On March 16, 2025, the Melbourne Demons faced off against GWS at the MCG, starting the AFL season under drenched conditions. The much-anticipated match saw the Demons confront early adversity as key defender Steven May was ruled out shortly before the game due to a fractured larynx. May suffered this injury during training at Casey Fields just days prior, leaving Melbourne without one of its stalwart players. Tom McDonald stepped up to replace him, with debutant Harvey Langford being named as the sub for the match.
Despite the challenge of losing May, the Demons displayed resilience throughout the game. The contest was tightly contested, with Melbourne striving to secure their first victory of the season. The Giants had recently achieved convincing success, having decisively defeated Collingwood by 52 points the week before. Yet, Melbourne was determined to make their mark.
The match witnessed dramatic moments and shifts of momentum. Lachie Keeffe's late-game heroics saw him kick the decisive goal with just under one minute left, leading GWS to finally edge past the Demons with only three points to spare. This decisive moment came after Demons debutant Aidan Johnson missed the chance to seal victory seconds earlier by steering his shot wide after marking against Harry Himmelberg.
Both teams exhibited rolls of offensive power; GWS managed to quickly find their rhythm, converting early pressure to establish momentum. They fired three consecutive goals at the start of the first quarter, but Melbourne answered back, demonstrating their trademark fighting spirit by scoring four goals around quarter-time, taking advantage of their chances.
Finn Callaghan shone again for the Giants, amassing 31 disposals following his impressive performance last round. Teaming up with him was Tom Greene, who contributed significantly with 35 touches. For Melbourne, the ever-reliable Christian Petracca led the charge, amassing 27 disposals and netting two goals - solidifying his role as the team's linchpin even amid defeat.
Another standout player for the Demons was first-round draftee Xavier Lindsay, who made his debut with composure, accumulating 22 disposals and managing to hit nearly every target he aimed for. His contribution, along with fellow debutant Matt Jefferson, who scored two goals, demonstrated Melbourne’s commitment to integrating fresh talent.
The turning point came when Keeffe found space and received the ball from Callan Ward, before calmly slotting the goal from about 40 meters out, which left Demons fans stunned. Quality play from Stephen Coniglio, who netted three goals for GWS, framed their attacking approach and supported Keeffe's match-winner.
Melbourne's defense faced mounting pressure without May, and the loss was felt acutely, especially as they tried to hold back GWS's offensive onslaught. The game was challenging for the Demons, whose midfield faced extensive pressure from the Giants, particularly during rapid transitions as GWS looked to capitalize on any defensive lapses.
GWS's strategy relied heavily on pouncing on Melbourne’s mistakes, and they achieved this through fluid movement and sharp passes, effectively exploiting the wet conditions for maximum gain. This nagging pressure forced several turnovers from the Demons which the Giants swiftly converted to scoreboard points.
While Melbourne was left disappointed, they still took solace from some impressive individual performances, particularly from veteran players like Jack Viney and their young guns who are shaping the foundation of their future. Coach Simon Goodwin acknowledged the tough match but was optimistic about the team's potential based on their on-field execution and moments of brilliance throughout the game.
Outside this primary match, other results around the league drew attention, especially St Kilda's difficult start to the season. The Saints were thrashed by Adelaide with a gruesome 63-point margin, which led to coach Ross Lyon promising improvements moving forward. Lyon noted, “We lacked composure with our ball use, and the Crows bounced out pretty quick,” marking the need for decisive changes as the team prepares for future challenges.
With Melbourne facing Geelong next, as well as St Kilda lining up for their upcoming match, tensions will run high as teams seek to rebound from their opening week performances. All eyes will remain on the AFL for the anticipated matchups and players to watch as the season progresses, emphasizing the importance of every game as teams vie for early position.