AFL Toyota Premiership 2011

Match 1: First semi-final, 1987, MCG
Melbourne 21.23 (149) d Sydney Swans 10.13 (73)

It wasn't a close one but it was one of the most memorable games for Demons' supporters who hadn't seen their side play finals since 1964. The Swans had won three more matches than Melbourne during the season and was expected to account for the upstarts who sneaked into the finals on the last afternoon of the season and belted North Melbourne in the elimination final.

But in front of more than 80,000 fans at the MCG, Melbourne never looked like losing and played superbly to thump the Swans. Robbie Flower kicked four goals and Steven Stretch was best afield. The Demons missed a grand final spot by a whisker after Jim Stynes infamously gifted Gary Buckenara a 15m penalty for his after-the-siren shot on goal. For the Swans, the loss signalled a long road into the wilderness.

Match 2: Rd 4, 2006, SCG
Melbourne 15.7 (97) d Sydney Swans 13.14 (92)

After three straight losses to start the 2006 season, Melbourne coach Neale Daniher believed it was time his men made a stand. So in the lead-up to his side’s ANZAC Round fixture against the Sydney Swans it was off to the movies. Whether it was watching Kokoda that inspired his side - or the efforts of Jeff White, Byron Pickett, Adem Yze and Cameron Bruce - the coach got what he was after.

While the Demons had fewer kicks, handballs, marks, hit-outs and free kicks on the day, crucially the visitors won the tackle count 61-49. It was neck and neck for much of the match until in the final minute Bruce’s 23rd disposal – a right-foot snap – split the middle to put the Demons in front. His second major sealed a win which would kick-start Melbourne’s season.

Match 3: Rd 5, 2001, MCG
Melbourne 18.11 (119) d Sydney Swans 15.14 (104)

Melbourne had played off in the 2000 grand final, beaten by the all-conquering Essendon, but had started the season with an unimpressive 2-2 record. The Swans were flying high at 3-1, with wins over fellow non-Victorian teams Adelaide and West Coast.

The Swans jumped out of the blocks to lead at the end of the first term, but a six-goal second quarter saw the Dees up at half time. An even third quarter saw the Dees maintain their lead, and then both sides kicked five in the last to see the Dees home by 15 points. David Neitz kicked six and Russell Robertson four, with Robbo taking one of his trademark classic grabs.