Demons dominate ‘Pies in AFL

Melbourne have killed off Collingwood’s faint AFL finals hopes with a commanding Queens Birthday win at the MCG.

Onballer Bernie Vince starred with 42 possessions, ruckman Max Gawn continued his great season and key forward Jesse Hogan kicked three goals as the Demons won 16.8 (104) to 8.10 (58).

Gawn, who kicked three goals and had 31 hitouts, won the Neale Daniher Trophy as best afield.

After 11 games without a win against the Magpies, Melbourne have won their last three clashes.

Melbourne also beat Collingwood in round four by 35 points.

While the Demons improved to a 6-6 record and lurk just outside the top eight, Collingwood are off the pace at 4-8 in a season where they started with legitimate finals aspirations.

Melbourne started strongly and had the Magpies under pressure for most of the game, but the door was slightly ajar at three-quarter time.

The Demons had 86 more possessions and should have been further in front than 31 points.

When Brodie Grundy kicked a goal in the first minute of the last quarter, Collingwood were almost back in the game.

But Melbourne’s response was immediate and conclusive – a five-goal burst that killed off the game.

Jack Watts kicked two of them, seven years after the Collingwood defence monstered him when the No.1 draft pick made his debut on Queens Birthday as a teenager.

After withstanding Melbourne’s strong start, Collingwood led by two goals early in the second term.

But the Demons went on a six-goal spree that gave them a 26-point lead at the main break.

Vince and Gawn were obvious standouts for the Demons, while Tomas Bugg impressed with a crucial shut down role on Magpies midfielder Steele Sidebottom.

Captain Scott Pendlebury was Collingwood’s best with 26 disposals.

Collingwood will lick their wounds with a bye next weekend, as the Demons face a big test against premiership contenders Sydney on Sunday at the MCG.

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