AFL LIVE: Gawn and Jackson go head-to-head as Demons test finals form against the Dockers

1.38pmA Mason Cox howler By Oh no, the big American has gifted Melbourne a goal and the Dees have hit the front.That is a howler from Mason Cox. An absolute shocker. He had the ball deep in Fremantle’s defence and decided to switch play with a short kick. But alert Dee Bailey Laurie pounced. He intercepted the poor Cox kick and then ran into an open goal. That’s Laurie’s second for the gameMelbourne trailed by 18 points before nailing four goals in succession - two to Laurie, one to Kade Chandler and another to Kozzie Pickett. The Dees lead 5.1 (31) to 4.1 (25) first term.1.29pmDanger signs for DemonsBy Fremantle have asserted an early authority at the MCG, stretching out to a three-goal lead.Scores were level at seven-points apiece before Isaiah Dudley slotted home a check-side punt, Patrick Voss booted his second of the quarter and then Jye Amiss marked and goaled.Two big problems here for the Dees: they are losing the midfield battle, and their backs can’t keep pace with the potent Dockers forward line.Dockers 4.1 (25) lead the Demons 1.1 (7) in the first term.1.23pmDemons take early leadBy We are five minutes into this MCG clash, and the Demons have taken the narrowest of leads - one point.The Dockers showed they were not overawed by coming to Melbourne and setting foot on the MCG when forward Patrick Voss marked and goaled to open the ledger.The Demons quickly replied through Tom Sparrow, who nailed a major on the run, and then took the lead when Bailey Fritsch hit the post from a set shot.1.14pmAll-Australian ruck battleBy All eyes will be on Max Gawn and Luke Jackson as play starts at the MCG.This battle could decide the outcome of the clash between Melbourne and Fremantle, as well as the All-Australian ruck slot.Gawn is a more dominant tap ruckman, while Jackson can do a lot of damage around the ground. Bring it on.1.08pmFooty takes centre stage. Sort ofBy Danny RussellFor footy fans who like to stay away from politics and integrity issues, the MCG clash between ladder leader Fremantle and top four contender Melbourne can’t start quick enough.But, it is impossible to ignore the massive story that has unfolded about Geelong this week, involving a secret concussion clause it had entered into with player Jake Kolodjashnij. AFL chairman Craig Drummond.Eamon GallagherWhile Geelong has since scrapped the agreement, the club’s former president and now AFL chairman Craig Drummond was forced to release a statement this morning. It said:“I was President of the Geelong Football Club in 2024. This was an extremely complex and sensitive matter, and obligations to both the player and the Club were very carefully considered by the Geelong board.1.01pmHow they line upBy Key defender Daniel Turner is a massíve inclusion for Melbourne today against a potent Fremantle forward line.MELBOURNEB: J.Bowey, J.Lever, D.TurnerHB: C.Jiath, C.Salem, T.RiversC: H.Sharp, T.Sparrow, H.LangfordHF: K.Pickett, B.Fritsch, E.LangdonF: M.Jefferson, J.van Rooyen, B.LaurieR: M.Gawn, J.Steele, C.WindsorI/C: K.Tholstrup, T.McDonald, H.Petty, K.Chandler, J.FitzgeraldEMG: X.Taylor, M.Heath, P.CrossIN: D.Turner, K.ChandlerOUT: B.Howes (injured), P.Cross (omitted)FREMANTLEB: O.McDonald, B.Cox, H.ChapmanHB: J.Clark, L.Ryan, K.WornerC: M.Johnson, A.Brayshaw, M.FrederickHF: M.Reid, S.Bolton, S.SwitkowskiF: P.Voss, J.Amiss, J.TreacyR: L.Jackson, C.Serong, H.YoungI/C: I.Dudley, M.Cox, N.Erasmus, N.O’Driscoll, J.McVeeEMG: H.Davies, T.Murray, C.ScerriIN: B.CoxOUT: A.Pearce (managed)12.59pmGood afternoon folksBy Welcome to a bumper day of AFL round 22 footy.My name is Danny Russell, and I’m perched in the stands at the MCG to cover the game’s first clash - between Melbourne and Fremantle, starting at 1.15pm.We hope you enjoy our coverage.1 of 1