Practice Match, 2003
Melbourne vs West Coast
Friday March 14
Venue: Princes Park
Attendance: 400
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 6.9.45 | |||
| West Coast | 7.14.56 | |||
West Coast win by 11 points
Goalkickers: Russell Robertson 2, Aaron Rogers 1, Paul Wheatley 1, Matthew Whelan 1
The match was moved from Perth to a 4pm Friday start due to concerns over 35 degree heat in the west, and the match was instead played in windy conditions in front of empty stands at Princes Park with half of the Demons best 22 out of the side due to late withdrawals. David Neitz was rested with shoulder soreness and Clint Bizzell withdrew with illness. Both Travis Johnstone and Cameron Bruce were left out suffering soreness.
Melbourne's defenders had no answer for Daniel Haynes who kicked all five Eagle goals after quarter-time to get them over the line. Futher Demon Paul Johnson played in the ruck for the Eagles.
Russell Robertson was the Demons best forward with two goals, but also missed two opportunities with wasteful finishing. White and Ward were also amongst the best.
Talking about fielding an understrength side, Neale Daniher said "It's unfortunate because you like to get a full team in with a bit of flow and a bit of confidence but it wasn't to be, so we take the next step and look at the new faces. At some stage we're going to call on these young blokes during the year."
Media
Age - 15/03/2003