Over 5,000 fans have seen the Demons go down to a more polished West Coast by 38 points in their final NAB Challenge game at Casey Fields.
Seven unanswered goals from the middle of the third quarter put the result beyond doubt, and a broken jaw to Colin Sylvia has added to an already growing injury list.
Although the final scoreline was far from flattering, Melbourne was in the hunt for the first three quarters.
Veterans Cameron Bruce - playing his first game of the year - and James McDonald were prolific in the midfield as the game lifted in intensity late in the second quarter, culminating in a scuffle between most of the players on the field after the half time siren.
Poor kicking hurt the Demons early, but a 50 metre penalty to Bruce late in the first quarter put his side in front, with the Eagles pinching it back again to take a two point lead at the first break.
It was the same story early in the second half, with goals to Nathan Jones and Brad Green pinching the lead, which was short lived as the Eagles kicked away to a 21-point lead at the final change.
Jones stemmed the flow again with his second goal, but by that point the Eagles had kicked seven straight and the result was beyond doubt.
Jamie Bennell showed he has no plans to fall victim to the second year blues, providing some highlights across half back, including a couple of high flying spoils.
Top draft picks Tom Scully and Jack Trengove did their chances of selection in Round 1 no harm, while James Strauss picked up 20 touches and showed that he will play senior football in 2010.
Colin Sylvia was taken to hospital after a strong hit forced from the ground during the first quarter. Sylvia will have surgery to repair his jaw on Sunday.
Sylvia was not the only injury that Demon fans didn’t want to hear about, with luckless forward Austin Wonaeamirri injuring his right hamstring in a practice match for the Casey Scorpions. This is opposite hamstring to which Wonaeamirri injured during the pre-season.
The news was better for Colin Garland, who made it through the trial unscathed and will play another Scorpions practice match next week to push for Round 1 selection.
Melbourne 12.14.86
West Coast 18.16.124
Goals: Miller 3, Bruce 2, Bate 2, Jones 2, Petterd, Jamar, Green
Best: Bruce, McDonald, Miller, Moloney, Bennell, Green, Jones, Trengove
