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Melbourne Demons 18.9 (117) d Gold Coast Suns 9.9 (63)
The Devils’ Jack Viney won the football game.Credit: AFL Photo via Getty Images
Key Points
Dees stepped forward
After another week of scrutiny, this time of the futures of Christian Petracca, Alex Neal-Brun and Jack Viney, the Demons showed their resolve to beat the Suns in scorching conditions on the Gold Coast. Neither side had any hope of reaching the finals, but both were proud of the game, especially the Suns, who were chasing a rare win-loss ratio this season. But the Demons played best in the hot and windy conditions, taking the initiative in the third quarter and winning 10-2 in the second half. Viney and Ed Landon (37 possessions) led the way, but their teammates also earned their places.
Winnie Free Run
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson made the bold announcement this week that his club would pursue Jack Viney in the offseason because he is both a leader in a young midfield and a strong body who can make a big difference. But Viney showed in this game that he is a player the Demons simply cannot afford to lose. His drive, match strength and willingness to get ahead of the opposition and drive the club forward was the difference between the two sides. He had 30 possessions, two goals and countless team-first acts. Viney should be a Demons player for life unless he chooses to leave. “We have a great group of players and staff at this club and will be back to our best soon,” Viney said. Although when asked about his future, Viney didn’t completely lock himself in to Melbourne. “We’ll get through the season and see how it goes,” Viney told Fox Football.
Young Dees shows promise
While the headlines have focused on the struggles of Demons coach Simon Goodwin and some of the Super League stars, Melbourne’s efforts to develop several young players cannot be ignored. Forwards Daniel Turner and Jacob van Rooyen, defender-turned-midfielder Trent Rivers, Blake House and draft pick Coltin Tolstrup are all ranked among Melbourne’s top 15 players, while Caleb Windsor has previously proven that he can become a star in a short period of time. Despite the gloomy outlook, the Demons are doing a good job of developing the next generation of players.
Key Statistics
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