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HT: Melbourne 5.6 (36) to Carlton 2.5 (17)
Melbourne are in the lead and in control of the match but have yet to put their stamp on the scoreboard with only five goals in the first half.
Harry McKay’s two goals were a boost for the Blues but Jack Silvagni looked quite uncomfortable on the bench as the half-time siren rang out so concerns will arise as to whether he has to be subbed out during the break.
Christian Petracca and Patrick Cripps has led their sides strongly while both defences have done well but if one side can score more in the second half, they will surely win.
Alex Neal-Bullen of the Demons is tackled by Adam Saad of the Blues.Credit: Getty Images
van Rooyen goals for Demons; Silvagni hurt
Jacob van Rooyen has kicked a superb set shot from the left boundary line after taking a mark 40m from goal.
The right-footer lined up his kick perfectly and it sailed through the goals.
The “Roo” cries are running around the MCG.
The Blues have just lost Jack Silvagni to an unclear injury with Channel Seven reporting he limped off the field and into the rooms.
Demons 36, Blues 16 with two mins to go in Q2.
Jacob van Rooyen.Credit: AFL Photos
McKay kicks his second, keeps Blues within reach
Harry McKay won a free kick and kicked the goal, making it two straight majors tonight.
The Blues forward looks dangerous, now he needs his midfielders and outside runners to find a way to get him quick, advantageous supply of the footy.
That might be easier said that done.
Demons 30, Blues 16 with nine mins to go in Q2.
Harry McKay is mobbed by teammates after a goal.Credit: AFL Photos
Both sides missing mark
Both clubs have had shots at goal in the second quarter but neither of them have found the mark with Fritsch just hitting the post from a set shot.
But Demons forward Charlie Spargo has just ended that run earning a free kick and kicking a goal.
Demons 30, Blues 9 with 12 mins to go in Q2.
Jack Silvagni of the Blues and Brodie Grundy of the Demons.Credit: AFL Photos
QT stats
QT: Melbourne 3.3 (21) to Carlton 1.2 (8)
The Blues are clearly undermanned but are taking the game to the Demons.
But they just don’t have the polished finishers and creators like Petracca, Pickett and others which is why the Demons have the lead at the first change.
Harry McKay’s early goal was a big boost for the Blues and he remains a danger if they can find him and Charlie Curnow in the right places and contests but that remains to be seen.
Sam Walsh of the Blues is tackled by Jack Viney of the Demons.Credit: Getty Images
Pickett threads needle
Melbourne’s running game has finally beaten the Blues’ defence as they moved the ball deep into the forward pocket via several handballs before Kysaiah Pickett weaves and duked his way into a slight line to the goal and he threaded his kick through it for the major.
Pickett missed another snap just moments after the restart.
Demons 21, Blues 8 with 30 seconds to go in Q1.
Neal-Bullen extends lead
The Blues are battling away but the Demon look the more skilled side so far with Alex Neal-Bullen just extending his side’s lead after winning the ball off a pack and then snapping the goal from close range.
Demons 13, Blues 7 with eight mins to go in Q1.
Joel Smith (left) and Alex Neal-Bullen of the Demons chat before the game.Credit: AFL Photos
McKay kicks his first goal
Blues forward Harry McKay has been under fire for his kicking for goal but he has marked and converted his first shot, a tight snap from the right boundary.
He kicked the goal and was mobbed by his teammates.
Demons 7, Blues 6 with 13 mins to go in Q1.
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