Injury-ravaged Collingwood have compounded Melbourne’s AFL woes, dominating their King’s Birthday blockbuster for a 38-point win.
Melbourne star Christian Petracca suffered a heavy hit to his ribs late in the first term and was subbed off early in the second half as the Magpies shone for their 14.5 (89) to 6.15 (51) win in front of 84,659 fans.
Petracca was taken to hospital by ambulance.
Collingwood’s injury problems also persisted, with young gun Nick Daicos hurting a calf in the third term before he was subbed out in the final quarter.
Demons fans booed Brayden Maynard every time he was involved in play, but the hard-nosed defender was among the Magpies’ best.
The last time these teams played, Maynard had a heavy collision with Angus Brayshaw at the start of the qualifying final that eventually ended the Melbourne player’s career.
Asked if he fed off the crowd, Maynard told Channel Seven post-match: “We all do, don’t we … it’s all part of the game.”
As much as the reigning premiers were again much greater than the sum of their parts, Melbourne’s field kicking was horrible and their delivery into attack often gave their forwards no realistic chance.
It is instructive that Melbourne had two more scoring shots, but never looked like being able to kick a winning score.
In the wake of last week’s 92-point obliteration from Fremantle, Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin had spoken about the need to find clarity and unity in how they play.
But the Demons, who have exited the past two finals series in straight sets, again lacked cohesion and they are outside the top eight with a 7-7 record going into their mid-season bye.
They have too many players down on form, star midfielder Clayton Oliver chief among them, with Jack Crisp dominating their duel to be best afield.
Petracca had started the game well, but was crunched in a marking contest just before quarter-time.
He was in agony, clutching his left side, as trainers helped him to the rooms.
Petracca returned to the game in the second term, but clearly was restricted and was subbed out early in the third quarter.
The first term set the tone — Melbourne dominated inside-50s 15-9, but their forward play was poor and they sprayed 0.4, with two other shots going out of bounds on the full.
Meanwhile, recalled big man Nathan Kreuger kicked the first of his three goals and the Magpies had a 15-point lead at quarter-time.
Melbourne key forward Jacob van Rooyen kicked two goals early in the second term to keep it tight, but repeated turnovers cost them, and a goal on the half-time siren to Will Hoskin-Elliott had Collingwood up by 27 points.
Kysaiah Pickett was a rare shining light for the Demons in the midfield and up forward, while van Rooyen kicked three goals.
AAP