2015 Melbourne Football Club season
Australian rules football club season
The 2015 Melbourne Football Club season was the club's 116th year in the VFL/AFL since it began in 1897.
Despite improvements in 2014, Melbourne still produced a poor season in regards to results, which led to Melbourne receiving a financially and commercially challenging draw. The club played home games at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against Gold Coast , Fremantle , Sydney , Western Bulldogs , Brisbane Lions , St Kilda , and North Melbourne whom typically do not draw high crowds in Melbourne, and played Collingwood , Fremantle, Greater Western Sydney , St Kilda and Western Bulldogs twice. Games were broadcast on the Seven Network (free to air) for seven games, down from nine in 2014.
Even with financial and commercial challenges, the club continued to host its annual Queen's Birthday clash against Collingwood in round 10 and played its first Friday night game since round 7, 2012, which was against Richmond in round 4 as a lead into ANZAC day. The club also played more traditional time slots, as the AFL aimed to have a more 'fan friendly' fixture,[ 1] Adelaide , Canberra , and Perth once, and the Northern Territory twice.
Melbourne sold two of its home games to the Northern Territory due to a sponsorship deal made with Tourism NT. One was at TIO Traeger Park in Alice Springs in round 9 against Port Adelaide for the second year in a row. The other match was at TIO Stadium in Darwin for the sixth year in a row, which was against West Coast in round 14. In addition Melbourne hosted Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium in round 23.
The club finished the season with 7 wins and 15 losses, this was the club's best result since the 2011 season .
2015 list changes
2014 free agency
2014 trades
Retirements and delistings
National draft
Rookie draft
2015 squad
Melbourne Football Club
Senior list
Rookie List
Coaching staff
Head coach
Assistant coaches
Legend: (c) Captain(s) (vc) Vice-captain(s) (vet) Veterans list Updated: 11 September 2015 Source(s): Team List , Staff Members
2015 season
Pre-season
NAB Challenge
Week 1
Round 1
Thursday, March 5 (4:10 pm)
Fremantle
def.
Melbourne
Fremantle Oval (crowd: 8000 approx.)
Report
3.2 (20)9.7 (61)
Q1
3.1 (19)6.7 (43)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
Pavlich 3, Taberner 3, Crozier , Walters , Mayne
Goals
Newton , Dawes , N. Jones , Kent , Hogan , vandenBerg
Hill , Taberner , Neale , Pavlich , Mzungu , Sutcliffe
Best
N. Jones , Lumumba , Tyson , Cross , T. McDonald , Newton
Barlow (right ankle), Mundy (ankle), Duffield (left shoulder)
Injuries
Newton (cut head)
Nil
Reports
Nil
The opening quarter was positive for Melbourne with a courageous mark and goal to Ben Newton , followed by goals to Chris Dawes and Nathan Jones , which saw them lead by 13 points midway through the quarter.
Melbourne were notably more attacking compared with 2014 with faster ball movement and using the corridor more, however, Fremantle took the lead into the quarter break by one point.
The second quarter saw Fremantle kick four goals to nil as their defensive pressure proved too strong for Melbourne. They were restricted to one point, and there was little ball movement with no signs of improvement heading into the second half.
The third quarter showed a rejuvenated Melbourne, as they kicked three goals to nil. Fremantle had not seen the ball inside their forward 50 for much of the quarter, as they could only manage one point, resulting in a five point margin at the final break.
Four minutes into the final quarter, Melbourne had a chance to take the lead with a free kick to Mark Jamar 20 meters out. The shot was kicked out on the full, the resulting free kick was then kicked into the opposite behind post by Cameron Sutcliffe , allowing for Christian Salem to have a shot on goal, which was too kicked out on the full.
Fremantle took control over the match and kicked the last two goals of the match, ensuing in an 18 point victory.
Week 2
Round 2
Saturday, March 14 (4:10 pm)
Western Bulldogs
def. by
Melbourne
Eureka Stadium (crowd: 6000 approx.)
Report
0.0.1 (1)0.9.8 (62)
Q1
0.2.2 (14)0.10.9 (69)
Television broadcast: AFL Media
Cordy 2, Grant , Bontempelli , Goodes , Minson , M. Boyd , Jong
Goals
Garlett 2, Kennedy Harris 2, Cross , Hogan , Dawes , N. Jones , Frost , Watts
Honeychurch , M. Boyd , Bontempelli , Goodes , Minson , Stringer
Best
Kennedy Harris , Garlett , N. Jones , Grimes , Cross , Salem , Lumumba
Nil
Injuries
vandenBerg (head)
Nil
Reports
Nil
The second week of the NAB Challenge saw Melbourne travel to Ballarat where they started strongly by kicking two goals to nil in the first quarter, whilst kicking into the wind.
The second quarter saw Melbourne kick a further six goals, to have a lead of forty-five points at half time.
The opening half saw Melbourne dominate the possession count (128-42) and uncontested marks (58-4). Turnovers by the Western Bulldogs contributed to Melbourne's ascendancy, however, the dominance ceased as the Bulldogs fought back in the second half.
The final quarter saw the Bulldogs get to within eight points at the 20-minute mark after an Ayce Cordy goal, however, Melbourne managed to settle and win by an eventual seven point margin.
Week 3
Round 3
Friday, March 20 (5:50 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
Essendon
Etihad Stadium
Report
0.2.4 (16)0.11.9 (75)
Q1
0.2.1 (13)0.11.11 (77)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
Garlett 4, vandenBerg 2, Dawes 2, Watts 2, Viney
Goals
Daniher 3, Fantasia 2, Dalgleish 2, J. Merrett , Langford , Zaharakis , Edwards
Lumumba , Tyson , Garlett , Salem , N. Jones , vandenBerg
Best
Cooney , Goddard , Chapman , Gwilt , Ashby , Daniher
Newton (leg)
Injuries
Laverde (knee)
Nil
Reports
Nil
Melbourne faced a severely under-strength Essendon due to the 2012-listed players sitting out the NAB Challenge due to the 2012 supplement program .
The trend of fast starts during the NAB challenge continued for Melbourne, where they kicked the first two goals and gained a 14-point lead during the 14th minute of the first quarter.
The 14-point margin would be the highest lead for either side during the match, and the back-and-forth match saw the lead change seven times.
Melbourne looked set to win the match as they took control over the last quarter and gained a two goal margin, however, a goal by Shaun Edwards drew Essendon to within four points.
The last few minutes of the match saw Melbourne control the possession, however, a crucial turnover by Jack Viney eventuated as he attempted to kick across defensive goal, where Lauchlan Dalgleish intercepted the kick and ran on to kick a goal. This led to a two-point lead for Essendon with 1:24 left on the clock, and was the ultimate winning margin for Essendon.
Home and away season
Round 1
Round 1
Saturday, 4 April (1:40 pm)
Melbourne
def.
Gold Coast
MCG (crowd: 27,013)
Report
2.5 (17)17.13 (115)
Q1
1.2 (8)13.11 (89)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
Watts 3, Tyson 2, Garlett 2, Hogan 2, Newton 2, Jamar , Garland , N. Jones , vandenBerg , Lumumba , Salem
Goals
Day 2, Rischitelli 2, Ablett 2, Sexton , Saad , Swallow , Gorringe , Bennell , Miller , Harbrow
N. Jones , Watts , T. McDonald , Viney , Garlett , Newton , Howe , vandenBerg , Jamar
Best
Prestia , Rischitelli , Swallow , Bennell , Saad
Nil
Injuries
Nil
Nil
Reports
Matt Shaw reported for rough conduct on Dean Kent
The lead up to the opening match for Melbourne and Gold Coast in 2015 focused heavily on the long-awaited return of Gary Ablett from a shoulder injury sustained in round 16, 2014.
The match saw three AFL debutants for Melbourne, Angus Brayshaw , Jesse Hogan , and Aaron vandenBerg , and four debuts for Melbourne from other clubs, Sam Frost , Jeff Garlett , Heritier Lumumba , and Ben Newton . The debut for Lumumba also marked his 200th AFL match, after playing 199 for Collingwood .
Melbourne showed that they were a much more attacking side compared with 2014 when the side averaged just over 60 points a match; the additions of Jesse Hogan and Jeff Garlett showed a more potent forward line as the ball was moved into the forward line more directly and they kicked two goals apiece.
Melbourne led comfortably for most of the match, however, two quick goals to Gary Ablett drew Gold Coast to within eight points in the last quarter. Another certain goal for the Gold Coast was looming, however, an uncharacteristic fumble by Ablett in the goal square created a turnover and Melbourne wrestled back the momentum.
Melbourne were eventual winners by 26 points.
The game was the first time that Melbourne had won a round one match since 2005, and the first time they kicked more than 100 points in a match since round 14, 2013 . Debut(s): Angus Brayshaw , Jesse Hogan , Aaron vandenBerg Sam Frost (Greater Western Sydney ) , Jeff Garlett (Carlton ) , Heritier Lumumba (Collingwood ) , Ben Newton (Port Adelaide ) Heritier Lumumba (200th AFL game) , Jesse Hogan (1st AFL goal) , Ben Newton (1st AFL goal) , Aaron vandenBerg (1st AFL goal) Nathan Jones (Melbourne ) 3 votes Jack Viney (Melbourne ) 2 votes Dion Prestia (Gold Coast ) 1 vote Jimmy Toumpas Angus Brayshaw
Round 2
Round 2
Saturday, 11 April (2:10 pm)
Greater Western Sydney
def.
Melbourne
StarTrack Oval (crowd: 8,811)
Report
0.2 (2)15.11 (101)
Q1
4.2 (26)8.8 (56)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
McCarthy 3, Shiel 3, Coniglio 2, Smith 2, Treloar , Wilson , Cameron , Scully , Mumford
Goals
Hogan 2, Newton 2, T. McDonald , Kent , Jamar , Garlett
Coniglio , Kelly , Haynes , Greene , Shaw , Shiel
Best
T. McDonald , Viney , Salem , Cross , Tyson , Lumumba
Tomlinson (toe)
Injuries
Nil
Nil
Reports
Nil
Brownlow votes: Callan Ward (Greater Western Sydney ) 3 votes , Shane Mumford (Greater Western Sydney ) 2 votes , Stephen Coniglio (Greater Western Sydney ) 1 vote Angus Brayshaw Bernie Vince
Round 3
Round 3
Saturday, 18 April (1:40 pm)
Adelaide
def.
Melbourne
Adelaide Oval (crowd: 43,713)
Report
3.1 (19)12.7 (80)
Q1
3.4 (22)7.13 (55)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
Walker 3 , Ellis-Yolmen 2, Cameron , Lynch , Jenkins , Mackay , Smith , Brown , Betts
Goals
Hogan 2, Garlett 2, Newton , N. Jones , Kent
Sloane , Mackay , Thompson , Jacobs , Douglas , Talia
Best
N. Jones , Lumumba , Howe , Vince , Cross , Tyson
Nil
Injuries
Frost (foot)
Nil
Reports
Nil
Brownlow votes: Scott Thompson (Adelaide ) 3 votes , Rory Sloane (Adelaide ) 2 votes , David Mackay (Adelaide ) 1 vote Angus Brayshaw Sam Frost
Round 4
Round 4
Friday, 24 April (7:50 pm)
Richmond
def. by
Melbourne
MCG (crowd: 58,175)
Report
3.5 (23)6.15 (51)
Q1
4.2 (26)12.11 (83)
Television broadcast: Seven Network
Edwards 2, Gordon , Arnot , Griffiths , Hunt
Goals
Hogan 2, Dawes 2, Garlett 2, Kennedy Harris , Vandenberg , Watts , N. Jones , Brayshaw , Vince
Edwards , Ellis , Martin , Miles , Riewoldt , Cotchin
Best
Vandenberg , Hogan , N. Jones , T. McDonald , Brayshaw , Tyson , Lumumba
Drummond (right knee), Griffiths (calf), Hunt (right knee)
Injuries
Kent (left hamstring), Jetta (concussion)
Nil
Reports
Nil
This was the Demons' first Friday night game in 3 years (an 11-goal loss to the Hawthorn in 2012), with the clubs' poor on-field performances meaning they hadn't been afforded a prime time spot.
The game marked the beginning of the Anzac Day weekend and the commemoration of 100 years since Gallipoli. A tribute before the match saw the stadium lights blacked out as the Last Post played with a minutes silence.
The match was close in the first-half, with a two-point margin at half-time, with the wet conditions making for a physical and contested match. Melbourne took control of the match in the second-half, resulting in a 32-point win.
The off-season recruits were key to the victory, including mature-aged recruit, Aaron vandenBerg , who recorded 13 tackles and a goal. Melbourne's second pick in the 2014 AFL draft and third overall, Angus Brayshaw , also provided an impact with 12 disposals and a goal.
Bernie Vince sealed the victory in the final term with a set shot from the 50-metre arc on a 45 degree angle.At 2-2 it was the best start for Melbourne since 2011 when they were 2-1-1 after a draw against Sydney and wins against Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast . Milestone(s): Angus Brayshaw (1st AFL goal) Nathan Jones (Melbourne ) 3 votes Bernie Vince (Melbourne ) 2 votes Shane Edwards (Richmond ) 1 vote Viv Michie Dean Kent
Round 5
Round 5
Sunday, 3 May (1:10 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
Fremantle
MCG (crowd: 22,892)
Report
2.2 (14)6.14 (50)
Q1
5.3 (33)18.10 (118)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
Garlett 3, Hogan , vandenBerg , Brayshaw
Goals
Mayne 4, D. Pearce 2, Suban 2, Neale 2, Taberner 2, Mundy 2, Hill , de Boer , Fyfe , Sandilands
Brayshaw , T. McDonald , Grimes , Garlett , Cross
Best
Fyfe , Mayne , Barlow , McPharlin , Neale , C. Pearce , Mundy , Suban
Salem (concussion)
Injuries
Walters (concussion), Pavlich (concussion)
Nil
Reports
Nil
Milestone(s): Jack Watts (100th AFL game) Nat Fyfe (Fremantle ) 3 votes , David Mundy (Fremantle ) 2 votes , Chris Mayne (Fremantle ) 1 vote Jordie McKenzie Christian Salem
Round 6
Round 6
Saturday, 9 May (7:20 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
Sydney
MCG (crowd: 26,894)
Report
1.1 (7)7.8 (50)
Q1
4.3 (27)12.16 (88)
Television broadcast: Seven Network
Garlett 2, Hogan 2, Stretch , Newton , Dawes
Goals
Tippett 4, Kennedy 2, Pyke , McGlynn , Jetta , Hannebery , Parker , Goodes
T. McDonald , Salem , N. Jones , Hogan , Vince
Best
Mitchell , Kennedy , Tippett , Jack , Parker , Jetta , McVeigh
Dawes (knee), Tyson (knee)
Injuries
Heeney (knee), Lloyd (ankle), Hannebery (ankle)
Nil
Reports
Nil
Debut(s): Billy Stretch Billy Stretch (1st AFL goal) Tom Mitchell (Sydney ) 3 votes , Josh Kennedy (Sydney ) 2 votes , Kurt Tippett (Sydney ) 1 vote Jack Watts Cameron Pedersen
Round 7
Round 7
Saturday, 16 May (2:10 pm)
Hawthorn
def.
Melbourne
MCG (crowd: 41,935)
Report
6.2 (38)24.11 (155)
Q1
2.0 (12)7.8 (50)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
Roughead 4, Breust 3, Rioli 3, Schoenmakers 2, Hale 2, Puopolo 2, Langford 2, Suckling , Ceglar , Mitchell , Hartung , Hill , Gunston
Goals
Garlett 3, Pedersen 3, Bail
Mitchell , Hartung , Hill , Roughead , Burgoyne , Langford , Shiels , Ceglar
Best
Garlett , Pedersen , T. McDonald
Isaac Smith (illness) replaced in the selected side by Jonathan Simpkin
Injuries
Jesse Hogan (soreness) replaced in the selected side by Cameron Pedersen , Salem (hamstring)
Nil
Reports
Nil
Brownlow votes: Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn ) 3 votes , Shaun Burgoyne (Hawthorn ) 2 votes , Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn ) 1 vote Billy Stretch Christian Salem
Round 8
Round 8
Sunday, 24 May (3:20 pm)
Melbourne
def.
Western Bulldogs
MCG (crowd: 29,381)
Report
3.3 (21)15.13 (103)
Q1
2.3 (15)9.10 (64)
Television broadcast: Seven Network
Hogan 3, Pedersen 3, Toumpas 2, Vince 2, Howe , N. Jones , Newton , M. Jones , Garlett
Goals
Stringer 2, Dahlhaus , Jong , Wallis , Wood , Hunter , Dale , Picken
N. Jones , Pedersen , Hogan , Vince , Spencer , Cross , Toumpas
Best
M. Boyd , Dahlhaus , Wallis , Wood , Stevens
M. Jones (concussion)
Injuries
Goodes (arm)
Nil
Reports
Nil
Brownlow votes: Aaron vandenBerg (Melbourne ) 3 votes Jesse Hogan (Melbourne ) 2 votes Nathan Jones (Melbourne ) 1 vote Aidan Riley Matt Jones
Round 9
Round 9
Saturday, 30 May (1:40 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
Port Adelaide
TIO Traegar Park (crowd: 4,866)
Report
3.2 (20)8.6 (54)
Q1
1.2 (8)18.7 (115)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
Hogan 2, Garlett 2, Spencer , Lumumba , M. Jones , Fitzpatrick
Goals
Schulz 4, Monfries 3, Westhoff 2, Wingard 2, Amon , R. Gray , Stewart , White , Krakouer , Ebert , Hartlett
Brayshaw , N. Jones , T. McDonald , Hogan , Garland
Best
Ebert , Boak , R. Gray , Wines , Schulz , Wingard , Hartlett
Nil
Injuries
Nil
Nil
Reports
Nil
Milestone(s): Cameron Pedersen (50th AFL game) , Jeff Garlett (200th AFL goal) , Jesse Hogan (Rising Star round nominee ) Robbie Gray (Port Adelaide ) 3 votes , Brad Ebert (Port Adelaide ) 2 votes , Travis Boak (Port Adelaide ) 1 vote Jack Viney Neville Jetta
Round 10
Round 10
Monday, 8 June (3:20 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
Collingwood
MCG (crowd: 66,120)
Report
3.1 (19)13.7 (85)
Q1
7.1 (42)17.8 (110)
Television broadcast: Seven Network
Howe 3, N. Jones 2, Garlett 2, Vince 2, Hogan , Brayshaw , Fitzpatrick , Watts
Goals
Cloke 7, Elliott 3, Blair 3, Swan , Seedsman , Broomhead , Fasolo
N. Jones , Vince , Viney , Brayshaw , Cross , Jetta
Best
Cloke , Oxley , Pendlebury , Grundy , Williams , Langdon
Viney (corked calf), vandenBerg (hamstring)
Injuries
Nil
Nil
Reports
Nil
Milestones: Angus Brayshaw (Rising Star round nominee ) Travis Cloke (Collingwood ) 3 votes , Bernie Vince (Melbourne ) 2 votes Nathan Jones (Melbourne ) 1 vote Matt Jones Aaron vandenBerg
Round 11
Round 11
Sunday, 14 June (4:40 pm)
St Kilda
def.
Melbourne
Etihad Stadium (crowd: 25,187)
Report
3.5 (23)12.13 (85)
Q1
3.4 (22)12.11 (83)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
Riewoldt 4, Lonie 2, Membrey , Minchington , Ross , Bruce , Steven , Montagna
Goals
Hogan 5, Toumpas 2, Brayshaw , Viney , Garlett , T. McDonald , Howe
Montagna , Riewoldt , Newnes , Armitage , Weller , Ross
Best
Hogan , Viney , Toumpas , Dunn , N. Jones , Vince , Cross
Nil
Injuries
Pedersen (hand)
Nil
Reports
Nil
Debut(s): Alex Neal-Bullen Lynden Dunn (150th AFL game) Leigh Montagna (St Kilda ) 3 votes , Jesse Hogan (Melbourne ) 2 votes Bernie Vince (Melbourne ) 1 vote Viv Michie Cameron Pedersen
Round 12
Round 12
Sunday, 21 June (3:20 pm)
Geelong
def. by
Melbourne
Simonds Stadium (crowd: 28,007)
Report
3.1 (19)13.11 (89)
Q1
5.2 (32)18.5 (113)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
Hawkins 2, Johnson 2, Lang 2, Motlop 2, Kersten 2, Guthrie , Walker , Selwood
Goals
Garlett 4, Neal-Bullen 3, Howe 2, M. Jones 2, Vince 2, Tyson , Gawn , Spencer , N. Jones , Stretch
Guthrie , Motlop , Lang
Best
Vince , Brayshaw , N. Jones , Gawn , Dunn , Viney , Garlett
Murdoch (hamstring)
Injuries
Nil
Nil
Reports
Nil
Milestone(s): Alex Neal-Bullen (1st AFL goal) Max Gawn (Melbourne ) 3 votes Bernie Vince (Melbourne ) 2 votes Steven Motlop (Geelong ) 1 vote Aidan Riley Jimmy Toumpas
Round 13
Round 14
Round 14
Saturday, 4 July (7:10 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
West Coast
TIO Stadium (crowd: 11,873)
Report
2.4 (16)9.6 (60)
Q1
5.4 (34)16.18 (114)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
Dawes 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Tyson , Viney , Spencer , Garlett , Hogan
Goals
Darling 5, Kennedy 2, Shuey 2, Cripps 2, Sheed , Hill , Sinclair , Le Cras , McGovern
Tyson , N. Jones , Vince , Watts
Best
Darling , Gaff , Naitanui , Kennedy , Wellingham , Masten , Sheed
Brayshaw (neck)
Injuries
Nil
Nil
Reports
Nil
Brownlow votes: Jack Darling (West Coast ) 3 votes , Chris Masten (West Coast ) 2 votes , Andrew Gaff (West Coast ) 1 vote Alex Neal-Bullen Angus Brayshaw
Round 15
Round 15
Saturday, 11 July (1:40 pm)
Essendon
def.
Melbourne
MCG (crowd: 38,861)
Report
1.3 (9)10.9 (69)
Q1
1.3 (9)7.18 (60)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
Daniher 5, Edwards 2, Howlett , Stanton , Heppell
Goals
Tyson , Howe , vandenBerg , Hogan , Jetta , Garlett , T. McDonald
Hurley , Daniher , Stanton , Goddard , Heppell , Gwilt
Best
Gawn , Vince , N. Jones , vandenBerg , T. McDonald , Dunn , Viney
Browne (concussion)
Injuries
Nil
Nil
Reports
Nil
Debut(s): James Harmes Brent Stanton (Essendon ) 3 votes , Joe Daniher (Essendon ) 2 votes , Bernie Vince (Melbourne ) 1 vote Jay Kennedy Harris James Harmes
Round 16
Round 16
Sunday, 19 July (1:10 pm)
Melbourne
def.
Brisbane Lions
MCG (crowd: 25,149)
Report
5.4 (34)8.12 (60)
Q1
1.2 (8)4.12 (36)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
Hogan 4, T. McDonald 2, Garlett 2
Goals
Zorko , Robinson , Andrews , Christensen
Howe , Hogan , Viney , Cross , vandenBerg , N.Jones , Gawn
Best
Christensen , Zorko , Taylor , Beams , Andrews
Nil
Injuries
Hanley (hamstring)
Nil
Reports
Nil
Brownlow votes: Jeremy Howe (Melbourne ) 3 votes Dayne Zorko (Brisbane Lions ) 2 votes , Jesse Hogan (Melbourne ) 1 vote Alex Neal-Bullen Jay Kennedy Harris
Round 17
Round 17
Sunday, 26 July (3:20 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
St Kilda
MCG (crowd: 22,945)
Report
1.2 (8)4.10 (46)
Q1
4.4 (28)12.11 (83)
Television broadcast: Seven Network
N. Jones , Dawes , Tyson , Hogan , Garlett , Gawn
Goals
Riewoldt 3, Dunstan 2, Savage , Sinclair , Lonie , McCartin , Newnes , Bruce , Weller
Viney , Grimes , Cross , Vince , Watts , Howe
Best
Riewoldt , Roberton , Gilbert , Geary , Dempster , Fisher , Montagna
T. McDonald (left eye)
Injuries
Armitage (shin), Webster (ribs), Riewoldt (corked calf)
Nil
Reports
Nil
Brownlow votes: Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda ) 3 votes , Sean Dempster (St Kilda ) 2 votes , Jack Viney (Melbourne ) 1 vote Viv Michie Aaron vandenBerg
Round 18
Round 18
Saturday, 1 August (2:10 pm)
Collingwood
def. by
Melbourne
MCG (crowd: 37,894)
Report
1.4 (10)7.12 (54)
Q1
4.4 (28)13.13 (91)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
Fasolo 3, Pendlebury , Varcoe , Witts , Adams
Goals
Vince 3, Hogan 3, Garlett 2, vandenBerg , Watts , Harmes , N. Jones , Howe
Swan , Adams , Fasolo , Sidebottom , Williams , Langdon
Best
Vince , N. Jones , Gawn , Watts , Viney , Garland , Cross
Goldsack (tight quad) replaced in the selected side by Scharenberg
Injuries
Nil
Nil
Reports
Nil
Milestone(s): James Harmes (1st AFL goal) Bernie Vince (Melbourne ) 3 votes Dane Swan (Collingwood ) 2 votes , Max Gawn (Melbourne ) 1 vote James Harmes Viv Michie
Round 19
Round 19
Sunday, 9 August (1:10 pm)
Melbourne
def. by
North Melbourne
MCG (crowd: 30,695)
Report
2.0 (12)14.8 (92)
Q1
7.4 (46)19.13 (127)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
Hogan 4, Dawes 3, Watts , Garlett , Viney , Brayshaw , N. Jones , Neal-Bullen , Gawn
Goals
Thomas 5, Waite 3, Harvey 2, Brown 2, Higgins 2, Nahas 2, Petrie , Jacobs , Cunnington
Viney , Hogan , Dawes , Tyson , Brayshaw , Cross
Best
Higgins , Goldstein , Cunnington , Thomas , Waite , Harvey
Nil
Injuries
Brown (calf)
Nil
Reports
Nil
Milestone(s): Dom Tyson (50th AFL game) Shaun Higgins (North Melbourne ) 3 votes , Todd Goldstein (North Melbourne ) 2 votes , Nick Dal Santo (North Melbourne ) 1 vote Alex Neal-Bullen James Harmes
Round 20
Round 20
Sunday, 16 August (3:20 pm)
Western Bulldogs
def.
Melbourne
Etihad Stadium (crowd: 27,805)
Report
8.3 (51)24.9 (153)
Q1
0.2 (2)8.7 (55)
Television broadcast: Seven Network
Stringer 4, Grant 3, Bontempelli 3, Dickson 3, Crameri 2, Jong 2, Redpath 2, Wallis , Macrae , Hunter , Dahlhaus , Biggs
Goals
Hogan 3, Garlett 2, Gawn , Dawes , Watts
Dahlhaus , Wallis , M. Boyd , Grant , Stringer , Hunter , Macrae , Murphy
Best
T. McDonald , Viney , Watts , Michie
Nil
Injuries
Jetta (neck)
Nil
Reports
Nil
Milestone(s): Matt Jones (50 AFL games) Luke Dahlhaus (Western Bulldogs ) 3 votes , Robert Murphy (Western Bulldogs ) 2 votes , Lachie Hunter (Western Bulldogs ) 1 vote Jack Grimes Neville Jetta
Round 21
Round 21
Sunday, 23 August (3:20 pm)
Carlton
def.
Melbourne
MCG (crowd: 33,962)
Report
6.2 (32)12.6 (78)
Q1
1.2 (8)7.13 (55)
Television broadcast: Seven Network
Kreuzer 4, Walker 3, Cripps 2, Everitt 2, Watson
Goals
Grimes , Dawes , N. Jones , Watts , Newton , Garlett , Gawn
Cripps , Kreuzer , Tutt , Curnow , Murphy , Docherty
Best
Watts , Grimes , Newton , T. McDonald , Michie , N. Jones
Casboult (knee) replaced in selected side by Watson , Menzel (shoulder), Murphy (shoulder), Jamison (concussion), Kreuzer (back)
Injuries
Lumumba (ankle)
Nil
Reports
Nil
Brownlow votes: Matthew Kreuzer (Carlton ) 3 votes , Patrick Cripps (Carlton ) 2 votes , Andrew Walker (Carlton ) 1 vote Alex Neal-Bullen Heritier Lumumba
Round 22
Round 22
Sunday, 30 August (2:40 pm)
Fremantle
def.
Melbourne
Patersons Stadium (crowd: 33,529)
Report
5.1 (31)17.6 (108)
Q1
0.1 (1)8.6 (54)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
Pavlich 3, D.Pearce 3, de Boer 2, Neale 2, Barlow , Mzungu , Ibbotson , Mayne , Sandilands , Hill , Sheridan
Goals
Garlett 2, Hogan 2, Grimes , Vince , Watts , Gawn
Mundy , Neale , D.Pearce , Hill , Barlow , C.Pearce , Suban
Best
Cross , Viney , Gawn , Dunn , Grimes , Vince
Walters (calf) replaced in selected side, Sutcliffe (shoulder)
Injuries
Jones (ankle), Spencer (concussion)
Nil
Reports
Nil
Debut(s): Oscar McDonald Nathan Jones (200th AFL game) David Mundy (Fremantle ) 3 votes , Lachie Neale (Fremantle ) 2 votes , Danyle Pearce (Fremantle ) 1 vote Jack Grimes Nathan Jones
Round 23
Round 23
Sunday, 6 September (1:10 pm)
Melbourne
def.
Greater Western Sydney
Etihad Stadium (crowd: 8,974)
Report
4.1 (25)15.13 (103)
Q1
4.1 (25)11.11 (77)
Television broadcast: Fox Footy
Newton 3, Hogan 3, Garlett 2, Harmes 2, Howe , N. Jones , Grimes , Dunn , Kennedy Harris
Goals
Williams 2, Cameron 2, Palmer , Whitfield , Townsend , Ward , Stewart , Smith , Greene
N. Jones , Vince , Viney , Hogan , Cross , Garland , T. McDonald , Gawn
Best
Ward , Greene , Smith , Shaw , Townsend
Cross (concussion)
Injuries
Nil
Nil
Reports
Nil
Debut(s): Mitch White Jeremy Howe (100th AFL game) Bernie Vince (Melbourne ) 3 votes Nathan Jones (Melbourne ) 2 votes Callan Ward (Greater Western Sydney ) 1 vote Alex Neal-Bullen Mitch White
Ladder
Source:
[ 25] Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) percentage; 3) number of points for.
(P) Premiers
Notes:
Ladder breakdown by opposition
Awards
Brownlow Medal tally
Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy Bernie Vince [ 30]
Sid Anderson Memorial Trophy (Second in the Best and Fairest) – Jack Viney
Ron Barassi Snr Memorial Trophy (Third in the Best and Fairest) – Tom McDonald
Ivor Warne-Smith Memorial Trophy (Fourth in the Best and Fairest) – Jesse Hogan
Dick Taylor Memorial Trophy (Fifth in the Best and Fairest) – Nathan Jones
Harold Ball Memorial Trophy (Best Young Player) – Jesse Hogan
Troy Broadbridge Trophy (highest polling MFC player in the Casey Best and Fairest) – Aidan Riley
Ron Barassi Jnr. Leadership Award – Daniel Cross , Jack Trengove
Ian Ridley Club Ambassador Award – Neville Jetta
Norm Smith Memorial Trophy (Coach's Award) – Jack Viney
James McDonald Trophy (Best Team Man) – Jack Viney
Leading Goalkicker Award – Jesse Hogan (44 goals)
Best Female Player – Daisy Pearce
References
^ Walsh, Courtney (31 October 2014). "AFL listens to its fans and tweaks 2015 fixture" . The Australian News Corp Australia . Retrieved 5 November 2014 . ^ Schmook, Nathan (6 October 2014). "It's official: Frawley joins the Hawks" . AFL.com.au . Retrieved 9 October 2014 . ^ a b Whiting, Michael; King, Travis (3 November 2014). " . AFL.com.au . Retrieved 8 November 2014 . ^ Browne, Ashley (5 November 2014). "Newton's new start with the Demons" . AFL.com.au . Retrieved 5 November 2014 . ^ Guthrie, Ben (9 October 2014). "Blue turns blue and red: Garlett moves to Demons" . AFL.com.au . Retrieved 9 October 2014 . ^ Ryan, Peter (15 October 2014). "Clark a Cat, three-way deal sees Varcoe join Magpies" . AFL.com.au the original on 21 October 2014. Retrieved 15 October 2014 . ^ Schmook, Nathan (16 October 2014). "GWS defender Sam Frost becomes a Demon" . AFL.com.au . Retrieved 16 October 2014 . ^ "Dual Geelong premiership player Shannon Byrnes appointed playing assistant coach of Casey Scorpions" . Cranbourne Leader . News Corp Australia . 7 November 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2014 .^ Di Giorgio, Giulio (11 November 2014). "Retired forward stays with Dees, as development coach" . AFL.com.au . Retrieved 11 November 2014 . ^ "Football Update - Player Movements (13/11/2014)" . nafc.com.au . 13 November 2014. Retrieved 23 December 2014 .^ a b Cavanagh, Chris (24 February 2015). "Former Melbourne pair James Strauss and Michael Evans sign on with Old Scotch in VAFA" . Progress Leader . News Corp Australia . Retrieved 25 February 2015 . ^ Turner, Matt (4 November 2014). "Dual Norwood premiership defender Alex Georgiou set to return to The Parade after Melbourne delisting" . Messenger Adelaide . News Corp Australia . Retrieved 23 December 2014 . ^ McCullagh-Beasy, Justine (7 November 2014). "Nicholson brings AFL experience to Port Fairy coaching role" . The Standard . Retrieved 7 November 2014 . ^ McEvoy, Simon (26 January 2015). "Sorrento beefs up with recruit Luke Tapscott" . Bayside Leader . News Corp Australia . Retrieved 27 January 2015 . ^ Guthrie, Ben (12 November 2014). "Young Demon Barry walks out on Melbourne" . AFL.com.au . Retrieved 12 November 2014 . ^ "THUNDER SIGN DOM BARRY" . NT Thunder . Fox Sports Pulse. 5 February 2015. Retrieved 6 February 2015 .^ Burgan, Matt (22 August 2014). "Roos praises Westrupp's courage" . AFL.com.au . Retrieved 16 October 2014 . ^ Burgan, Matt (27 November 2014). "Petracca snapped up by Dees" . MelbourneFC.com.au . Retrieved 27 November 2014 . ^ Burgan, Matt (27 November 2014). "Brayshaw becomes a Demon" . MelbourneFC.com.au . Archived from the original on 14 July 2015. Retrieved 27 November 2014 . ^ Burgan, Matt (27 November 2014). "Demons take Neal-Bullen at pick No.40" . MelbourneFC.com.au . Retrieved 27 November 2014 . ^ Guthrie, Ben (6 October 2014). "Father-son star Moore joins the Magpies" . AFL.com.au . Retrieved 9 October 2014 . ^ Burgan, Matt (27 November 2014). "McDonald taken with Melbourne's last pick" . MelbourneFC.com.au . Retrieved 27 November 2014 . ^ Burgan, Matt (3 December 2014). "Vandenberg claimed at No.2" . MelbourneFC.com.au . Archived from the original on 14 July 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2014 . ^ Burgan, Matt (3 December 2014). "White selected at No.20" . MelbourneFC.com.au . Retrieved 4 December 2014 . ^ "2015 AFL Ladder" . Zero Hanger . 2015. Retrieved 14 August 2023 .^ a b c d "Match Review Panel full statement: round three" . AFL.com.au . 20 April 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015 .^ "Match Review Panel full statement: round six" . AFL.com.au . 11 May 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2015 .^ "Match Review Panel full statement: round 18" . AFL.com.au . 3 August 2015. Retrieved 5 August 2015 .^ "Match Review Panel statement: round 22" . AFL.com.au . 31 August 2015. Retrieved 11 September 2015 .^ Burgan, Matt (11 September 2015). "Vince wins first B&F for Melbourne" . MelbourneFC.com.au . Retrieved 11 September 2015 .
External links
VFL/AFL home grounds AFLW home grounds VFL/AFL premierships (13) Runner-up (5) AFLW premierships (1) Runner-up (1) Seasons (150)italics ) Women's seasons (7) Related articles Melbourne did not field a team from 1916–1918 due to the First World War
Events Awards Club overviews Player changes
