Melbourne Demons Shine in Pre-Season Showdown Against Carlton Blues

Melbourne and Carlton clashed in a pre-season showdown at Ikon Park, showcasing the Demons’ resilience amidst off-season turmoil. With Angus Brayshaw‘s retirement and key players missing, Melbourne, under Simon Goodwin‘s leadership, aimed to make a statement on the field against the Blues. Notable absentees for Melbourne included Clayton Oliver, Harrison Petty, Lachie Hunter, and Shane McAdam, while Carlton faced the match without key figures like Zac Williams, Sam Walsh, Jacob Weitering, and Jack Martin.

The game commenced with a bang as Max Gawn’s spectacular long-range goal set the tone for Melbourne. Carlton’s Harry McKay countered with his own impressive performance, keeping the Blues in the game early on. However, Melbourne dominated the opening quarter, establishing a lead with Gawn’s second goal on the quarter-time siren.

As the match progressed, injuries added to Carlton’s challenges, with Jesse Motlop requiring extensive treatment for a foot issue. Despite the setback, Carlton’s spirit remained strong, but Melbourne’s Caleb Windsor stole the spotlight with a remarkable running goal. Impressively, Windsor’s performance earned praise from football pundits like David King.

Both teams showcased their depth with a lineup that included standout players, such as Marc Pittonet, Adam Cerra, Patrick Cripps, and Max Gawn for Carlton, and Christian Petracca, Jack Viney, Jake Lever, and Kysaiah Pickett for Melbourne. The game concluded with Melbourne emerging victorious, highlighting their strength and resilience as the Opening Round approaches.