Round 19, 2002
West Coast vs Melbourne
Sunday 11 August
Venue: Subiaco
Attendance: 36,195
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | Final | |
| West Coast | 5.2 | 6.5 | 11.9 | 15.10.100 |
| Melbourne | 1.4 | 8.7 | 10.12 | 15.16.106 |
Melbourne win by 6 points
Goalkickers: David Neitz 4, Stephen Powell 2, Shane Woewodin 2, Steven Armstrong 1, Cameron Bruce 1, Travis Johnstone 1, Russell Robertson 1, Peter Vardy 1, Daniel Ward 1, Paul Wheatley 1
Brownlow votes:
3 - Travis Johnstone
1 - Adem Yze
Milestones:
Last game
Anthony McDonald
50 games
Nathan Brown
Three straight losses had Melbourne's finals chances on a knife's edge, and they were not done any favours by the draw taking them to face West Coast in Perth where the Eagles hadn't lost in nearly a full year. The home side kicked their first goal after 19 seconds, and led by 22 points at quarter time. It turned out to be the scoring end, as Melbourne responded to conceding the first goal of the second term by booting the next seven inside 14 minutes. The third quarter saw all the scoring to the Subiaco end again, with five West Coast goals to two. It left Melbourne just three points down and with the use of the breeze in the final term.
Once more all the scoring was done to the Subiaco end in the third term, as the Eagles booted five to two. The Demons though were coming home with the wind, and they delivered.
Peter Vardy missed two simple chances early in the last, but one of his misses turned into an unexpected seven point play after Paul Wheatley intercepted the kick-in and goalled.
Held to one goal from six disposals in the first three quarters David Neitz booted three goals in the last term. He took a great one handed grab at the 20 minute mark to give his side an 11 point buffer, and added another four minutes later to make the match all but safe. The Eagles booted two late but Melbourne held on.
Best on ground was Travis Johnstone who played one of the best games of his young career, and kicked a brilliant goal in the last quarter when the game was well and truly in the balance. Wheatley and Brown were also amongst the best. Luke Williams was replaced in the selected side by Brad Miller.
Neale Daniher said "Tremendous spirit in the group and they were rewarded today, really happy the way they attacked the game in the second quarter" as his side were lifted back into the top eight.
Media
afl.com.au - 11/08/2002
Age - 12/08/2002