MELBOURNE has pulled off the greatest comeback in its 150-year history with a stunning come-from-behind victory over Fremantle at the MCG on Sunday.
Trailing by 51 points during the second quarter and by 32 at the last change, the Demons booted nine goals to two in the final term to down the Dockers by six points.
It was also the second best comeback from a half-time deficit in history, beaten only by Collingwood's effort in reeling back St Kilda's 52-point lead at the long break in round 10, 1970 at Victoria Park.
Sparked by phenomenal final quarters by Austin Wonaeamirri, Russell Roberston and Aaron Davey, the Demons won their first match of the season, 17.17 (119) to 15.23 (113).
The Demons looked like they would rue a woeful opening two quarters which saw it facing a 50-point deficit at the main break.
But Melbourne came out like a team possessed after half-time, booting the first five goals and cutting the margin to 19 points before two Matthew Pavlich goals late in the third term set them back.
For all the Demons’ superiority in the third quarter Freo still led by 32 points at the last change.
But Melbourne kept coming, eventually registering one of the club's most memorable wins.
Davey, Wonaeamirri and Brad Miller were terrific all day, while Brock McLean and Cameron Bruce were also shining lights.
Fremantle had plenty of winners in the first half but dropped away after the main break in a match that really was a game of two halves.
Freo skipper Pavlich booted five goals and looked like being the difference but in the end the red and blue momentum gobbled up him and his team.
Melbourne’s second-half blitz came like a bolt from the blue after a first half comprising errors and mistake-ridden footy that has been all too common for Demons fans in recent weeks.
Freo completely dominated the first 60 minutes and it looked like being a case of how far for the men from the west as they controlled the centre breaks and looked far more dangerous going inside 50.
But after the awful first half it was Green, Davey, and Matthew Bate who was playing his first game back for the season, who sparked the Demons.
The 32-point margin still looked daunting at the last break but goals to Brent Moloney, Wonaeamirri, Miller and Robertson quickly cut the deficit.
Freo looked like it had steadied when Farmer pounced on a loose ball but Melbourne refused to lie down.
Robertson kicked his third, then his fourth and it was back to just 10 points.
Enter Wonaeamirri.
The nippy forward refused to be overwhelmed by the big occasion, playing off the vocal Melbourne fans to bob up with two goals in the space of as many minutes to put his side in front to the roar of the crowd.
When Davey marked and goaled to cap his day, the Dees were more than a kick up and seemed home.
Fremantle pressed in the dying minutes but could not penetrate a determined Melbourne defence, hell-bent on not letting its hard word come undone.
All clubs have a bye this week as the AFL’s Hall of Fame Tribute Match takes centre stage at the MCG on Saturday.
Melbourne’s next match is against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday, May 18.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
MATCH DETAILS
Melbourne 1.3, 3.8, 8.15, 17.17 (119)
Fremantle 5.6, 11.10, 13.17, 15.23 (113)
GOALS
Melbourne : Wonnaeamirri 4, Robertson 4, Davey 3, Miller 3, Green 2, Moloney.
Fremantle : Pavlich 5, Tarrant 3, Farmer 2, Palmer, Bell, Ibbotson, Mundy, Solomon
BEST
Melbourne: McLean, Wonnaeamirri, Robertson, Davey, Miller, Bruce, Green.
Fremantle: Pavlich, Solomon, Palmer, Sandilands, Bell, Ibbotson, Tarrant.
INJURIES
Melbourne : Matthew Whelan (gastro) replaced in selected side by Daniel Bell
Fremantle: Luke McPharlin (corked buttock), Des Headland (knee) replaced in selected side by Daniel Gilmore
Reports: Nil
Umpires: James, Stewart, Avon
Official crowd: 19,423 at MCG
