AFL 2021 LIVE updates Demons stun Eagles with early blitz at wet Optus Stadium
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It’s been a strong start for the Demons in Perth as they have weathered the early storm and taken the initiative, their high-pressing style in the midfield and up forward is unsettling the Eagles defence as they race to a 14-point lead after 21 minutes, 3.2.20 to 1.0.6.
Coach Simon Goodwin said they want to make it a ground ball game, and that is what they are doing...
Ben Brown.Credit:Getty Images
The rain has arrived, making conditions very slippery at Optus Stadium.
Melbourne have been putting the Eagles’ backline under enormous duress in the last few minutes, but the hosts have dealt it with relatively well.
The Dees have only been able to open up a six-point lead in this period courtesy of a beautiful long-range bomb from Petracca.
After 16 minutes, it’s the Demons 2.0.12 to the Eagles 1.0.6.
Leading disposals: Gaff 7, Hurn 7, E.Langdon 7, Petracca 6, Sheed 6
It’s been a bit of an error-riddled game so far, with pressure from both teams on point.
After nine minutes, it’s 1.0.6 apiece with Ben Brown and Cripps the goalkickers.
Brown was perhaps a little fortunate given he received a fairly soft 50m penalty after taking the mark on the half-forward flank boundary line.
The resultant bonus in real estate brought him to the goal square for the easy six-pointer.
The fans get what they want with Naitanui and Gawn going head-to-head, May has the job on Kennedy, Petty is manning Darling, Hutchings looks like he is tagging Oliver and Harry Edwards has started on Ben Brown.
Tom McDonald (back) is a late withdrawal for Melbourne and has replaced in their selected side by James Jordon.
Meanwhile, Luke Edwards has replaced Liam Duggan (knee) in the West Coast line-up ahead of the first bounce.
The medical substitutes are Zac Langdon (West Coast) and Aaron vandenBerg (Melbourne).
Tom McDonaldCredit:Getty Images
In an indicator of how scratchy the Demons have been since starting the year all guns blazing with an 11-1 record, they are surprisingly aiming for back-to-back wins tonight for the first time since Round 12.
They’re also attempting to bring a four-game losing streak against the Eagles to a halt.
Melbourne have lost their last three matches at Optus Stadium after beating West Coast there in their first meeting in 2018.
But the Eagles’ recent form at home has been far from solid, losing three of their last five game there, with their two victories in that period achieved by a combined total of just 12 points.
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