The Sydney Swans have heated it up in Cairns running out 21 point winners over Melbourne at Cazaly's Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
The young Swans took a hit before the match with the withdrawal of Callum Mills and then trailed at quarter time, but a five-goal to zero second term turned the game on its head, giving John Longmire's side the momentum to run out 10.7 (67) to 6.10 (46) result.
Forward Justin McInerney was outstanding in just his seventh game, kicking two goals and setting up a Luke Parker major early in the last that effectively put the result beyond doubt.
The Demons were once again well served by Max Gawn who dominated the ruck, handing his midfielders plenty of the ball at stoppages, but the key forwards struggled with Mitch Brown and Sam Weideman kept to one goal between them.
With a four-day turnaround before facing Fremantle, and then clashes with fellow top-eight aspirants Greater Western Sydney and Essendon to round out the home and away season, Melbourne's finals hopes will go down to the wire.
Have the Swans found a key back for the future?
Tom McCartin's move to defence was initiated at half-time last week and continued from the outset against the Demons. And like he did in the second half against Port Adelaide's Charlie Dixon, the 20-year-old looks well and truly at home in defence. With Callum Mills (calf) a late out, the Swans threw his replacement Hayden McLean forward and kept McCartin in defence. While he was been used as a defender earlier in his career, it's a move John Longmire can consider as permanent.
Old stagers take it up to young bulls
Speaking pre-game, Swans forward Tom Papley identified the young Melbourne midfield as one of the best in the competition. With Christian Petracca in career-best form and supported by Jack Viney and Clayton Oliver it's easy to see why. But just a week after having the better of the Saints, the Demons midfield was shown up by Swans veterans Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy at the stoppages. Their bullocking presence allowed youngsters James Rowbottom, Justin McInerney and Nick Blakey to own the outside game.
Dees' fight for finals
After last week's win over St Kilda catapulted the Demons into eighth place, the loss to the Swans leaves their season delicately placed. Should they beat Fremantle off a four-day break on Monday night, Melbourne's season could well be decided in round 17 when they face fellow finals contenders Greater Western Sydney at the Gabba. Destiny is in their hands if they can go three-straight against Essendon to finish the year, provided they hold onto their percentage and the Western Bulldogs and Carlton don't come from the clouds.
SYDNEY 2.0 7.2 7.4 10.7 (67)
MELBOURNE 2.3 2.4 3.7 6.10 (46)
GOALS
Sydney: McInerney 2, Parker 2, McLean, Taylor, Hayward, Rowbottom, Wicks, Clarke
Melbourne: Brayshaw, Harmes, May, Neal-Bullen, Spargo, Brown
