The MCG has seen a scoring explosion, with 20 combined goals to half-time. Importantly for the Demons, they have 12 – equalling their season-high score, against GWS in round one. The Demons have wanted to move the ball more fluently forward of centre, and are doing that – for the most part – well. There are still times when they bomb the ball too long, but the balance has been far better today. Kysaiah Pickett is having his best game of the season with four goals and 313 metres gained, while Harrison Petty, with three goals, has more than filled the tall marking void left by the axings of Bayley Fritsch and Jacob Van Rooyen. Jake Bowey, across halfback, has been a model of composure, while Jack Viney has done the job tagging Caleb Serong. Yes, they are only in front by 21 points, but the Dockers will need to lift dramatically to regain the lead. Shai Bolton has been superb inside 50, but they will need more from their trinity of midfielders – Serong, Hayden Young and Andrew Brayshaw.
