An All-Australian pair kept the Demons in the game against a rampaging Swans side.
But seven players copped fails on a night that was, in the end, disappointing.
We rate all 23 Melbourne players for their performances against Sydney in the Second Qualifying Final.
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1. Steven May
As expected, went straight to Lance Franklin. Had the early advantage, plucking three intercept marks in the opening quarter. Jonathan Brown told Fox Footy: “He’s been very proactive with his positioning. He’s willing to go for the marks and take front position. He’s been very aggressive and physical towards Buddy Franklin.” Then the script flipped halfway through the second term as May started to give away free kicks and got frustrated before settling again in the third and plucking intercepts for fun – he finished with 16, the most in a final since records have been kept. 9
3. Christian Salem
Back in the side and copped a tag from Ryan Clarke. Had nine disposals in the first term before being well held after that. 4
4. James Harmes
Started the game on the broadcast side wing opposed to Callum Mills. His workrate up and down the ground was terrific, hence his high intercept numbers. But delivered a high shot on Swan Jake Lloyd that led to a downfield goal and could come under scrutiny by the MRO. 6
5. Christian Petracca
Appeared to cop a nasty knock to his leg in the first term and had to come to the bench for treatment. Threatened at times in the third term to take hold of the game but just wasn’t his usual explosive self and didn’t use the ball efficiently by foot. 6
6. Luke Jackson
Started at the centre bounce with Max Gawn playing deep. Took a big contested mark early to build his confidence and tackled well, but little impact outside of that. 4
7. Jack Viney
Set the tone in the first term with his ferocity at the contest, accumulating eight disposals, five contested possessions and six tackles. But Fox Footy’s Nathan Buckley questioned why Viney handballed so much out of stoppage. 6
8. Jake Lever
Not as productive offensively as usual. Rotated through a variety of opponents throughout the night. 5
9. Charlie Spargo
Showed why he’s one of the best inside 50 kicks in the competition. Played as a high half-forward with stints on the wing. (Just) kicked Melbourne’s second goal after narrowly avoiding the post from close range, before pulling off a terrific kick inside 50 to hit Bayley Fritsch on the lead. Fox Footy’s Nick Riewoldt said only “five per cent of players could pull that kick off”. 6
10. Angus Brayshaw
Solid without being dominant, although he wasn’t his most efficient by foot. 6
11. Max Gawn
Threw the Swans a curveball and started as Melbourne’s deepest forward manned up by Tom McCartin before pushing onto the ball. Had his colours lowered in the second term but roared to life in the third, getting on top of Tom Hickey at stoppages and kicking a lovely set-shot goal. 7
13. Clayton Oliver
Was significant early with nine disposals in the first quarter before Callum Mills started to pay a little more attention to him at stoppages. But got the Dees going at the start of the third term with two important set-shot goals and terrific defensive pressure at the coalface. It was as if he came out after half-time with his Superman cape on. 9
14. Michael Hibberd
Fit and healthy to play. Split his time between Tom Papley and, predominantly, Isaac Heeney. Can hold his head high. 6
15. Ed Langdon
The wingman worked hard all night, covering a lot of ground and gaining ample territory for his side. Although he was a touch inefficient by foot. 6
18. Jake Melksham
A step back after what’s been a promising backend to his season. Started deep inside 50 with Paddy McCartin for company. Quiet for most of the game before getting on the end of a forward 50 entry in the third quarter, only to miss his set-shot. 2
24. Trent Rivers
Played in defence and took on an array of opponents throughout the game. Not a lot of impact. 4
29. Jayden Hunt
Started the game on Will Hayward but rotated through a variety of opponents. Used the ball well across half-back but seemed to be exposed defensively a couple of times. 5
30. Alex Neal-Bullen
Played across half-forward. Had a bad patch in the third term where he missed a couple of handballs and was caught holding the ball. Missed a couple of shots at goal too. 3
31. Bayley Fritsch
Blistering start. Calmly slotted Melbourne’s first goal of the night then another on the quarter-time siren. But his thrd major was the best, conjuring a remarkable snap on the wrong side for a left-footer to give the Dees back the lead, which didn’t last long. 7
32. Tom Sparrow
Often went into stoppages with a defensive mindset in a bid to get Clayton Oliver free. Then got free in the third term to nail a stunning running goal. 5
35. Harry Petty
Rotated through a string of opponents early, including Sam Reid, Logan McDonald and even Tom Papley at times. A solid defensive outing. 5
36. Kysaiah Pickett
Barely sighted for a lot of the night. Had Robbie Fox for company at the first bounce. One goal from three touches in the first half then gave away a crucial 50m penalty in the third term that led to a Sam Reid major. 3
44. Joel Smith
Unused medical sub.
50. Ben Brown
Started on the bench then was injected into the forward, kicking a goal from his first disposal and first mark. Attacked the contest hard in the air and pulled down a few strong contested marks. 4
