clearance. However, Cam Rayner’s attempt at a difficult set shot narrowly missed the mark.
The new-look Melbourne side is proving to be high-scoring and entertaining to watch. Harry Sharp’s first goal of the game was hailed as a “play of the day” by many observers. The sequence began with a three-bounce run down the outer wing, followed by a handball to Jacob van Rooyen, who then passed to Kysaiah Pickett, who centered the ball for Sharp to score.
This style of play reflects the way Melbourne likes to operate under coach Steven King. The team uses forward handballs to move the ball quickly down the field, a tactic that can be risky but effective when executed well. While this approach resembles the way Geelong used to play during King’s time as their ruck, the Demons are still learning when to play fast and when to slow down.
In contrast, the competition’s top teams have refined their ball movement over several consecutive finals series. They either build up play patiently with short kicks and smart switches or transition quickly from defense to attack when they gain possession. Their ability to score 38 points from turnovers highlights their efficiency in attack.
At attacking stoppages, they spread out like a rugby line before taking a shot at goal. Despite the challenges, the Demons managed to win by the slimmest of margins, securing an important four points after their loss to Essendon. This result has placed them back in the finals race.
The Lions, meanwhile, were forced to deal with further injuries. Noah Answerth was ruled out with concussion for the second time this season, following a head injury assessment required by the ARC after he was hit by two Demons while kicking the ball. Bruce Reville was also limping during the final quarter, adding to the team’s woes.
