# 2017 Melbourne Football Club season

The 2017 Melbourne Football Club season was the club's 118th year in the VFL/AFL since it began in 1897.

## Senior personnel

Simon Goodwin entered his first season as senior coach after taking over from departed coach, Paul Roos, as part of the succession plan. A restructure in the player development area saw the head of development, Brett Allison leave the club with the club electing not to renew his contract; former Geelong player and Essendon assistant coach, Matthew Egan was hired in September 2016 as the replacement for Allison. Former Port Adelaide and Richmond player, Troy Chaplin joined the club in a newly created role, the offensive coordinator, in his first year as an assistant coach after he retired during the 2016 season. The club secured two-time Geelong premiership player and former Geelong and Gold Coast development coach, Max Rooke as a development coach in November 2016. Glen Bartlett will continue in his role as club president, a role he has held since August 2013. Chief Executive Officer, Peter Jackson, will continue with the club after signing a contract extension to the end of the 2018 season.

## Fixture summary

After having a home game at Etihad Stadium every season since 2011, the club didn't have to play a home match at Etihad in 2017, which drew pleasure from both the club and fans alike. The team played its first seven matches in Victoria and then travelled to Adelaide to play Adelaide at Adelaide Oval in round eight; the final three matches of the season were played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against non-finalists in 2016. The club again hosted Collingwood in the annual Queen's Birthday clash in round twelve and played Richmond in the Anzac Day eve match in round five; due to an ongoing sponsorship with Tourism NT, the club hosted two matches in the Northern Territory, the first was against Gold Coast at TIO Traeger Park in round ten and the second was at TIO Stadium against Adelaide in round seventeen. The club played its first Friday night match since the 2015 season and the second in total since the 2012 season, when they hosted Sydney at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in round fifteen. The club had the equal-most six day breaks with eight in total, including two back-to-back from rounds thirteen to fifteen.
In addition to the Friday night match, the club played eleven Saturday matches (five afternoons, three twilights, and three nights), eight Sunday matches (all afternoon matches) and two Monday matches (one afternoon and one night). Nine matches were broadcast on free-to-air on the Seven Network and thirteen were broadcast on pay TV on Fox Footy. The teams the club played twice were Adelaide, Carlton, Collingwood, North Melbourne and St Kilda, with Adelaide and North Melbourne the only teams finishing in the top eight in 2016. With the off-season recruitment of Hawthorn player, Jordan Lewis, both AFL Media and the Herald Sun noted the round seven match against Hawthorn as the "match to watch" for Melbourne's season. Analysis by Champion Data ranked the fixture difficulty as the eighth hardest out of the eighteen teams.

## 2017 list changes
### 2016 trades

| Date | Trade gained | Traded from | Trade lost |
| 18 October | Jordan Lewis Pick 57 Pick 68 | Hawthorn | Pick 48 Pick 66 |
| 19 October | Michael Hibberd Pick 59 | Essendon | Pick 29 Pick 68 |
| 20 October | Pat McKenna Pick 51 Pick 69 | Greater Western Sydney | Pick 57 Pick 59 |
| 20 October | Pick 47 | Collingwood | Lynden Dunn Pick 51 |

### Retirements and delistings

| Player | New club | League | Reason | Career games | Career goals |
| Chris Dawes | Sorrento | MPNFL | Delisted | 121 | 130 |
| Jack Grimes | Hurstbridge | NFL | Delisted | 100 | 11 |
| Matt Jones | South Croydon | EFL | Delisted | 61 | 10 |
| Max King | South Croydon | EFL | Delisted | 0 | 0 |
| Viv Michie | Collegians | VAFA | Delisted | 22 | 1 |
| Ben Newton | focusing on knee rehab in 2017, planning to play in 2018 | focusing on knee rehab in 2017, planning to play in 2018 | Delisted | 17 | 12 |
| Dean Terlich | Norwood | SANFL | Delisted | 35 | 2 |

### National draft

| Round | Overall pick | Player | State | Position | Team from | League from | Ref |
| 3 | 46 | Mitch Hannan | VIC | Utility | Footscray | VFL | |
| 4 | 68 | Dion Johnstone | VIC | Forward | Oakleigh Chargers | TAC Cup | |

### Rookie draft

| Round | Overall pick | Player | State | Position | Team from | League from |
| 1 | 8 | Lachlan Filipovic | VIC | Ruckman | Sandringham Dragons | TAC Cup |
| 2 | 25 | Tim Smith | VIC | Forward | Casey | VFL |
| 3 | 41 | Declan Keilty | VIC | Utility | Casey | VFL |

## 2017 season
### Pre-season
#### JLT Community Series
##### Week 1

| | Round 1 | Round 1 | Round 1 | | |
| Saturday, 18 February (4:40 pm) | Western Bulldogs | def. by | Melbourne | Whitten Oval (crowd: 7,581) | Report |
| | 0.2.0 (12) 1.6.3 (48) 1.8.4 (61) 2.9.14 (86) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 0.4.2 (26) 0.8.3 (51) 0.12.5 (77) 0.14.8 (92) | Umpires: Williamson, Dalgleish, Rosebury, Margetts Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Williamson, Dalgleish, Rosebury, Margetts Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Super goals: Cloke, Johannisen Dahlhaus 2, Hunter 2, Cloke, Dale, Lynch, Daniel, McLean | Super goals: Cloke, Johannisen Dahlhaus 2, Hunter 2, Cloke, Dale, Lynch, Daniel, McLean | Goals | Super goals: Nil Hogan 4, Weideman 2, Petracca, Gawn, Viney, Bugg, Jones, Neal-Bullen, Brayshaw, Garlett | Super goals: Nil Hogan 4, Weideman 2, Petracca, Gawn, Viney, Bugg, Jones, Neal-Bullen, Brayshaw, Garlett |
| Dahlhaus, Hunter, Liberatore, McLean, Cloke, Murphy | Dahlhaus, Hunter, Liberatore, McLean, Cloke, Murphy | Best | Hogan, Viney, Lewis, O. McDonald, Salem, Jones, Gawn | Hogan, Viney, Lewis, O. McDonald, Salem, Jones, Gawn |
| Roughead (right knee) | Roughead (right knee) | Injuries | Wagner (right ankle) | Wagner (right ankle) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |

##### Week 2

| | Round 2 | Round 2 | Round 2 | | |
| Saturday, 25 February (2:05 pm) | Melbourne | def. | Carlton | Casey Fields (crowd: 7,256) | Report |
| | 0.5.4 (34) 0.9.5 (59) 0.12.10 (82) 0.17.14 (116) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 0.1.2 (9) 0.3.5 (23) 0.7.6 (48) 0.9.8 (62) | Umpires: Schmitt, Ryan, McInerny, Glouftsis Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Schmitt, Ryan, McInerny, Glouftsis Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Petracca 4, Hogan 3, vandenBerg 2, Viney 2, Gawn 2, Salem 2, Neal-Bullen, Kennedy Harris | Petracca 4, Hogan 3, vandenBerg 2, Viney 2, Gawn 2, Salem 2, Neal-Bullen, Kennedy Harris | Goals | Casboult 2, Pickett 2, Weitering, Thomas, LeBois, C. Curnow, Cuningham | Casboult 2, Pickett 2, Weitering, Thomas, LeBois, C. Curnow, Cuningham |
| Petracca, Hogan, Viney, Jones, Gawn, Salem, Vince | Petracca, Hogan, Viney, Jones, Gawn, Salem, Vince | Best | Simpson, Gibbs, Marchbank, Kreuzer | Simpson, Gibbs, Marchbank, Kreuzer |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Gorringe (leg) | Gorringe (leg) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |

##### Week 3

| | Round 3 | Round 3 | Round 3 | | |
| Thursday, 9 March (5:50 pm) | West Coast | def. | Melbourne | Domain Stadium (crowd: 5,337) | Report |
| | 0.3.5 (23) 0.7.5 (47) 0.12.8 (80) 0.14.11 (95) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 0.2.2 (14) 0.6.3 (39) 0.8.5 (53) 1.9.7 (70) | Umpires: Haussen, Dalgleish, Kamolins, Adams Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Haussen, Dalgleish, Kamolins, Adams Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Super goals: Nil Kennedy 5, LeCras 2, Darling 2, Vardy 2, Priddis, Gaff, Hill | Super goals: Nil Kennedy 5, LeCras 2, Darling 2, Vardy 2, Priddis, Gaff, Hill | Goals | Super goals: Hunt Spencer 3, Hogan 2, Brayshaw, Jones, Salem, Viney | Super goals: Hunt Spencer 3, Hogan 2, Brayshaw, Jones, Salem, Viney |
| Mitchell, Masten, Gaff, Vardy, Kennedy, Wellingham, LeCras | Mitchell, Masten, Gaff, Vardy, Kennedy, Wellingham, LeCras | Best | Oliver, Hunt, Lewis, Spencer, Bugg, Salem | Oliver, Hunt, Lewis, Spencer, Bugg, Salem |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Nil | Nil |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |

### Home and away season
#### Round 1

| | Round 1 | Round 1 | Round 1 | | |
| Saturday, 25 March (4:35 pm) | St Kilda | def. by | Melbourne | Etihad Stadium (crowd: 36,249) | Report |
| | 6.2 (38) 7.8 (50) 9.9 (63) 13.12 (90) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 2.3 (15) 9.4 (58) 15.7 (97) 18.12 (120) | Umpires: Chamberlain, Fleer, Ryan Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Chamberlain, Fleer, Ryan Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Riewoldt 5, Gresham 3, Billings, Armitage, Membrey, Lonie, Dunstan, Bruce | Riewoldt 5, Gresham 3, Billings, Armitage, Membrey, Lonie, Dunstan, Bruce | Goals | Garlett 3, Hogan 3, Hannan 2, Petracca 2, Stretch, Watts, Weideman, Jetta, Vince, Neal-Bullen, Brayshaw, Jones | Garlett 3, Hogan 3, Hannan 2, Petracca 2, Stretch, Watts, Weideman, Jetta, Vince, Neal-Bullen, Brayshaw, Jones |
| Riewoldt, Gresham, Billings, Steven, Steele | Riewoldt, Gresham, Billings, Steven, Steele | Best | Oliver, Lewis, Gawn, Jones, Vince, Hogan, Jetta, Garlett | Oliver, Lewis, Gawn, Jones, Vince, Hogan, Jetta, Garlett |
| McCartin (hamstring tightness) replaced in selected side by Lonie, Riewoldt (knee) | McCartin (hamstring tightness) replaced in selected side by Lonie, Riewoldt (knee) | Injuries | J. Smith (shoulder), Gawn (back) | J. Smith (shoulder), Gawn (back) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Debut(s): Mitch Hannan, Joel Smith Debut(s) for MFC: Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn), Jake Melksham (Essendon) Milestone(s): Mitch Hannan (1st AFL goal) Brownlow votes: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne) 3 votes, Nathan Jones (Melbourne) 2 votes, Max Gawn (Melbourne) 1 vote Record: 1 win, 0 losses, 0 draws (133.33%) Ladder position: 6th ||||||

#### Round 2

| | Round 2 | Round 2 | Round 2 | | |
| Sunday, 2 April (3:20 pm) | Melbourne | def. | Carlton | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 46,727) | Report |
| | 3.2 (20) 6.4 (40) 7.5 (47) 13.8 (86) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 2.2 (14) 4.6 (30) 7.8 (50) 9.10 (60) | Umpires: Dalgleish, Meredith, Williamson Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Dalgleish, Meredith, Williamson Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Garlett 3, Watts 2, Weideman 2, Jones 2, Salem, Gawn, Petracca, Tyson | Garlett 3, Watts 2, Weideman 2, Jones 2, Salem, Gawn, Petracca, Tyson | Goals | Wright 3, Casboult, E. Curnow, Murphy, Armfield, Petrevski-Seton, Pickett | Wright 3, Casboult, E. Curnow, Murphy, Armfield, Petrevski-Seton, Pickett |
| Salem, Tyson, Oliver, Watts, Garlett, Jones, Harmes | Salem, Tyson, Oliver, Watts, Garlett, Jones, Harmes | Best | Wright, Murphy, Cripps, Docherty, Gibbs, E. Curnow | Wright, Murphy, Cripps, Docherty, Gibbs, E. Curnow |
| Brayshaw (cut eye) | Brayshaw (cut eye) | Injuries | Thomas (right knee), Silvagni (corked thigh and ankle) | Thomas (right knee), Silvagni (corked thigh and ankle) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Brownlow votes: Christian Salem (Melbourne) 3 votes, Dom Tyson (Melbourne) 2 votes, Clayton Oliver (Melbourne) 1 vote Record: 2 wins, 0 losses, 0 draws (133.77%) Ladder position: 4th ||||||

#### Round 3

| | Round 3 | Round 3 | Round 3 | | |
| Saturday, 8 April (4:35 pm) | Geelong | def. | Melbourne | Etihad Stadium (crowd: 29,733) | Report |
| | 5.2 (32) 9.2 (56) 14.2 (86) 20.6 (126) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 2.4 (14) 7.11 (53) 12.17 (89) 13.19 (97) | Umpires: Hosking, Ryan, Mollison Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Hosking, Ryan, Mollison Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Hawkins 5, Menzel 4, Dangerfield 3, Blicavs 2, Motlop 2, McCarthy, J. Selwood, Smith, Parfitt | Hawkins 5, Menzel 4, Dangerfield 3, Blicavs 2, Motlop 2, McCarthy, J. Selwood, Smith, Parfitt | Goals | Kent 2, Watts 2, Petracca, T. Smith, Stretch, Hunt, Garlett, Neal-Bullen, Jetta, Hannan, Harmes | Kent 2, Watts 2, Petracca, T. Smith, Stretch, Hunt, Garlett, Neal-Bullen, Jetta, Hannan, Harmes |
| J. Selwood, Dangerfield, Menzel, Hawkins, Blicavs, Ruggles, Parfitt | J. Selwood, Dangerfield, Menzel, Hawkins, Blicavs, Ruggles, Parfitt | Best | Jones, Hunt, Watts, Viney, Stretch, Neal-Bullen, Kent | Jones, Hunt, Watts, Viney, Stretch, Neal-Bullen, Kent |
| J. Selwood (cut head), Hawkins (corked quad) | J. Selwood (cut head), Hawkins (corked quad) | Injuries | Gawn (hamstring), Kent (cut head) | Gawn (hamstring), Kent (cut head) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Debut(s): Tim Smith Milestone(s): Tim Smith (1st AFL goal) Brownlow votes: Joel Selwood (Geelong) 3 votes, Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong) 2 votes, Jack Watts (Melbourne) 1 vote Record: 2 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws (108.21%) Ladder position: 8th ||||||

#### Round 4

| | Round 4 | Round 4 | Round 4 | | |
| Saturday, 15 April (1:45 pm) | Melbourne | def. by | Fremantle | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 27,829) | Report |
| | 2.5 (17) 9.7 (61) 9.10 (64) 15.14 (104) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 3.2 (20) 6.4 (40) 13.8 (86) 16.10 (106) | Umpires: Stevic, Harris, Mitchell Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Stevic, Harris, Mitchell Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Garlett 3, Harmes 2, Spencer 2, Petracca 2, Watts 2, Kent, Neal-Bullen, Salem, Viney | Garlett 3, Harmes 2, Spencer 2, Petracca 2, Watts 2, Kent, Neal-Bullen, Salem, Viney | Goals | Neale 4, Mundy 3, McCarthy 2, Kersten, Fyfe, Balic, Walters, Crozier, S. Hill, Grey | Neale 4, Mundy 3, McCarthy 2, Kersten, Fyfe, Balic, Walters, Crozier, S. Hill, Grey |
| Oliver, Tyson, Petracca, Garlett, Watts, Harmes | Oliver, Tyson, Petracca, Garlett, Watts, Harmes | Best | Mundy, Sandilands, Fyfe, Weller, Neale, S. Hill | Mundy, Sandilands, Fyfe, Weller, Neale, S. Hill |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | S. Hill (corked thigh), Langdon (migraine) | S. Hill (corked thigh), Langdon (migraine) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Milestone(s): Jeff Garlett (150th AFL game) Brownlow votes: Lachie Neale (Fremantle) 3 votes, Nat Fyfe (Fremantle) 2 votes, David Mundy (Fremantle) 1 vote Record: 2 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws (105.44%) Ladder position: 8th ||||||

#### Round 5

| | Round 5 | Round 5 | Round 5 | | |
| Monday, 24 April (7:25 pm) | Richmond | def. | Melbourne | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 85,657) | Report |
| | 3.1 (19) 6.6 (42) 7.11 (53) 12.16 (88) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 3.4 (22) 7.6 (48) 11.7 (73) 11.9 (75) | Umpires: Donlon, Fisher, Stevic Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Donlon, Fisher, Stevic Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Riewoldt 6, Castagna, Butler, Grigg, Rioli, Martin, Caddy | Riewoldt 6, Castagna, Butler, Grigg, Rioli, Martin, Caddy | Goals | Hogan 3, Garlett 2, T. McDonald, Watts, Petracca, Salem, Hibberd, Hunt | Hogan 3, Garlett 2, T. McDonald, Watts, Petracca, Salem, Hibberd, Hunt |
| Riewoldt, Nankervis, Martin, Houli, Grigg, Caddy, Cotchin | Riewoldt, Nankervis, Martin, Houli, Grigg, Caddy, Cotchin | Best | Oliver, Hibberd, Hunt, Jones, Frost, Petracca | Oliver, Hibberd, Hunt, Jones, Frost, Petracca |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Petracca (knee), Spencer (shoulder/knee), T. Smith (ribs), Viney (knee) | Petracca (knee), Spencer (shoulder/knee), T. Smith (ribs), Viney (knee) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Debut(s) for MFC: Michael Hibberd (Essendon) Brownlow votes: Jack Riewoldt (Richmond) 3 votes, Toby Nankervis (Richmond) 2 votes, Dustin Martin (Richmond) 1 vote Record: 2 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws (101.69%) Ladder position: 10th ||||||

#### Round 6

| | Round 6 | Round 6 | Round 6 | | |
| Sunday, 30 April (1:10 pm) | Essendon | def. by | Melbourne | Etihad Stadium (crowd: 44,040) | Report |
| | 2.2 (14) 4.8 (32) 6.12 (48) 10.14 (74) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 2.4 (16) 4.6 (30) 12.9 (81) 17.10 (112) | Umpires: Haussen, Nicholls, Hay Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Haussen, Nicholls, Hay Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Fantasia 2, Hooker 2, Parish, McGrath, Daniher, McDonald-Tipungwuti, Colyer, Bellchambers | Fantasia 2, Hooker 2, Parish, McGrath, Daniher, McDonald-Tipungwuti, Colyer, Bellchambers | Goals | Petracca 4, Watts 4, Hannan 3, Garlett 3, T. McDonald, Pedersen, Lewis | Petracca 4, Watts 4, Hannan 3, Garlett 3, T. McDonald, Pedersen, Lewis |
| Goddard, Hurley, Z. Merrett, McGrath, Gleeson | Goddard, Hurley, Z. Merrett, McGrath, Gleeson | Best | T. McDonald, Petracca, Lewis, Oliver, Hibberd, Pedersen | T. McDonald, Petracca, Lewis, Oliver, Hibberd, Pedersen |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Nil | Nil |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Milestone(s): Neville Jetta (100th AFL game) Brownlow votes: Tom McDonald (Melbourne) 3 votes, Jordan Lewis (Melbourne) 2 votes, Clayton Oliver (Melbourne) 1 vote Record: 3 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws (108.39%) Ladder position: 8th ||||||

#### Round 7

| | Round 7 | Round 7 | Round 7 | | |
| Sunday, 7 May (3:20 pm) | Melbourne | def. by | Hawthorn | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 38,693) | Report |
| | 1.1 (7) 4.2 (26) 11.6 (72) 14.7 (91) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 5.4 (34) 8.7 (57) 11.7 (73) 14.10 (94) | Umpires: Kamolins, Ryan, Jeffery Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Kamolins, Ryan, Jeffery Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Garlett 3, Hogan 3, Hunt 2, Lewis 2, Pedersen, Viney, Jones, Watts | Garlett 3, Hogan 3, Hunt 2, Lewis 2, Pedersen, Viney, Jones, Watts | Goals | Roughead 4, McEvoy 2, Gunston 2, O'Brien 2, Breust, Langford, Burgoyne, Smith | Roughead 4, McEvoy 2, Gunston 2, O'Brien 2, Breust, Langford, Burgoyne, Smith |
| Viney, Lewis, Frost, Oliver, Jones, Hibberd, Hogan | Viney, Lewis, Frost, Oliver, Jones, Hibberd, Hogan | Best | McEvoy, Burgoyne, Roughead, Mitchell, Langford, O'Brien, Hardwick | McEvoy, Burgoyne, Roughead, Mitchell, Langford, O'Brien, Hardwick |
| Hunt (left shoulder) | Hunt (left shoulder) | Injuries | O'Meara (knee soreness) replaced in selected side by Langford, Birchall (right knee) | O'Meara (knee soreness) replaced in selected side by Langford, Birchall (right knee) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Brownlow votes: Jack Viney (Melbourne) 3 votes, Ben McEvoy (Hawthorn) 2 votes, Tom Mitchell (Hawthorn) 1 vote Record: 3 wins, 4 losses, 0 draws (106.70%) Ladder position: 10th ||||||

#### Round 8

| | Round 8 | Round 8 | Round 8 | | |
| Saturday, 13 May (7:10 pm) | Adelaide | def. by | Melbourne | Adelaide Oval (crowd: 47,882) | Report |
| | 1.4 (8) 6.7 (43) 7.8 (50) 9.12 (66) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 2.2 (14) 5.3 (33) 12.5 (89) 17.5 (107) | Umpires: Kamolins, Fleer, Hundertmark, Ryan Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Kamolins, Fleer, Hundertmark, Ryan Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Walker 2, Betts 2, Jenkins 2, Laird, Atkins, Smith | Walker 2, Betts 2, Jenkins 2, Laird, Atkins, Smith | Goals | Pedersen 3, T. McDonald 2, Bugg 2, Jones 2, Garlett 2, Kent 2, Viney, Oliver, Petracca, Hannan | Pedersen 3, T. McDonald 2, Bugg 2, Jones 2, Garlett 2, Kent 2, Viney, Oliver, Petracca, Hannan |
| Laird, Jacobs, Atkins | Laird, Jacobs, Atkins | Best | Viney, T. McDonald, Salem, Oliver, Vince, Petracca, Jones, Hibberd | Viney, T. McDonald, Salem, Oliver, Vince, Petracca, Jones, Hibberd |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Hunt (concussion) | Hunt (concussion) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Milestone(s): Bernie Vince (200th AFL game) Brownlow votes: Jack Viney (Melbourne) 3 votes, Tom McDonald (Melbourne) 2 votes, Clayton Oliver (Melbourne) 1 vote Record: 4 wins, 4 losses, 0 draws (111.86%) Ladder position: 10th ||||||

#### Round 9

| | Round 9 | Round 9 | Round 9 | | |
| Sunday, 21 May (3:20 pm) | Melbourne | def. by | North Melbourne | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 33,218) | Report |
| | 2.5 (17) 8.7 (55) 9.9 (63) 13.12 (90) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 6.7 (37) 8.9 (57) 12.13 (85) 15.14 (104) | Umpires: Nicholls, Hosking, Hay Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Nicholls, Hosking, Hay Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Hannan 3, Pedersen 2, Jones, Viney, Frost, Jetta, Oliver, Salem, Lewis, Kent | Hannan 3, Pedersen 2, Jones, Viney, Frost, Jetta, Oliver, Salem, Lewis, Kent | Goals | Brown 5, Wood 3, Garner 2, Cunnington, Ziebell, M. Williams, Higgins, McDonald | Brown 5, Wood 3, Garner 2, Cunnington, Ziebell, M. Williams, Higgins, McDonald |
| Hibberd, Tyson, T. McDonald, Jones, Hannan | Hibberd, Tyson, T. McDonald, Jones, Hannan | Best | Brown, Cunnington, Turner, Goldstein, Thompson, Tarrant | Brown, Cunnington, Turner, Goldstein, Thompson, Tarrant |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Cunnington (ankle/knee) | Cunnington (ankle/knee) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Brownlow votes: Ben Brown (North Melbourne) 3 votes, Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne) 2 votes, Michael Hibberd (Melbourne) 1 vote Record: 4 wins, 5 losses, 0 draws (108.62%) Ladder position: 11th ||||||

#### Round 10

| | Round 10 | Round 10 | Round 10 | | |
| Saturday, 27 May (4:35 pm) | Melbourne | def. | Gold Coast | TIO Traeger Park (crowd: 5,072) | Report |
| | 2.1 (13) 4.8 (32) 9.10 (64) 18.14 (122) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 4.5 (29) 7.7 (49) 9.8 (62) 13.9 (87) | Umpires: Williamson, Jeffery, Glouftsis Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Williamson, Jeffery, Glouftsis Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Garlett 5, Jones 3, Harmes 3, Hannan 3, Tyson, Petracca, Neal-Bullen, Watts | Garlett 5, Jones 3, Harmes 3, Hannan 3, Tyson, Petracca, Neal-Bullen, Watts | Goals | Matera 3, Lynch 2, Wright 2, Barlow 2, Sexton, Lemmens, Kolodjashnij, Hall | Matera 3, Lynch 2, Wright 2, Barlow 2, Sexton, Lemmens, Kolodjashnij, Hall |
| Oliver, Jones, Hibberd, Lewis, Garlett, Melksham | Oliver, Jones, Hibberd, Lewis, Garlett, Melksham | Best | Hall, Swallow, Kolodjashnij, Leslie, Matera | Hall, Swallow, Kolodjashnij, Leslie, Matera |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Nil | Nil |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Milestone(s): Cameron Pedersen (50th MFC game) Brownlow votes: Nathan Jones (Melbourne) 3 votes, Jeff Garlett (Melbourne) 2 votes, Aaron Hall (Gold Coast) 1 vote Record: 5 wins, 5 losses, 0 draws (111.68%) Ladder position: 9th ||||||

#### Round 11

| Round 11 | Round 11 | Round 11 |
| Bye Melbourne | Bye Melbourne | Bye Melbourne |

#### Round 12

| | Round 12 | Round 12 | Round 12 | | |
| Monday, 12 June (3:20 pm) | Melbourne | def. | Collingwood | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 70,926) | Report |
| | 4.3 (21) 6.6 (42) 12.9 (81) 15.14 (104) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 3.2 (20) 10.5 (65) 12.8 (80) 15.10 (100) | Umpires: Rosebury, Stephens, Ryan, Mollison Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Rosebury, Stephens, Ryan, Mollison Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Petracca 3, Watts 3, Garlett 2, Bugg 2, T. McDonald, Harmes, Pedersen, Melksham, Hannan | Petracca 3, Watts 3, Garlett 2, Bugg 2, T. McDonald, Harmes, Pedersen, Melksham, Hannan | Goals | Greenwood 2, Sidebottom 2, Moore 2, Phillips 2, De Goey 2, Fasolo 2, Aish, Crocker, Treloar | Greenwood 2, Sidebottom 2, Moore 2, Phillips 2, De Goey 2, Fasolo 2, Aish, Crocker, Treloar |
| Petracca, Jones, Viney, Hibberd, Watts, Hunt, Garlett | Petracca, Jones, Viney, Hibberd, Watts, Hunt, Garlett | Best | Sidebottom, Grundy, Treloar, Howe, Maynard, Broomhead | Sidebottom, Grundy, Treloar, Howe, Maynard, Broomhead |
| Watts (hip) | Watts (hip) | Injuries | Nil | Nil |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Brownlow votes: Steele Sidebottom (Collingwood) 3 votes, Christian Petracca (Melbourne) 2 votes, Brodie Grundy (Collingwood) 1 vote Record: 6 wins, 5 losses, 0 draws (110.91%) Ladder position: 6th ||||||

#### Round 13

| | Round 13 | Round 13 | Round 13 | | |
| Sunday, 18 June (3:20 pm) | Western Bulldogs | def. by | Melbourne | Etihad Stadium (crowd: 33,667) | Report |
| | 0.1 (1) 3.3 (21) 6.5 (41) 8.8 (56) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 4.2 (26) 8.6 (54) 14.7 (91) 17.11 (113) | Umpires: Foot, Rosebury, Hosking, Findlay Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Foot, Rosebury, Hosking, Findlay Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Roughead, Bontempelli, Dickson, T. Boyd, Dahlhaus, Daniel, Picken, Liberatore | Roughead, Bontempelli, Dickson, T. Boyd, Dahlhaus, Daniel, Picken, Liberatore | Goals | Watts 3, Bugg 2, Garlett 2, Hannan 2, T. McDonald 2, Melksham, Petracca, Tyson, Salem, Harmes, Neal-Bullen | Watts 3, Bugg 2, Garlett 2, Hannan 2, T. McDonald 2, Melksham, Petracca, Tyson, Salem, Harmes, Neal-Bullen |
| Bontempelli, Hunter, Wallis, Liberatore, Daniel | Bontempelli, Hunter, Wallis, Liberatore, Daniel | Best | Hibberd, Oliver, Watts, T. McDonald, O. McDonald, Petracca, Garlett | Hibberd, Oliver, Watts, T. McDonald, O. McDonald, Petracca, Garlett |
| Jong (knee) | Jong (knee) | Injuries | Jones (quad), Watts (hamstring) | Jones (quad), Watts (hamstring) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Brownlow votes: Michael Hibberd (Melbourne) 3 votes, Tom McDonald (Melbourne) 2 votes, Oscar McDonald (Melbourne) 1 vote Record: 7 wins, 5 losses, 0 draws (115.73%) Ladder position: 5th ||||||

#### Round 14

| | Round 14 | Round 14 | Round 14 | | |
| Saturday, 24 June (5:40 pm) | West Coast | def. by | Melbourne | Domain Stadium (crowd: 36,622) | Report |
| | 2.5 5.7 11.10 14.12 (96) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 3.1 6.6 10.8 15.9 (99) | Umpires: Mitchell, Rosebury, Stephens Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Mitchell, Rosebury, Stephens Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Petrie 4, McGovern 3, Hutchings 2, Hill 2, Karpany, Gaff, Sheed | Petrie 4, McGovern 3, Hutchings 2, Hill 2, Karpany, Gaff, Sheed | Goals | T. McDonald 5, Neal-Bullen 2, Petracca, Stretch, Viney, Bugg, Harmes, Melksham, Hannan, Pedersen | T. McDonald 5, Neal-Bullen 2, Petracca, Stretch, Viney, Bugg, Harmes, Melksham, Hannan, Pedersen |
| Petrie, McGovern, Mitchell, Jetta, Sheed, Duggan, Vardy | Petrie, McGovern, Mitchell, Jetta, Sheed, Duggan, Vardy | Best | Viney, T. McDonald, Tyson, Lewis, Gawn, Pedersen, Oliver | Viney, T. McDonald, Tyson, Lewis, Gawn, Pedersen, Oliver |
| Hurn (chest) | Hurn (chest) | Injuries | Viney (shoulder) | Viney (shoulder) |
| Schofield (striking) | Schofield (striking) | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Milestones: Sam Frost (50th AFL game) Brownlow votes: Jack Viney (Melbourne) 3 votes, Tom McDonald (Melbourne) 2 votes, Dom Tyson (Melbourne) 1 vote Record: 8 wins, 5 losses, 0 draws (114.68%) Ladder position: 5th ||||||

#### Round 15

| | Round 15 | Round 15 | Round 15 | | |
| Friday, 30 June (7:50 pm) | Melbourne | def. by | Sydney | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 47,464) | Report |
| | 4.0 (24) 4.1 (25) 5.4 (34) 7.8 (50) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 1.8 (14) 5.15 (45) 8.16 (64) 11.19 (85) | Umpires: Fisher, Stevic, McInerney Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Fisher, Stevic, McInerney Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| T. McDonald 2, Petracca 2, Hannan, Hunt, Melksham | T. McDonald 2, Petracca 2, Hannan, Hunt, Melksham | Goals | Franklin 4, Papley 2, Parker, Heeney, K. Jack, Reid, Lloyd | Franklin 4, Papley 2, Parker, Heeney, K. Jack, Reid, Lloyd |
| Hibberd, Vince, T. McDonald, Tyson, Jetta | Hibberd, Vince, T. McDonald, Tyson, Jetta | Best | Parker, Kennedy, Lloyd, Jones, Franklin, Newman | Parker, Kennedy, Lloyd, Jones, Franklin, Newman |
| Viney (foot) | Viney (foot) | Injuries | Mills (concussion), Jones (cut head) | Mills (concussion), Jones (cut head) |
| Bugg (striking) | Bugg (striking) | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Brownlow votes: Luke Parker (Sydney) 3 votes, Lance Franklin (Sydney) 2 votes, Josh Kennedy (Sydney) 1 vote Record: 8 wins, 6 losses, 0 draws (110.84%) Ladder position: 6th ||||||

#### Round 16

| | Round 16 | Round 16 | Round 16 | | |
| Sunday, 9 July (3:20 pm) | Carlton | def. by | Melbourne | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 47,266) | Report |
| | 4.3 (27) 7.5 (47) 9.8 (62) 12.10 (82) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 1.2 (8) 7.4 (46) 11.5 (71) 14.6 (90) | Umpires: Deboy, Williamson, Ryan Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Deboy, Williamson, Ryan Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Silvagni 3, C. Curnow 2, Wright 2, Murphy 2, Casboult, Kreuzer, Petrevski-Seton | Silvagni 3, C. Curnow 2, Wright 2, Murphy 2, Casboult, Kreuzer, Petrevski-Seton | Goals | T. McDonald 4, Garlett 3, Wagner 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Melksham, Hogan, Lewis | T. McDonald 4, Garlett 3, Wagner 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Melksham, Hogan, Lewis |
| Kreuzer, Gibbs, Murphy, C. Curnow, Docherty, Casboult, Kerridge | Kreuzer, Gibbs, Murphy, C. Curnow, Docherty, Casboult, Kerridge | Best | T. McDonald, Oliver, Neal-Bullen, Jetta, Petracca, Frost, Lewis | T. McDonald, Oliver, Neal-Bullen, Jetta, Petracca, Frost, Lewis |
| Cripps (leg), White (knee) | Cripps (leg), White (knee) | Injuries | Nil | Nil |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Milestone(s): Josh Wagner (1st AFL goal) Brownlow votes: Kade Simpson (Carlton) 3 votes, Clayton Oliver (Melbourne) 2 votes, Marc Murphy (Carlton) 1 vote Record: 9 wins, 6 losses, 0 draws (110.77%) Ladder position: 5th ||||||

#### Round 17

| | Round 17 | Round 17 | Round 17 | | |
| Saturday, 15 July (7:10 pm) | Melbourne | def. by | Adelaide | TIO Stadium (crowd: 12,104) | Report |
| | 1.3 (9) 5.3 (33) 9.7 (61) 10.10 (70) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 7.2 (44) 11.6 (72) 12.11 (83) 17.14 (116) | Umpires: Donlon, Rosebury, Ryan Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Donlon, Rosebury, Ryan Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Melksham 3, Kent, Petracca, Neal-Bullen, Oliver, Gawn, Hunt, T. McDonald | Melksham 3, Kent, Petracca, Neal-Bullen, Oliver, Gawn, Hunt, T. McDonald | Goals | Walker 4, Lynch 3, Mackay 2, McGovern 2, Betts 2, Knight, B. Crouch, Jacobs, Jenkins | Walker 4, Lynch 3, Mackay 2, McGovern 2, Betts 2, Knight, B. Crouch, Jacobs, Jenkins |
| Hibberd, Vince, Lewis, Kennedy Harris, Hunt, Neal-Bullen | Hibberd, Vince, Lewis, Kennedy Harris, Hunt, Neal-Bullen | Best | B. Crouch, Walker, Lynch, Laird, M.Crouch, Cameron | B. Crouch, Walker, Lynch, Laird, M.Crouch, Cameron |
| Kent (shoulder) | Kent (shoulder) | Injuries | Sloane (concussion), Lever (hamstring) | Sloane (concussion), Lever (hamstring) |
| Vince (rough conduct) | Vince (rough conduct) | Reports | Walker (striking) | Walker (striking) |
| Brownlow votes: Tom Lynch (Adelaide) 3 votes, Rory Laird (Adelaide) 2 votes, Brad Crouch (Adelaide) 1 vote Record: 9 wins, 7 losses, 0 draws (106.69%) Ladder position: 7th ||||||

#### Round 18

| | Round 18 | Round 18 | Round 18 | | |
| Saturday, 22 July (2:10 pm) | Melbourne | def. | Port Adelaide | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 27,068) | Report |
| | 4.4 (28) 8.8 (56) 11.8 (74) 13.10 (88) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 0.3 (3) 3.6 (24) 6.10 (46) 9.11 (65) | Umpires: Donlon, Nicholls, Meredith Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Donlon, Nicholls, Meredith Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Hogan 3, Melksham 3, Garlett 2, Petracca 2, T. McDonald, Harmes, Hannan | Hogan 3, Melksham 3, Garlett 2, Petracca 2, T. McDonald, Harmes, Hannan | Goals | Boak 4, Westhoff 2, Trengove, Wingard, Dixon | Boak 4, Westhoff 2, Trengove, Wingard, Dixon |
| Hibberd, Tyson, Hogan, Hunt, Gawn, Viney, Jetta | Hibberd, Tyson, Hogan, Hunt, Gawn, Viney, Jetta | Best | R. Gray, Boak, Ebert, Powell-Pepper, Wines, S. Gray | R. Gray, Boak, Ebert, Powell-Pepper, Wines, S. Gray |
| Gawn (ankle) | Gawn (ankle) | Injuries | Wingard (ankle), Broadbent (leg) | Wingard (ankle), Broadbent (leg) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Milestone(s): Jack Watts (150th AFL game) Brownlow votes: Michael Hibberd (Melbourne) 3 votes, Travis Boak (Port Adelaide) 2 votes, Clayton Oliver (Melbourne) 1 vote Record: 10 wins, 7 losses, 0 draws (107.94%) Ladder position: 7th ||||||

#### Round 19

| | Round 19 | Round 19 | Round 19 | | |
| Saturday, 29 July (1:45 pm) | North Melbourne | def. | Melbourne | Blundstone Arena (crowd: 13,939) | Report |
| | 4.4 (28) 6.4 (40) 9.8 (62) 11.10 (76) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 2.0 (12) 8.5 (53) 8.8 (56) 10.12 (72) | Umpires: Fisher, Harris, Pannell Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Fisher, Harris, Pannell Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Brown 4, Simpkin 2, Waite, Swallow, McDonald, Thompson, Higgins | Brown 4, Simpkin 2, Waite, Swallow, McDonald, Thompson, Higgins | Goals | Garlett 3, Melksham 2, T. McDonald 2, Oliver, Hogan, Hunt | Garlett 3, Melksham 2, T. McDonald 2, Oliver, Hogan, Hunt |
| Brown, Higgins, McDonald, Swallow, Ziebell | Brown, Higgins, McDonald, Swallow, Ziebell | Best | Oliver, Gawn, Lewis, Garlett, Tyson | Oliver, Gawn, Lewis, Garlett, Tyson |
| Waite (calf) | Waite (calf) | Injuries | Hogan (collarbone) | Hogan (collarbone) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Brownlow votes: Clayton Oliver (Melbourne) 3 votes, Ben Brown (North Melbourne) 2 votes, Shaun Higgins (North Melbourne) 1 vote Record: 10 wins, 8 losses, 0 draws (107.30%) Ladder position: 7th ||||||

#### Round 20

| | Round 20 | Round 20 | Round 20 | | |
| Saturday, 5 August (1:45 pm) | Greater Western Sydney | def. | Melbourne | UNSW Canberra Oval (crowd: 14,274) | Report |
| | 8.6 (54) 10.7 (67) 13.12 (90) 14.13 (97) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 3.0 (18) 5.1 (31) 7.1 (43) 10.2 (62) | Umpires: Chamberlain, Williamson, Ryan Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Chamberlain, Williamson, Ryan Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Kelly 3, Johnson 2, Smith 2, Coniglio, Scully, Himmelberg, Shiel, Ward, Mumford, Deledio | Kelly 3, Johnson 2, Smith 2, Coniglio, Scully, Himmelberg, Shiel, Ward, Mumford, Deledio | Goals | Melksham 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Gawn, Tyson, T. McDonald, Pedersen, Watts, Maynard | Melksham 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Gawn, Tyson, T. McDonald, Pedersen, Watts, Maynard |
| Kelly, Ward, Coniglio, Scully, Shiel, Mumford, Williams | Kelly, Ward, Coniglio, Scully, Shiel, Mumford, Williams | Best | Gawn, Lewis, Oliver, Hibberd, Vince | Gawn, Lewis, Oliver, Hibberd, Vince |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Nil | Nil |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Debut(s): Corey Maynard Brownlow votes: Josh Kelly (Greater Western Sydney) 3 votes, Max Gawn (Melbourne) 2 votes, Callan Ward (Greater Western Sydney) 1 vote Record: 10 wins, 9 losses, 0 draws (104.78%) Ladder position: 10th ||||||

#### Round 21

| | Round 21 | Round 21 | Round 21 | | |
| Sunday, 13 August (1:10 pm) | Melbourne | def. | St Kilda | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 53,115) | Report |
| | 6.3 (39) 9.6 (60) 10.9 (69) 14.12 (96) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 1.1 (7) 4.4 (28) 8.11 (59) 10.12 (72) | Umpires: Stephen, Chamberlain, Ryan Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Stephen, Chamberlain, Ryan Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Harmes 3, Pedersen 2, Hannan 2, Melksham 2, Viney, Tyson, Gawn, Neal-Bullen, Garlett | Harmes 3, Pedersen 2, Hannan 2, Melksham 2, Viney, Tyson, Gawn, Neal-Bullen, Garlett | Goals | Dunstan 2, Membrey 2, Sinclair 2, Bruce, Billings, Weller, Webster | Dunstan 2, Membrey 2, Sinclair 2, Bruce, Billings, Weller, Webster |
| Jones, Pedersen, Oliver, Harmes, Brayshaw, Lewis | Jones, Pedersen, Oliver, Harmes, Brayshaw, Lewis | Best | Steven, Dunstan, Billings, Ross, Steele, Longer, Carlisle, Geary | Steven, Dunstan, Billings, Ross, Steele, Longer, Carlisle, Geary |
| O. McDonald (ribs) | O. McDonald (ribs) | Injuries | Stevens (concussion/ear), Billings (eye) | Stevens (concussion/ear), Billings (eye) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Brownlow votes: Cameron Pedersen (Melbourne) 3 votes, Nathan Jones (Melbourne) 2 votes, Jack Billings (St Kilda) 1 vote Record: 11 wins, 9 losses, 0 draws (105.96%) Ladder position: 7th ||||||

#### Round 22

| | Round 22 | Round 22 | Round 22 | | |
| Sunday, 20 August (1:10 pm) | Melbourne | def. | Brisbane Lions | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 30,422) | Report |
| | 3.3 (21) 6.6 (42) 11.8 (74) 16.8 (104) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 2.3 (15) 6.3 (39) 9.5 (59) 14.7 (91) | Umpires: Rosebury, Gavine, Mollison Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Rosebury, Gavine, Mollison Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Hogan 6, Pedersen 3, Garlett 2, Melksham, Vince, Petracca, Harmes, Brayshaw | Hogan 6, Pedersen 3, Garlett 2, Melksham, Vince, Petracca, Harmes, Brayshaw | Goals | D. Beams 3, Rockliff 2, Gardiner, Zorko, Hipwood, Barrett, Bastinac, Allison, Close, Walker, McCluggage | D. Beams 3, Rockliff 2, Gardiner, Zorko, Hipwood, Barrett, Bastinac, Allison, Close, Walker, McCluggage |
| Hogan, Pedersen, Petracca, Jones, Oliver, Hibberd, Melksham | Hogan, Pedersen, Petracca, Jones, Oliver, Hibberd, Melksham | Best | D. Beams, Zorko, Bastinac, Taylor, Rockliff, Witherden | D. Beams, Zorko, Bastinac, Taylor, Rockliff, Witherden |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | D. Beams (head), C. Beams (head) | D. Beams (head), C. Beams (head) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Milestone(s): Jesse Hogan (100th AFL goal, 50th AFL game) Brownlow votes: Jesse Hogan (Melbourne) 3 votes, Dayne Beams (Brisbane Lions) 2 votes, Cameron Pedersen (Melbourne) 1 vote Record: 12 wins, 9 losses, 0 draws (106.38%) Ladder position: 7th ||||||

#### Round 23

| | Round 23 | Round 23 | Round 23 | | |
| Saturday, 26 August (1:45 pm) | Collingwood | def. | Melbourne | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 51,223) | Report |
| | 6.5 (35) 9.6 (60) 12.10 (82) 14.15 (99) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 1.3 (9) 4.8 (32) 9.10 (64) 12.11 (83) | Umpires: Rosebury, Deboy, Pannell Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Rosebury, Deboy, Pannell Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Elliott 3, Phillips 2, Cox 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Daicos, Grundy, Sidebottom, Broomhead, Adams | Elliott 3, Phillips 2, Cox 2, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Daicos, Grundy, Sidebottom, Broomhead, Adams | Goals | Melksham 3, Garlett 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Petracca 2, Watts, Hannan, Pedersen | Melksham 3, Garlett 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Petracca 2, Watts, Hannan, Pedersen |
| Elliott, Adams, Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom, Treloar, Dunn, Maynard | Elliott, Adams, Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom, Treloar, Dunn, Maynard | Best | Oliver, Petracca, Lewis, Melksham, Watts | Oliver, Petracca, Lewis, Melksham, Watts |
| Sidebottom (hamstring) | Sidebottom (hamstring) | Injuries | Hogan (hamstring) | Hogan (hamstring) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Brownlow votes: Will Hoskin-Elliott (Collingwood) 3 votes, Taylor Adams (Collingwood) 2 votes, Jamie Elliott (Collingwood) 1 vote Record: 12 wins, 10 losses, 0 draws (105.22%) Ladder position: 9th ||||||

## Ladder

| Pos | Teamvte | Pld | W | L | D | PF | PA | PP | Pts | Qualification |
| 1 | Adelaide | 22 | 15 | 6 | 1 | 2415 | 1776 | 136.0 | 62 | 2017 finals |
| 2 | Geelong | 22 | 15 | 6 | 1 | 2134 | 1818 | 117.4 | 62 | 2017 finals |
| 3 | Richmond (P) | 22 | 15 | 7 | 0 | 1992 | 1684 | 118.3 | 60 | 2017 finals |
| 4 | Greater Western Sydney | 22 | 14 | 6 | 2 | 2081 | 1812 | 114.8 | 60 | 2017 finals |
| 5 | Port Adelaide | 22 | 14 | 8 | 0 | 2168 | 1671 | 129.7 | 56 | 2017 finals |
| 6 | Sydney | 22 | 14 | 8 | 0 | 2093 | 1651 | 126.8 | 56 | 2017 finals |
| 7 | Essendon | 22 | 12 | 10 | 0 | 2135 | 2004 | 106.5 | 48 | 2017 finals |
| 8 | West Coast | 22 | 12 | 10 | 0 | 1964 | 1858 | 105.7 | 48 | 2017 finals |
| 9 | Melbourne | 22 | 12 | 10 | 0 | 2035 | 1934 | 105.2 | 48 | |
| 10 | Western Bulldogs | 22 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 1857 | 1913 | 97.1 | 44 | |
| 11 | St Kilda | 22 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 1925 | 1986 | 96.9 | 44 | |
| 12 | Hawthorn | 22 | 10 | 11 | 1 | 1864 | 2055 | 90.7 | 42 | |
| 13 | Collingwood | 22 | 9 | 12 | 1 | 1944 | 1963 | 99.0 | 38 | |
| 14 | Fremantle | 22 | 8 | 14 | 0 | 1607 | 2160 | 74.4 | 32 | |
| 15 | North Melbourne | 22 | 6 | 16 | 0 | 1983 | 2264 | 87.6 | 24 | |
| 16 | Carlton | 22 | 6 | 16 | 0 | 1594 | 2038 | 78.2 | 24 | |
| 17 | Gold Coast | 22 | 6 | 16 | 0 | 1756 | 2311 | 76.0 | 24 | |
| 18 | Brisbane Lions | 22 | 5 | 17 | 0 | 1877 | 2526 | 74.3 | 20 | |

### Ladder breakdown by opposition

| Opponent | Played | Won | Lost | Drew | Premiership points | Points for | Points against | Percentage (%) |
| Western Bulldogs | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 113 | 56 | 201.89% |
| Essendon | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 112 | 74 | 151.35% |
| Gold Coast | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 122 | 87 | 140.23% |
| Port Adelaide | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 88 | 65 | 135.38% |
| St Kilda | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 216 | 162 | 133.33% |
| Carlton | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 176 | 146 | 120.55% |
| Brisbane Lions | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 104 | 91 | 114.29% |
| West Coast | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 99 | 96 | 103.13% |
| Adelaide | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 177 | 182 | 97.25% |
| Collingwood | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 187 | 199 | 93.67% |
| Fremantle | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 104 | 106 | 98.11% |
| Hawthorn | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 91 | 94 | 96.81% |
| North Melbourne | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 90 | 104 | 86.54% |
| Richmond | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 75 | 88 | 85.23% |
| Geelong | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 97 | 126 | 76.98% |
| Greater Western Sydney | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 62 | 97 | 63.92% |
| Sydney | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 85 | 58.82% |
| Total | 22 | 12 | 10 | 0 | 48 | 2035 | 2034 | 105.22% |

## Tribunal/Match Review Panel cases

| Player | Round | Charge category (level) | Verdict | Early plea | Result | Victim | Club |
| Jesse Hogan | JLT Community Series | Making contact with umpire | Guilty | Yes | $1000 | Ben Ryan | — |
| Bernie Vince | Round 1 | Striking | Guilty | Yes | 1 match | Nathan Wright | St Kilda |
| Jordan Lewis | Round 2 | Striking | Guilty | Yes | 3 matches | Patrick Cripps | Carlton |
| Jesse Hogan | Round 2 | Striking | Guilty | Yes | 2 matches | Sam Rowe | Carlton |
| Nathan Jones | Round 5 | Involved in a melee (third offence) | Guilty | Yes | $2500 | — | Richmond |
| Jack Viney | Round 5 | Involved in a melee (third offence) | Guilty | Yes | $2500 | — | Richmond |
| Bernie Vince | Round 8 | Making contact with umpire | Guilty | Yes | $1000 | Craig Fleer | — |
| Christian Salem | Round 9 | Striking | Guilty | Yes | 1 match | Shaun Higgins | North Melbourne |
| Neville Jetta | Round 13 | Wrestling (first offence) | Guilty | Yes | $1000 | Jake Stringer | Western Bulldogs |
| Tomas Bugg | Round 15 | Striking | Guilty | — | 6 matches | Callum Mills | Sydney |
| Bernie Vince | Round 17 | Striking | Guilty | Yes | 2 matches | Eddie Betts | Adelaide |
| Bernie Vince | Round 17 | Forceful contact from front-on | Guilty | Yes | $1000 | Richard Douglas | Adelaide |
| Bernie Vince | Round 22 | Striking | Guilty | Yes | $1500 | Dayne Beams | Brisbane Lions |
| Jake Melksham | Round 22 | Misconduct | Guilty | Yes | $1000 | — | — |

## Awards
### Brownlow Medal tally

| Player | 3 vote games | 2 vote games | 1 vote games | Total votes |
| Clayton Oliver | 2 | 1 | 4 | 12 |
| Jack Viney | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| Tom McDonald | 1 | 3 | 0 | 9 |
| Michael Hibberd | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 |
| Nathan Jones | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 |
| Cameron Pedersen | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| Jesse Hogan | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Christian Salem | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Dom Tyson | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Max Gawn | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Jeff Garlett | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Jordan Lewis | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Christian Petracca | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Oscar McDonald | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Jack Watts | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 12 | 11 | 10 | 68 |

### Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medal tally (top 10)

| Position | Player | Votes |
| 1st | Clayton Oliver | 530 |
| 2nd | Jack Viney | 346 |
| =3rd | Nathan Jones | 327 |
| =3rd | Jordan Lewis | 327 |
| 5th | Neville Jetta | 321 |
| 6th | Michael Hibberd | 318 |
| 7th | Christian Petracca | 302 |
| 8th | Jeff Garlett | 284 |
| 9th | Tom McDonald | 278 |
| 10th | Dom Tyson | 275 |
Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Trophy – Clayton Oliver
Sid Anderson Memorial Trophy (second in the best and fairest) – Jack Viney
Ron Barassi Snr Memorial Trophy (third in the best and fairest) – Nathan Jones and Jordan Lewis
Ivor Warne-Smith Memorial Trophy (fourth in the best and fairest) – not awarded
Dick Taylor Memorial Trophy (fifth in the best and fairest) – Neville Jetta
Harold Ball Memorial Trophy (best young player) – Clayton Oliver
Troy Broadbridge Trophy (highest polling MFC player in the Casey best and fairest) – Jack Trengove
Ron Barassi Jnr. Leadership Award – Jack Viney
Ian Ridley Club Ambassador Award – Neville Jetta
Norm Smith Memorial Trophy (coach's award) – Neville Jetta
James McDonald Trophy (best team man) – Clayton Oliver
Leading goalkicker award – Jeff Garlett (42 goals)

## Women's team
### Fixture
#### Round 1

| | Round 1 | Round 1 | Round 1 | | |
| Sunday, 5 February (5:05 pm) | Melbourne | def. by | Brisbane | Casey Fields (crowd: 6,500) | Report |
| | 0.3 (3) 1.4 (10) 1.4 (10) 1.4 (10) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 0.0 (0) 2.0 (12) 2.1 (13) 4.1 (25) | Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Grierson | Grierson | Goals | McCarthy, Frederick-Traub, Campbell, Gibson | McCarthy, Frederick-Traub, Campbell, Gibson |
| Paxman, O'Dea, Pearce, Duryea, Scott | Paxman, O'Dea, Pearce, Duryea, Scott | Best | Virgo, Bates, Randall, Ashmore, Gibson | Virgo, Bates, Randall, Ashmore, Gibson |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Stanton (shoulder) | Stanton (shoulder) |
| League best and fairest votes: Elise O'Dea (Melbourne) 3 votes, Kaitlyn Ashmore (Brisbane) 2 votes, Tayla Harris (Brisbane) 1 vote Record: 0 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws (40.00%) Ladder position: 5th ||||||

#### Round 2

| | Round 2 | Round 2 | Round 2 | | |
| Saturday, 11 February (7:35 pm) | Collingwood | def. by | Melbourne | IKON Park (crowd: 6,916) | Report |
| | 3.0 (18) 4.1 (25) 4.1 (25) 4.1 (25) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 1.0 (6) 1.0 (6) 5.1 (31) 7.2 (44) | Television broadcast: Seven Network | Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Edwards, Hope, Grant, Cameron | Edwards, Hope, Grant, Cameron | Goals | Phillips 2, Anderson, Paxman, Mifsud, Scott, Jolly | Phillips 2, Anderson, Paxman, Mifsud, Scott, Jolly |
| Barden, D'Arcy, Eva, Grant, Chiocci | Barden, D'Arcy, Eva, Grant, Chiocci | Best | Paxman, Phillips, D. Pearce, O'Dea, Mithen | Paxman, Phillips, D. Pearce, O'Dea, Mithen |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Downie (concussion) | Downie (concussion) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| League best and fairest votes: Alyssa Mifsud (Melbourne) 3 votes, Steph Chiocci (Collingwood) 2 votes, Elise O'Dea (Melbourne) 1 vote Record: 1 win, 1 loss, 0 draws (108.00%) Ladder position: 5th ||||||

#### Round 3

| | Round 3 | Round 3 | Round 3 | | |
| Saturday, 18 February (7:35 pm) | Western Bulldogs | def. by | Melbourne | Whitten Oval (crowd: 8,000) | Report |
| | 1.3 (9) 1.3 (9) 3.4 (22) 4.5 (29) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 1.1 (7) 3.5 (23) 5.7 (37) 6.7 (43) | Television broadcast: Seven Network | Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| McLeod, Wildes, Clarkson | McLeod, Wildes, Clarkson | Goals | Mifsud 3, Berry, Cordner, Hickey | Mifsud 3, Berry, Cordner, Hickey |
| Blackburn, Kearney, Scott, Wildes | Blackburn, Kearney, Scott, Wildes | Best | O'Dea, D. Pearce, Mifsud, Hickey, Paxman, Mithen | O'Dea, D. Pearce, Mifsud, Hickey, Paxman, Mithen |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | L. Pearce (shin) | L. Pearce (shin) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| League best and fairest votes: Karen Paxman (Melbourne) 3 votes, Daisy Pearce (Melbourne) 2 votes, Ellie Blackburn (Western Bulldogs) 1 vote Record: 2 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws (122.78%) Ladder position: 4th ||||||

#### Round 4

| | Round 4 | Round 4 | Round 4 | | |
| Saturday, 25 February (11:35 am) | Melbourne | def. | Carlton | Casey Fields (crowd: 3,965) | Report |
| | 0.1 (1) 3.2 (20) 5.6 (36) 6.6 (42) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 0.1 (1) 2.3 (15) 2.5 (17) 5.6 (36) | Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Mifsud 2, O'Dea, Berry, Scott, Cranston | Mifsud 2, O'Dea, Berry, Scott, Cranston | Goals | Ayre 2, Vescio, Sheirlaw, Jackobsson | Ayre 2, Vescio, Sheirlaw, Jackobsson |
| D. Pearce, O'Dea, Paxman, Mithen, Mifsud | D. Pearce, O'Dea, Paxman, Mithen, Mifsud | Best | S. Hosking, Exon, Vescio, Ayre | S. Hosking, Exon, Vescio, Ayre |
| Paxman (hamstring), Scott (shoulder) | Paxman (hamstring), Scott (shoulder) | Injuries | Nil | Nil |
| O'Dea (rough conduct) | O'Dea (rough conduct) | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| League best and fairest votes: Karen Paxman (Melbourne) 3 votes, Elise O'Dea (Melbourne) 2 votes, Bella Ayre (Carlton) 1 vote Record: 3 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws (120.87%) Ladder position: 3rd ||||||

#### Round 5

| | Round 5 | Round 5 | Round 5 | | |
| Friday, 3 March (5:05 pm) | Greater Western Sydney | def. | Melbourne | Blacktown ISP Oval (crowd: 2,000) | Report |
| | 2.1 (13) 2.1 (13) 3.1 (19) 3.2 (20) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 0.1 (1) 0.3 (3) 1.4 (10) 1.9 (15) | Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Barclay, Schmidt, Beeson | Barclay, Schmidt, Beeson | Goals | Phillips | Phillips |
| Dal Pos, Swanson, Collier, Williams, Barclay | Dal Pos, Swanson, Collier, Williams, Barclay | Best | Paxman, D. Pearce, Mithen | Paxman, D. Pearce, Mithen |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Newman (corked) | Newman (corked) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| League best and fairest votes: Jessica Dal Pos (Greater Western Sydney) 3 votes, Louise Stephenson (Greater Western Sydney) 2 votes, Karen Paxman (Melbourne) 1 vote Record: 3 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws (114.07%) Ladder position: 4th ||||||

#### Round 6

| | Round 6 | Round 6 | Round 6 | | |
| Saturday, 11 March (5:40 pm) | Adelaide | def. by | Melbourne | TIO Stadium (crowd: 5,100) | Report |
| | 2.1 (13) 3.1 (19) 3.1 (19) 5.2 (32) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 0.0 (0) 2.1 (13) 4.3 (27) 5.4 (34) | Television broadcast: Seven Network | Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Riley, Bevan, Randall, Gibson, Perkins | Riley, Bevan, Randall, Gibson, Perkins | Goals | Berry, D. Pearce, Mifsud, Scott, Newman | Berry, D. Pearce, Mifsud, Scott, Newman |
| Foley, Bevan, Randall, Radan, Phillips | Foley, Bevan, Randall, Radan, Phillips | Best | D. Pearce, Newman, Smith, Berry | D. Pearce, Newman, Smith, Berry |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Nil | Nil |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| League best and fairest votes: Daisy Pearce (Melbourne) 3 votes, Erin Phillips (Adelaide) 2 votes, Courtney Cramey (Adelaide) 1 vote Record: 4 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws (112.57%) Ladder position: 3rd ||||||

#### Round 7

| | Round 7 | Round 7 | Round 7 | | |
| Saturday, 18 March (4:35 pm) | Melbourne | def. | Fremantle | Casey Fields (crowd: 2,500 (est)) | Report |
| | 5.0 (30) 8.0 (48) 10.0 (60) 11.4 (70) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 2.0 (12) 2.3 (15) 2.4 (16) 2.4 (16) | Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Berry 2, Mifsud 2, Scott 2, Phillips 2, Paxman, Newman, Humphries | Berry 2, Mifsud 2, Scott 2, Phillips 2, Paxman, Newman, Humphries | Goals | Antonio, Houghton | Antonio, Houghton |
| Pearce, O'Dea, Mithen, Phillips, Grierson, Paxman, Humphries | Pearce, O'Dea, Mithen, Phillips, Grierson, Paxman, Humphries | Best | Hooker, Houghton, Lavell, Filocamo | Hooker, Houghton, Lavell, Filocamo |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Angel (knee) | Angel (knee) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| League best and fairest votes: Karen Paxman (Melbourne) 3 votes, Daisy Pearce (Melbourne) 2 votes, Elise O'Dea (Melbourne) 1 vote Record: 5 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws (141.0%) Ladder position: 3rd ||||||

### Ladder

| Pos | Teamvte | Pld | W | L | D | PF | PA | PP | Pts | Qualification |
| 1 | Brisbane | 7 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 224 | 148 | 151.4 | 26 | Grand Final |
| 2 | Adelaide (P) | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 291 | 185 | 157.3 | 20 | Grand Final |
| 3 | Melbourne | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 258 | 183 | 141.0 | 20 | |
| 4 | Carlton | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 261 | 232 | 112.5 | 14 | |
| 5 | Collingwood | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 224 | 262 | 85.5 | 12 | |
| 6 | Western Bulldogs | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 237 | 232 | 102.2 | 8 | |
| 7 | Fremantle | 7 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 191 | 298 | 64.1 | 6 | |
| 8 | Greater Western Sydney | 7 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 157 | 303 | 51.8 | 6 | |

### Tribunal and match review panel cases

| Player | Round | Charge category | Verdict | Early plea | Result | Victim | Club | Ref(s) |
| Richelle Cranston | Round 1 | Front-on contact | Guilty | Yes | 1 match | Jamie Stanton | Brisbane | |
| Elise O'Dea | Round 4 | Rough conduct | Not guilty | N/A | N/A | Sarah Hosking | Carlton | |