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Neville Jetta
Retires from play
Jetta has retired after winning the Premiership with Melbourne.
ANALYSIS
Jetta played in just five matches this season, but he provided a veteran presence for the Demons on their run to the Premiership.
Jetta played in just five matches this season, but he provided a veteran presence for the Demons on their run to the Premiership.
Clayton Oliver
Exceptional in GF win
Oliver scored one goal and one behind to go with 333 disposals (14 kicks, 19 handballs) and made 10 tackles during Saturday's 140-66 win over the Western Bulldogs in the Grand Final.
ANALYSIS
Oliver started the 2021 season strong and ended it just as well with a composed showing during the biggest game of the year, as tying his season-high for tackles and disposals in a game will do wonders in the Grand Final. With another strong year now over, Oliver will look to continue his dominance in 2022.
Oliver started the 2021 season strong and ended it just as well with a composed showing during the biggest game of the year, as tying his season-high for tackles and disposals in a game will do wonders in the Grand Final. With another strong year now over, Oliver will look to continue his dominance in 2022.
Christian Petracca
Leads way in GF win
Petracca scored two goals and one behind to go with 39 disposals (21 kicks, 18 handballs) from Saturday's 140-66 win over the Western Bulldogs in the Grand Final.
ANALYSIS
Petracca was next to unstoppable for much of 2021 and he seldom had trouble finding the footy in the 'Dees first GF win in 57 years. Between he, Clayton Oliver and Max Gawn, there's a perfect core for fantasy and winning games at this club as long as they stick together.
Petracca was next to unstoppable for much of 2021 and he seldom had trouble finding the footy in the 'Dees first GF win in 57 years. Between he, Clayton Oliver and Max Gawn, there's a perfect core for fantasy and winning games at this club as long as they stick together.
Bayley Fritsch
Scores six in GF win
Fritsch scored six goals and two behinds to go with five marks made during Saturday's 140-66 win over the Western Bulldogs in the Grand Final.
ANALYSIS
Fritsch put up one of the greatest scoring performances in the history of the Grand Final to help his 'Dees pull away in the second half. He ends with an impressive 57 goals in 2021 and could be a contender for the Coleman medal next season.
Fritsch put up one of the greatest scoring performances in the history of the Grand Final to help his 'Dees pull away in the second half. He ends with an impressive 57 goals in 2021 and could be a contender for the Coleman medal next season.
Nathan Jones
Set to retire
Jones has retired from the AFL.
ANALYSIS
The 33-year-old midfielder only got into six AFL matches this season, and none after April after he was sidelined by a calf injury. Jones will hang up his boots, presumably without appearing in the Grand Final versus Geelong on Sept. 25.
The 33-year-old midfielder only got into six AFL matches this season, and none after April after he was sidelined by a calf injury. Jones will hang up his boots, presumably without appearing in the Grand Final versus Geelong on Sept. 25.
Christian Petracca
Busy in win
Petracca scored one goal and two behinds to go with 32 disposals (16 kicks, 16 handballs) during Friday's 125-42 win over Geelong in the Preliminary Final.
ANALYSIS
Petracca has been one of the most reliable targets all season for the 'Dees as they went from first in the ladder to the first team in the finals. With five goals scored in his last four games, he's in good form ahead of the Grand Final.
Petracca has been one of the most reliable targets all season for the 'Dees as they went from first in the ladder to the first team in the finals. With five goals scored in his last four games, he's in good form ahead of the Grand Final.
Jack Viney
Logs 34 disposals in win
Viney logged 34 disposals (17 kicks, 17 handballs) and made five tackles during Friday's 125-42 win over Geelong.
ANALYSIS
Viney has only played 13 times all season but still has a solid average of 22.2 disposals and 7.4 tackles per game. With 28 and 34 disposals over his last two rounds, there aren't many players with as comparable form as him heading into the Grand Final.
Viney has only played 13 times all season but still has a solid average of 22.2 disposals and 7.4 tackles per game. With 28 and 34 disposals over his last two rounds, there aren't many players with as comparable form as him heading into the Grand Final.
Max Gawn
Legendary effort to reach GF
Gawn scored five goals, logged 19 disposals (13 kicks, six handballs) and made 33 hitouts during Friday's 125-42 win over Geelong in the Preliminary Final.
ANALYSIS
These are the kinds of games that win trophies, and Gawn nearly did it by himself with five marks and six tackles to his name as well. Going into a first Grand Final in 21 years, Gawn should be one of the first names to consider on a big day for the 'Dees.
These are the kinds of games that win trophies, and Gawn nearly did it by himself with five marks and six tackles to his name as well. Going into a first Grand Final in 21 years, Gawn should be one of the first names to consider on a big day for the 'Dees.
Steven May
Picks up hamstring injury
May subbed out in the third quarter of Friday's Preliminary Final win over Geelong due to hamstring tightness, according to coach Simon Goodwin. "We'll assess that over the next few days, but we're quietly confident that he'll be okay. It is back-related type of tightness in his hamstring, so we'll have to assess that and see what it looks like over the next few days."
ANALYSIS
May has plenty of time to return after Melbourne's advancement to the Grand Final, so he'll hope his injury remains a minor one. Though his value hasn't been great recently, he has something to offer if he's able to log 20 disposals if he returns this season.
May has plenty of time to return after Melbourne's advancement to the Grand Final, so he'll hope his injury remains a minor one. Though his value hasn't been great recently, he has something to offer if he's able to log 20 disposals if he returns this season.
Joel Smith
Out for Prelim Final
Smith (hamstring) will miss Friday's Preliminary Final.
ANALYSIS
Smith has only played three times all season and managed to pick up a hamstring issue in training just before this game. His absence shouldn't change much for one of the healthiest teams in the league and he'll hope the Dees survive another round so he has a chance to get back before the end of the season.
Smith has only played three times all season and managed to pick up a hamstring issue in training just before this game. His absence shouldn't change much for one of the healthiest teams in the league and he'll hope the Dees survive another round so he has a chance to get back before the end of the season.
Joel Smith
Dealing with hamstring injury
Smith suffered a hamstring injury at training Tuesday, 7 AFL reports.
ANALYSIS
Smith will be evaluated by the team's medical staff in the coming days to determine the extent of his injury. However, it's not yet clear whether the issue will impact his availability for Friday's matchup against Geelong.
Smith will be evaluated by the team's medical staff in the coming days to determine the extent of his injury. However, it's not yet clear whether the issue will impact his availability for Friday's matchup against Geelong.
Max Gawn
Second game w/ 130+ fantasy points
Gawn acquired 19 disposals, seven tackles, six marks, five clearances and a single behind and goal assist each Saturday as Melbourne defeated Brisbane 93-60 in a qualifying final match at Adelaide Oval.
ANALYSIS
Gawn notched a season-high for tackles and his ninth goal assist of 2021 as a part of his second 130+ point fantasy performance in as many appearances. The AFL leader in total hitouts (740) and No. 2 for contested marks (54) now finds himself chasing only Christian Petracca as Melbourne's leader in fantasy score per game (110.57 v. 109.70).
Gawn notched a season-high for tackles and his ninth goal assist of 2021 as a part of his second 130+ point fantasy performance in as many appearances. The AFL leader in total hitouts (740) and No. 2 for contested marks (54) now finds himself chasing only Christian Petracca as Melbourne's leader in fantasy score per game (110.57 v. 109.70).
Clayton Oliver
33 disposals, seven clearances
Oliver realized 33 disposals, seven clearances, four goal assists, three tackles and a mark and goal each Saturday as Melbourne defeated Brisbane 93-60 in a qualifying final match at Adelaide Oval.
ANALYSIS
Oliver topped 30 disposals for a second-straight showing, matched Jack Viney with a team-high seven clearances and set a new personal-best for goal assists in Saturday's win over Brisbane. Oliver has now registered 100+ fantasy points in six of the Demons' last seven outings and currently leads all AFL players in total contested possessions (408), clangers (119) and clearances (175).
Oliver topped 30 disposals for a second-straight showing, matched Jack Viney with a team-high seven clearances and set a new personal-best for goal assists in Saturday's win over Brisbane. Oliver has now registered 100+ fantasy points in six of the Demons' last seven outings and currently leads all AFL players in total contested possessions (408), clangers (119) and clearances (175).
Clayton Oliver
Logs 37 disposals in tight win
Oliver scored two goals and one behind to go with 37 disposals (17 kicks, 20 handballs) and made seven tackles during Saturday's 81-77 win over Geelong in Round 23.
ANALYSIS
Oliver was a key piece all season in Melbourne's first Minor Premiership since 1964 thanks to his consistent domination in possession. If he can play this well in hard-fought wins against other top teams, Oliver's another top tier option heading into the finals.
Oliver was a key piece all season in Melbourne's first Minor Premiership since 1964 thanks to his consistent domination in possession. If he can play this well in hard-fought wins against other top teams, Oliver's another top tier option heading into the finals.
Max Gawn
Scores winner for Minor Premier
Gawn scored one goal to go with 25 disposals (17 kicks, eight handballs) in addition to completing 39 hitouts and making six marks during Saturday's 81-77 win over Geelong.
ANALYSIS
Gawn kicked the winner in the final moments for Melbourne to secure their first Minor Premier in almost 60 years as the top team in the home-and-away season. His efforts are certainly not to be trifled with, as only a few ruckmen can match his efforts across the ladder and there aren't many left in his way in the finals.
Gawn kicked the winner in the final moments for Melbourne to secure their first Minor Premier in almost 60 years as the top team in the home-and-away season. His efforts are certainly not to be trifled with, as only a few ruckmen can match his efforts across the ladder and there aren't many left in his way in the finals.
Jack Viney
Set for return
Viney (suspension) will return for Round 23 versus Geelong.
ANALYSIS
Viney has served a two-match suspension and will now be able to play in a top-of-the-table clash with the minor premiership on the line. In all but one of his 10 matches this season, the midfielder has exceeded 70 fantasy points.
Viney has served a two-match suspension and will now be able to play in a top-of-the-table clash with the minor premiership on the line. In all but one of his 10 matches this season, the midfielder has exceeded 70 fantasy points.
Tom McDonald
Listed as test
McDonald (back) is listed as a test for Round 23 against Geelong.
ANALYSIS
McDonald has struggled through a back issue over the last two games but should at least be fit by the finals. He's scored at least 100 fantasy points in two of his last four complete games.
McDonald has struggled through a back issue over the last two games but should at least be fit by the finals. He's scored at least 100 fantasy points in two of his last four complete games.
Steven May
Expected to return
May (soreness) is expected to be available in Round 23 against Geelong.
ANALYSIS
May missed Round 22 due to a lack of fitness and will look to return just before the finals begin. He's played 18 times this season, averaging 17.3 disposals per game.
May missed Round 22 due to a lack of fitness and will look to return just before the finals begin. He's played 18 times this season, averaging 17.3 disposals per game.
Ed Langdon
First 100-point showing since May
Langdon collected 27 disposals, seven marks and tackles each and a pair of clearances Sunday as Melbourne knocked off Adelaide 104-63 at MCG.
ANALYSIS
A season-high 21 kicks and new career mark for tackles saw Langdon record his first 100-point fantasy performance since May 22 and top all players in fantasy scoring in Saturday's match (127 points). The 25 year-old midfielder continues to see his overall fantasy production see-saw from week-to-week, but heads into Round 23 nevertheless averaging a respectable 86.2 points a showing in 2021.
A season-high 21 kicks and new career mark for tackles saw Langdon record his first 100-point fantasy performance since May 22 and top all players in fantasy scoring in Saturday's match (127 points). The 25 year-old midfielder continues to see his overall fantasy production see-saw from week-to-week, but heads into Round 23 nevertheless averaging a respectable 86.2 points a showing in 2021.
Christian Salem
Team-high 29 disposals v. Crows
Salem pulled in 29 disposals, eight marks and three tackles Sunday as Melbourne knocked off Adelaide 104-63 at MCG.
ANALYSIS
Salem logged 20+ kicks for just the sixth time this season to finish Melbourne's leader in disposals, topped five marks for a third-straight outing and matched a season-high for tackles on Saturday. The 26 year-old too netted his first 100+ fantasy point performance since Jul. 8 in the victory and heads into a Round 23 averaging 92.2 points a showing, 12th-highest among all AFL defenders.
Salem logged 20+ kicks for just the sixth time this season to finish Melbourne's leader in disposals, topped five marks for a third-straight outing and matched a season-high for tackles on Saturday. The 26 year-old too netted his first 100+ fantasy point performance since Jul. 8 in the victory and heads into a Round 23 averaging 92.2 points a showing, 12th-highest among all AFL defenders.
Bayley Fritsch
Seven goals lift Demons over Crows
Fritsch cleared 16 disposals, seven goals, five marks and three tackles Sunday as Melbourne defeated Adelaide 104-63 at MCG.
ANALYSIS
Season-highs in kicks (12) and disposals (16) paired up with a personal-best seven majors - four of which came in the match's final terms - to land Fitsch the best fantasy point output of his AFL career (111) on Saturday. The 24 year-old forward exits Round 22 averaging 10.2 disposals, 4.8 marks and 1.8 tackles an appearance on the year and currently ranked the league's No. 9 in goals per game (2.3).
Season-highs in kicks (12) and disposals (16) paired up with a personal-best seven majors - four of which came in the match's final terms - to land Fitsch the best fantasy point output of his AFL career (111) on Saturday. The 24 year-old forward exits Round 22 averaging 10.2 disposals, 4.8 marks and 1.8 tackles an appearance on the year and currently ranked the league's No. 9 in goals per game (2.3).
Steven May
Out with soreness
May (general soreness) will miss Sunday's Round 22 match versus Adelaide.
ANALYSIS
May is only expected to miss one game. Joel Smith will replace him in the lineup.
May is only expected to miss one game. Joel Smith will replace him in the lineup.
Tom McDonald
Out against Adelaide
McDonald (back) will miss Round 22 against Adelaide.
ANALYSIS
McDonald had no guarantees of getting ready for this game and needs more time in his recovery. He'll now look at returning by Round 23, which will put him in good shape for the finals.
McDonald had no guarantees of getting ready for this game and needs more time in his recovery. He'll now look at returning by Round 23, which will put him in good shape for the finals.
Jayden Hunt
Out for month
Hunt is expected to miss the next month after undergoing surgery on his ankle, according to GM of Football Alan Richardson.
ANALYSIS
Hunt hasn't played since late-July and will now be out for all of August, so his best chances of returning in 2021 are dependent on Melbourne's run in the Finals.
Hunt hasn't played since late-July and will now be out for all of August, so his best chances of returning in 2021 are dependent on Melbourne's run in the Finals.
Jayden Hunt
Has ankle issue
Hunt is dealing with an ankle issue, according to Riley Beveridge of AFL.com.
ANALYSIS
Hunt hasn't had his status full disclosed, though he did miss Round 20 at Gold Coast.
Hunt hasn't had his status full disclosed, though he did miss Round 20 at Gold Coast.