Indigenous round seemed as good timing as any to play the first game in Alice Springs for premiership points. The town was abuzz on the eve of the game and it attracted 5,655 to Traeger Park, just below the anticipated 6,000. Melbourne had two indigenous representatives in the line-up while Port Adelaide included Jake Neade for his first game of the season, joining first-year player Jarman Impey and emerging star Chad Wingard. Neade, who hails from Elliott, a town midway between Darwin and Alice Springs, said it was as exciting as making his debut the day before the game. Eleven minutes in he thrilled his family members – he expected many to make the 700 kilometre trek to see him play - with a running goal. The atmosphere was unique, the surface looked ideal (although a local was heard to yell 'you don't bounce at Traeger' after Port's Matt White fumbled a bounce). It will be up to the AFL to decide whether it becomes a permanent fixture.
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2. A letdown, but four points for the Power
After six consecutive wins and its past two matches being massive home games against premiership contenders Fremantle and Hawthorn, Port Adelaide was set for a culture shock. The holiday feel of Alice Springs, combined with a game against a team whose ladder position was deceiving, and the battle to switch on was going to be huge. When Port kicked the first four goals of the game it looked a question of how far, but Melbourne lifted its pressure and the league leaders – missing Hamish Hartlett and Angus Monfries – did not respond until Melbourne opened up a break during the third quarter. When the Demons hit the front again in the last quarter the Power looked in trouble as they were kicking into a breeze. But Port Adelaide's leaders Travis Boak, Kane Cornes and Justin Westhoff lifted and its renowned run at the end got the top team home.
3. Melbourne has class to go with grunt
Paul Roos promised a game style would become evident under him and he has delivered. The Demons maintain possession out of defence, have half forwards in Jay Kennedy-Harris, Rohan Bail and Jack Watts who run hard and wide. Their defensive pressure from the midfield is strong and proven ball-winners Dom Tyson, Matt Jones and Nathan Jones were impressive. Tyson, in fact, provided the response that would never have come last season, winning contested possessions when Melbourne was four goals down early and pushing the ball forward. And youngster Christian Salem has class. Given that Melbourne maintained competitiveness with Chris Dawes missing through suspension and Jesse Hogan unavailable through injury, the signs are good. The next step is turning competitive efforts into wins.
4. Chad Wingard out cold
The game's most exciting forward was unfortunate to be sitting under a high ball in the third quarter when teammate Jay Schulz decided to launch. Schulz's boot connected with Wingard's head and he staggered before falling out cold, his crumpled frame lying next to the goalsquare. Play kept going for 40 seconds before anyone noticed. Wingard – who had been kept to just five disposals to that point – was carried from the ground on a stretcher. The break in play did stop Melbourne's momentum somewhat, with its quick goal scoring halted. An ambulance was called for but it was not needed as Wingard was back on his feet.
5. High-flying Howe takes game north
Jeremy Howe could not leave Alice Springs without taking a contender for mark of the year. He rose high in the fourth quarter without concerns about volcanic ash and took a trademark screamer. While Melbourne has embraced the agreement with Tourism NT to play three Northern Territory games in 2014 (including two for premiership points), it's important they put on a good show. Although the functions and the community visits are beneficial, their success will depend on how competitive the Demons can be on the field, both in Alice Springs and in Darwin, where they face Fremantle in round 16. The good news is the team seems to be on the up with another impressive showing, and if Todd Street Mall in the heart of Alice Springs is any indication, the locals are wanting to get behind them with Melbourne jumpers ever-present on the morning of the game.
2. A letdown, but four points for the Power
After six consecutive wins and its past two matches being massive home games against premiership contenders Fremantle and Hawthorn, Port Adelaide was set for a culture shock. The holiday feel of Alice Springs, combined with a game against a team whose ladder position was deceiving, and the battle to switch on was going to be huge. When Port kicked the first four goals of the game it looked a question of how far, but Melbourne lifted its pressure and the league leaders – missing Hamish Hartlett and Angus Monfries – did not respond until Melbourne opened up a break during the third quarter. When the Demons hit the front again in the last quarter the Power looked in trouble as they were kicking into a breeze. But Port Adelaide's leaders Travis Boak, Kane Cornes and Justin Westhoff lifted and its renowned run at the end got the top team home.
3. Melbourne has class to go with grunt
Paul Roos promised a game style would become evident under him and he has delivered. The Demons maintain possession out of defence, have half forwards in Jay Kennedy-Harris, Rohan Bail and Jack Watts who run hard and wide. Their defensive pressure from the midfield is strong and proven ball-winners Dom Tyson, Matt Jones and Nathan Jones were impressive. Tyson, in fact, provided the response that would never have come last season, winning contested possessions when Melbourne was four goals down early and pushing the ball forward. And youngster Christian Salem has class. Given that Melbourne maintained competitiveness with Chris Dawes missing through suspension and Jesse Hogan unavailable through injury, the signs are good. The next step is turning competitive efforts into wins.
4. Chad Wingard out cold
The game's most exciting forward was unfortunate to be sitting under a high ball in the third quarter when teammate Jay Schulz decided to launch. Schulz's boot connected with Wingard's head and he staggered before falling out cold, his crumpled frame lying next to the goalsquare. Play kept going for 40 seconds before anyone noticed. Wingard – who had been kept to just five disposals to that point – was carried from the ground on a stretcher. The break in play did stop Melbourne's momentum somewhat, with its quick goal scoring halted. An ambulance was called for but it was not needed as Wingard was back on his feet.
5. High-flying Howe takes game north
Jeremy Howe could not leave Alice Springs without taking a contender for mark of the year. He rose high in the fourth quarter without concerns about volcanic ash and took a trademark screamer. While Melbourne has embraced the agreement with Tourism NT to play three Northern Territory games in 2014 (including two for premiership points), it's important they put on a good show. Although the functions and the community visits are beneficial, their success will depend on how competitive the Demons can be on the field, both in Alice Springs and in Darwin, where they face Fremantle in round 16. The good news is the team seems to be on the up with another impressive showing, and if Todd Street Mall in the heart of Alice Springs is any indication, the locals are wanting to get behind them with Melbourne jumpers ever-present on the morning of the game.
Melbourne players aren't satisfied with coming close to ladder leaders Port Adelaide. Picture: AFL Media
