Melbourne forward Tom McDonald kicked a slingshot goal with 26 seconds remaining to lift the Demons to a three-point win over West Coast in Saturday night’s AFL clash at Domain Stadium.
The Eagles were on track for victory when Lewis Jetta’s behind extended the home side’s lead to 16 points midway through the final quarter.
But McDonald booted the last two goals of the game to lift Melbourne to a 15.9 (99) to 14.12 (96) victory, ending their 17-game losing streak in Perth.
McDonald’s last goal was particularly spectacular, with the 24-year-old connecting with the ball while being slung in a tackle by Jeremy McGovern.
McDonald finished with five goals and eight marks in a dazzling display.
But captain Jack Viney was arguably the man of the match – both for his performance and bravery.
Viney ran riot in the opening half with 23 disposals and a goal.
But his night looked over when he injured his right shoulder early in the third quarter after copping a heavy bump from Eagles skipper Shannon Hurn.
Viney went into the rooms for treatment, and returned to produce a scintillating final term to power his side to the win.
He finished with 38 disposals, nine clearances and a goal in Melbourne’s first win in Perth since 2004.
Hurn was left dazed and confused with just minutes remaining when he was cleaned up by Viney as both players contested the ball.
Eagles defender Will Schofield was reported just moments after the halftime siren for catching Clayton Oliver in the face with an elbow.
Schofield jabbed at Oliver’s chest with his fist, but his angled-up elbow made contact with Oliver’s face.
It’s the first time in 11 years the Demons have won four games in a row, with the latest victory boosting their win-loss record to 8-5.
West Coast are 7-6.
Former Roo Drew Petrie (four goals) played his best game for the Eagles, while Jeremy McGovern (three goals) was also influential.
But Jetta’s miss – a set shot from 40m out directly in front – proved costly as the Demons mounted a fierce fightback in the final term to snatch victory.
The win was all the more meritorious given Melbourne were without co-captain Nathan Jones and the in-form Jack Watts.
They were dealt another blow when Christian Salem injured his hamstring in the second half, while Jeff Garlett looked to be carrying something.
