Melbourne finals-bound for the first time in 12 years
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TODAY’S LINE-UP
SUNDAY SPORT from 12-2: Jimmy Bartel, Mark Robinson, and Daniel Harford.
FOOTY PREVIEW from 2-3.20: Matthew Richardson, Cameron Ling, Mick Warner, and Tim Lane.
MATCH CALL: Karl Langdon, Adam Papalia, Peter Sumich, and Luke McPharlin courtesy of 6PR in Perth.
Photo: Richard Wainwright / AAP
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FINALS BOUND
Melbourne will return to the finals in 2018!
It’s the first time since 2006 that the Dees will feature in September.
Even defeat in Round 23 would see the Demons through as ninth-placed Port Adelaide would need to catch up an impossible margin.
Melbourne star Angus Brayshaw told 6PR Football he’s particularly happy for stalwart Nathan Jones.
Jones has played 252 games since playing in the Demons’ last final, which was his eighth senior match.
“I love him that much,” Brayshaw said.
“He gives everything for the club and has done for 12 years.
“You won’t find a better bloke in footy who’s more committed and caring, and so invested.
“He could have left at any point, and people wouldn’t have begrudged him one bit.
“For us to pay him back, that really makes me happy.
“He deserves it.”
Click PLAY to hear from Brayshaw in the rooms
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THE BUILD-UP
Melbourne doesn’t have great memories of Perth.
Before beating the Eagles last year, the Demons had lost 17 matches in a row in the west.
But a new stadium could mean a new start for the Dees, and the points couldn’t be much more valuable today.
A win for Melbourne would all but about guarantee a finals appearance in 2018 due to their massive percentage.
But a win for West Coast would lock them into the Top 2 and seal two home finals for the Eagles.
It. Is. On.
BELOW: Follow live commentary highlights throughout the weekend.