Melbourne Demons are finally ready to dare to dream
Forgive those grizzled, long-suffering and justifiably cynical Melbourne fans who scoffed while waiting for this big bubble to burst.
They have been through all of this before since his last term as prime minister in 1964, the ″ Norm Smith Curse ″ more than just a myth in their minds.
Max Gawn and Oscar McInerney go head to head.Credit:AFL Photos
There was the goalless first half in the preliminary final loss to the west three years ago, followed by the Demons’ annus horribilis in 2019.
For those with a longer memory, there have been wooden spoons, tank fury, the belts from the 1988 and 2000 grand final, the infamous 15-meter penalty against Jim Stynes in the 1987 preliminary, and total collapses from 1965 and 1971, all of them. that still itch.
This year non-believers have understandably been waiting for the inevitable collapse, but the same was said about Richmond throughout 2017.
There is a sense of destiny about the Demons this season. Following their miraculous 44-point comeback against Geelong to secure first place with a 33-point clinical win over the Brisbane Lions in a high-quality qualifying final at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, Melbourne enters the penultimate week of the season where they’ve spent most of it, in the treetop and in a convincing touch.
The demons celebrate their victory over Brisbane.Credit:AFL Photos
Ruck giant Max Gawn, captain of the Demons and the recently selected Australian team, led the irresistible charge, alongside midfield masters and fellow Australians Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca, whose two goals in the fourth quarter added a sweet touch. .
Bayley Fritsch put up four majors of his own, while at the other end defenders Jake Lever and Steven May, who also won All-Australian jackets, intercepted, denied and rebounded at will.
