Melbourne have beaten flag favourites Fremantle by four points at the MCG – 17.11 (113) to 17.7 (109).
In a pulsating match, the Demons trailed by three points at half-time and eight points at the final break, but overcame a 14-point deficit during the last quarter to score a thrilling victory.
Freo’s gun forwards proved a handful for the Melbourne defence. Jye Amiss booted five goals and Patrick Voss managed four. For the Demons, Harrison Petty stood tall as a key target with three majors while Harry Sharp and Bailey Laurie scored three each. Bailey Fritsch had a “nearly” day with 2.5.
Kysaiah Pickett was the game’s best with 27 disposals and two goals, while Max Gawn had 16 possessions and 33 hitouts to Luke Jackson’s 17 possessions and 26 hitouts.
The win gives Melbourne every chance to finish top four, while Fremantle will have learned from the MCG exposure heading into this year’s finals series.
