AFL 2024 round one LIVE updates: Melbourne v Western Bulldogs

THREE POINTS MELBOURNE OUTCLASS BULLDOGS

“Clarry” off to a hot start

Anyone fading Melbourne’s premiership hopes based on queries about closely scrutinised star Clayton Oliver might be second-guessing themselves.

The triple All-Australian and four-time Demons best-and-fairest winner spent time away from the club during the summer to focus on his mental health after a turbulent period.

There was uncertainty about whether Melbourne would pick Oliver for round zero after he spent time at the lower level regaining match fitness in the pre-season matches.

They not only selected the brilliant midfielder but he responded with an equal team-high 30 disposals and six clearances against Sydney, and backed that up with another prolific performance on Sunday.

Oliver was outstanding in the 45-point win over the Dogs, gathering 35 disposals and six clearances, and helping turn the match in the Demons’ favour after his side’s slow start.

Ex-Saint Jack Billings warrants a mention, too, after compiling 23 touches, 15 marks, 10 score involvements and kicking a goal.

Selection dilemmas galore

Melbourne experimented at both ends for much of last season, trying to find their ideal fit, and it seems like they will be in a similar situation again in 2024.

Veterans Tom McDonald and Ben Brown were among five inclusions as replacements for Adam Tomlinson and Josh Schache. McDonald was back in defence – his best path to senior football after falling behind other forward options – and spent time on all of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Aaron Naughton and Rory Lobb.

Brown kicked two goals without being a significant factor, while Jacob van Rooyen spelled skipper Max Gawn in the ruck.

Medium-sized intercept defender Marty Hore also earned a call-up in his second stint in red and blue.

Swingman Harry Petty (toe) made it through unscathed in a three-quarter hit-out in a VFL practice match on Saturday and is likely to return as a forward once he is ready.

It will be interesting to see where recruit Shane McAdam sits once he is fit, with Kade Chandler (three goals) doing his best to cement his spot.

Daniel made to wait

Coach Luke Beveridge raised eyebrows – not for the first time – by naming All-Australian Caleb Daniel as the substitute, on top of leaving Sam Darcy out.

Rory Lobb was preferred to the promising 20-year-old son of club great Luke as the complementary piece in attack, alongside figureheads Aaron Naughton and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

However, it was the Daniel call that was most surprising.

Daniel eventually came on just before time-on in the third quarter, subbed in for top-five draftee Ryley Sanders after the debutant’s fourth turnover cost his team a goal.
Jack Macrae (hamstring) played in a VFL practice game instead of coming straight into the AFL side, but should return next week.

Defenders Buku Khamis and Liam Jones were among the few bright spots, but Beveridge started Lobb in the ruck in the second half after Tim English struggled against Gawn.

Newcomer Lachie Bramble showed plenty in his club debut, but ex-Demon James Harmes had minimal impact against his old side.