Round 18, 2022
Melbourne vs Port Adelaide
Sunday 17 July
Venue: Traeger Park
Attendance: 6312
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| Melbourne | 0.4 | 5.7 | 8.10 | 12.11.83 |
| Port Adelaide | 2.1 | 5.3 | 7.6 | 10.9.69 |
Melbourne win by 14 points
Goalkickers: Kysaiah Pickett 6, Ben Brown 2, Bayley Fritsch 2, Luke Jackson 1, Jake Melksham 1
Milestones:
Last game
Luke Dunstan
In their return to Alice Springs after a year off due to COVID restrictions, Melbourne solidified their place in the top two ahead of a tough run to the finals. They got off to a slow start, with the forward line unable to find avenues to goal until halfway through the second quarter. They were sparked by one of several top quality goals by Kysaiah Pickett, whose six majors were a career record and a new high mark for AFL games in Alice Springs.
By half time, in warm conditions, the Demons held a narrow lead but couldn't shake Port until midway through the last term. Even then, three late Port goals gave them outside hope of a boilover finish in the last few minutes. The 'home' side held on to win, but without the percentage boost that seemed likely midway through the final term.
In the COVID-enforced absence of regular coach Ken Hinkley, Port were coached by ex-Melbourne Reserves player Nathan Bassett.
Best were Pickett, Petracca and Viney. Jake Lever injured his shoulder. Luke Dunstan was an unused substitute, in what would eventually be his last game for the club.