Top 4 clash, Amon with a quality goal, Dees up a goal at quarter-time. Petty's been good all year for the Dees in defense, gets little recognition. Melbourne kick away in the 2nd, Petracca with a few. Some of Gawn's play's superb, he's like a combination of Nic Nat and Dean Cox. Dixon with a goal just before the half to get Port within 19 points. The Dees defense gets a lot of the praise, but it's the midfielders and forwards defensive application when the ball hits the ground too. Port not getting open space and easy ball use. McDonald excellent in the 2nd half, the Dees win comfortably despite many consecutive behinds. Brown a good inclusion too even though not registering a score, requiring Aliir to stay with him and not allowing interception and transition. Melbourne winning the hit-outs, +3 in clearances with more of the ball and more tackles, 19 of them inside 50. Port with 3 more inside 50's, but 10 less scoring shots. Petracca best afield, with 33 disposals, 7 clearances, 6 inside 50's, 6 tackles, 788 metres gained, 10 score involvements, 3 goals. McDonald 19 disposals, 3 contested marks, 3 goals and 2 assists. Pickett 9 tackles, 3 goals straight. Oliver and Gawn also among the best.
3. (Melb) C. Petracca, 2. (Melb) T. McD-d, 1. (Melb) K. Pickett.
3. (Melb) C. Petracca, 2. (Melb) T. McD-d, 1. (Melb) K. Pickett.