Roos' comeback falls short as Dees win fiery AFL clash

Melbourne have survived a strong finish to see off North Melbourne at the MCG. (Daniel Pockett/AAP PHOTOS)

Melbourne have lifted themselves back into the AFL's top eight by scrapping their way to a heart-stopping three-point victory over North Melbourne in a fiery encounter.

An all-in melee at halftime brought back memories of decades gone by as the Demons overcame a plucky opponent and a scoreless final term in winning 11.4 (70) to 10.7 (67) at the MCG on Saturday night.

A week after coughing up a 54-point lead in a loss to Collingwood, the Kangaroos cut a 39-point deficit back to three points with just under four minutes left but were unable to find a match-winning goal.

Melbourne's desperate defence got it done late, with a Judd McVee smother, debutant Kynan Brown's lunging tackle and Max Gawn's final clearance all helping to drag their side over the line.

The much-needed win shifted the Demons (8-6) back up to eighth place ahead of Sunday's games, after defeats in four of their previous five matches before the bye.

"It got tight and we were able to find enough winning moments late in the game to come up with a result, but for three quarters it started to look more like the way we want to play," Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said.

"It was certainly not perfect by any stretch, but it's heading there.

"We had to fight for everything we got tonight and we walk away with a win which we're really proud of and we'll keep forging ahead with our season."

North Melbourne's Harry Sheezel.
North young gun Harry Sheezel celebrates kicking a goal against the Demons at the MCG.

North (1-13) remain anchored to the foot of the ladder despite improved form in three matches since their bye.

Cameron Zurhaar was huge for the Kangaroos, kicking three of their six unanswered goals in the late fightback and finishing with four majors.

Luke Davies-Uniacke (31 disposals), Harry Sheezel (27), Jy Simpkin (25) and George Wardlaw (23) were also influential in North's challenge.

Davies-Uniacke agonisingly had a late marking attempt slip through his fingers as the Kangaroos launched their final attack in the dying seconds.

Melbourne ball-winner Clayton Oliver (14 touches) was unable to shake a Will Phillips tag as Jack Viney (25 disposals, 12 clearances) stepped up in the engine room without injured star Christian Petracca.

Trent Rivers (21 touches) and Tom Sparrow (16, five clearances) also spent more time through the middle and were important at stages, while ruckman Gawn battled hard against Tristan Xerri and defender Steven May held Nick Larkey goalless.

Daniel Turner (two) was the Dees' only multiple goal-kicker, with scoreless Bayley Fritsch held to just six disposals by Jackson Archer.

Max Gawn of the Demons.
Max Gawn had 18 disposals in the Dees' win over North.

There was controversy during the third quarter when May faced accusations of staging, having grabbed his head after being brought to ground in an Eddie Ford tackle.

May landed on his shoulder and appeared to drive his own head into the ground to win a free kick for a dangerous tackle.

Melbourne kicked five goals to one in the first term, led by 15 points at halftime and looked home when the margin ballooned to 39 points late in the third quarter.

But Zurhaar breathed life into the contest with goals either side of three-quarter time and the Kangaroos almost pulled off what would have been their second win of the season.

"I'm really pleased that we made a game of it in the end but disappointed that we didn't start the game as we would've liked," North coach Alastair Clarkson said.

"We had three quarters to try to chase them down and just wish there was a fifth quarter - we couldn't quite get there."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store