AFTER a period where there were queries about how well Melbourne was travelling this season, they gave everyone a reminder they are right in the premiership race when they inflicted a defeat on the top of the ladder Collingwood in their annual King’s Birthday clash in front of 84,000 fans.
The Demons were without nominally their best player in Clayton Oliver and after a slow start they took the game up to the Magpies who were without key players Jordan De Goey and Jamie Elliott.
The Demons put high pressure on the Magpies and also set-up behind the ball in a way which made it hard for Collingwood to pinpoint targets.
Demons captain Jack Viney stepped up to the plate and played a wonderful game.
Despite seemingly having covered Collingwood covered in all facets of the match, the Magpies almost stole a victory as they are wont to do with two goals late in the match.
Collingwood held on to AFL premiership favouritism with TopSport and they are $3.60 with
Melbourne equal second favourite at $5 with Port Power.
Port Power continued on their merry way when they made it ten wins in a row when they defeated the Western Bulldogs and they sit second on the ladder with only percentage separating them from Collingwood.
Richmond kept their finals aspirations alive when they defeated the in-form Fremantle on their home deck.
Last week Richmond was $101 to win the AFL flag but is now $41 with TopSport.
The biggest disappointment again was Carlton who lost their sixth straight match when they lost to Essendon. At the start of the season they were one of the main premiership fancies but are now at $126.
The other flop for the round were Brisbane who were defeated by the Hawks at the MCG, a ground they have won one from their past 13 matches at.
