Melbourne will likely be with out skilled midfielder Angus Brayshaw for a sudden-death semi-final however coach Simon Goodwin stays optimistic the Demons can bounce again from a irritating defeat to Collingwood.
The Demons are staring down the barrel of an unwarranted second-consecutive straight-sets finals exit after shedding to the Magpies by seven factors – 9.6 (60) to 7.11 (53) – on Thursday evening.
In a low-scoring slog, Melbourne dominated inside-50s 69-37, however their ending was wasteful as they misplaced their third-straight finals match since profitable the 2021 premiership.
Melbourne will tackle Carlton or Sydney in subsequent Friday evening’s semi-final with out Brayshaw, who was knocked out throughout a dramatic first quarter.
Collingwood vice-captain Maynard jumped ahead in an tried smother and picked up Brayshaw excessive together with his shoulder as tensions boiled over between the 2 groups simply 10 minutes in.
Brayshaw left the MCG on a stretcher and together with his neck in a brace, putting him within the obligatory 12-day concussion protocols.
The 27-year-old has worn a helmet since he suffered 4 concussions within the area of 12 months, main him taking an prolonged break from the sport in 2017.
“He’s upset,” Goodwin mentioned.
“He’s obviously had a history with concussion a long time ago so he’s obviously dealing with some emotion there.
“But he desires to play finals footy. He’s going to be lacking for just a few weeks and it is disappointing.”
Goodwin was left disappointed by Melbourne’s start, with the deficit of 20 points flattering the Demons after Collingwood sharpshooter Jamie Elliott missed two gettable chances.
“There’s a number of optimism,” Goodwin mentioned.
“We performed the correct means for a giant a part of that recreation, and to dominate territory, dominate inside 50, to win the competition by 15 by the tip of the sport, that is a fairly large turnaround.
“That gives us a lot of heart because that is what stands up and wins you finals footy.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
