Melbourne had lost its past 18 games at Etihad Stadium before Sunday's game. It is a point the Demons players are reminded about every time they play at the ground and one that was brought up to Lynden Dunn at his mid-week press conference. At the time, Dunn shook the question off and dismissed the notion the losing streak had a mental hold on the group. But after the Demons made it 19 straight against the Lions, it's hard to argue it’s not having an impact. Melbourne has not won at the venue since round 19, 2007.

 

After combining for 91 disposals against Gold Coast last week, it was clear Melbourne had centred a lot of its planning on stopping Pearce Hanley and Tom Rockliff. Jordie McKenzie was sent straight to Hanley, while youngster Jack Viney had the responsibility of minding the Lions vice-captain. The preparation was not much use in the first half, as Hanley and Rockliff had their typical influence. But the tide turned after the main break, as McKenzie bounced back strongly to hold Hanley to one touch in the third quarter. Rockliff, as he typically does, racked up a game-high 32 touches, while Hanley finished with 24. 

 

It was a lovely winter's day in Melbourne, so Etihad Stadium management decided to keep the roof open on Sunday. There is always much conjecture about whether to keep the roof open or closed and the issue again came to the fore. There were numerous examples of players losing the ball in the sun, while the spectators at the Coventry End of the ground spent the second half shielding their eyes from the glare. The most notable instance occurred in the second quarter when James Frawley gave up on trying to mark the ball because he could not locate it in the sun. There is an easy solution, and one the players would support, and that is to shut the roof at all times.

Traded from Melbourne to the Brisbane Lions at the end of 2012, Stefan Martin was seen as very much a depth player when he ventured up north. Behind Matthew Leuenberger and Trent West at the start of the year, the 27-year-old could easily be forgiven for thinking his career was done. But opportunity presented itself when Leuenberger and West went down for the season and Martin has relished the responsibility as the Lions' No.1. Since coming into the team in round 12, Martin is averaging almost 20 touches a game. His follow-up work against the Demons was top notch, as he finished with 23 dispsosals and 24 hit-outs. Out of contract at year's end, it's not likely the Lions will want to part with him any time soon.

 

There is rarely a Paul Roos press conference without a question about James Frawley. Frawley is yet to re-sign with the Demons after putting off contract talks until the end of the season. It has been reported the unrestricted free agent has garnered interest from Geelong and Gold Coast, among others, and his value would have risen significantly after his performance against the Lions. Playing forward, Frawley provided a considerable target as he took 10 marks, gathered 16 disposals and kicked a goal. Although Frawley's value is at its highest as a key defender, if he can contribute like that at the offensive end then his market value may rise again.

 

Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie