# 2018 Melbourne Football Club season

The 2018 Melbourne Football Club season is the club's 119th year in the VFL/AFL since it began in 1897.

## 2018 list changes
### 2017 trades

| Date | Trade gained | Traded from | Trade lost |
| 12 October | Jake Lever Pick 35 Third round pick (2018) | Adelaide | Pick 10 First round pick (2018) Fourth round pick (2018) |
| 17 October | Pick 31 | Port Adelaide | Jack Watts |
| 18 October | Harley Balic | Fremantle | Pick 66 |

### Retirements and delistings

| Player | New club | League | Reason | Career games | Career goals |
| Colin Garland | Melbourne | AFL | Retired, but stayed as an assistant coach | 141 | 16 |
| Liam Hulett | Edithvale-Aspendale | MPNFL | Delisted | 0 | 0 |
| Ben Kennedy | Montmorency | NFL | Delisted | 40 | 28 |
| Heritier Lumumba | unknown | unknown | Retired | 223 | 30 |
| Jake Spencer | Aspley | NEAFL | Delisted | 38 | 8 |
| Jack Trengove | Port Adelaide | AFL | Delisted | 86 | 39 |
| Mitch White | Casey | VFL | Delisted | 4 | 0 |

### National draft

| Round | Overall pick | Player | State | Position | Team from | League from |
| 2 | 29 | Charlie Spargo | VIC | Midfielder/forward | Murray Bushrangers | TAC Cup |
| 2 | 31 | Bayley Fritsch | VIC | Forward | Casey | VFL |
| 2 | 37 | Harrison Petty | SA | Defender | North Melbourne | SANFL |
| 3 | 48 | Oskar Baker | QLD | Midfielder | Aspley | NEAFL |

## 2018 season
### Pre-season
#### AFLX

| 16 February (7:36 pm) | North Melbourne 5.4.9 (83) | def. | Carlton 5.2.6 (68) | Etihad Stadium, Melbourne (crowd: 22,585) | Report |
| 16 February (8:32 pm) | Melbourne 1.9.6 (70) | def. | North Melbourne 3.2.4 (46) | Etihad Stadium, Melbourne (crowd: 22,585) | Report |
| | Grand Final | Grand Final | Grand Final | | |
| 16 February (9:33 pm) | Melbourne 3.3.8 (56) | def. | Hawthorn 1.5.6 (46) | Etihad Stadium, Melbourne (crowd: 22,585) | Report |

#### JLT Community Series
##### Week 1

| | Round 1 | Round 1 | Round 1 | | |
| Saturday, 24 February (2:05 pm) | North Melbourne | def. by | Melbourne | Kingston Twin Ovals (crowd: 1,957) | Report |
| | 3.1 (19) 6.4 (40) 7.4 (46) 11.5 (71) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 6.3 (39) 8.3 (51) 15.8 (98) 19.10 (124) | Umpires: Donlan, Meredith, Foote, Fisher Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Donlan, Meredith, Foote, Fisher Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Hartung 2, Waite 2, Brown 2, Turner, Ziebell, Zurhaar, Larkey, Cunnington | Hartung 2, Waite 2, Brown 2, Turner, Ziebell, Zurhaar, Larkey, Cunnington | Goals | Hogan 3, Fritsch 3, Harmes 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Bugg 2, T. McDonald, Vince, Petracca, Hannan, Melksham, Gawn, Maynard | Hogan 3, Fritsch 3, Harmes 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Bugg 2, T. McDonald, Vince, Petracca, Hannan, Melksham, Gawn, Maynard |
| Hartung, Cunnington, M. Williams, Vickers-Willis, Ziebell | Hartung, Cunnington, M. Williams, Vickers-Willis, Ziebell | Best | Melksham, Neal-Bullen, Hibberd, Harmes, Petracca, Salem, Fritsch | Melksham, Neal-Bullen, Hibberd, Harmes, Petracca, Salem, Fritsch |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Lewis (calf) | Lewis (calf) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |

##### Week 2

| | Round 2 | Round 2 | Round 2 | | |
| Thursday, 8 March (7:05 pm) | Melbourne | def. | St Kilda | Casey Fields (crowd: 4,567) | Report |
| | 8.4 (52) 11.5 (71) 12.8 (80) 18.11 (119) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 4.1 (25) 6.4 (40) 12.7 (79) 14.9 (93) | Umpires: Rosebury, Fleer, Mollison Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Rosebury, Fleer, Mollison Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Oliver 2, Garlett 2, Brayshaw 2, Melksham 2, Hogan 2, Tyson, Petracca, Bugg, Hannan, Fritsch, Salem, Vince, Hunt | Oliver 2, Garlett 2, Brayshaw 2, Melksham 2, Hogan 2, Tyson, Petracca, Bugg, Hannan, Fritsch, Salem, Vince, Hunt | Goals | Bruce 3, Sinclair 2, Savage, Membrey, Clark, Billings, Armitage, McCartin, Steven, Gresham, Acres | Bruce 3, Sinclair 2, Savage, Membrey, Clark, Billings, Armitage, McCartin, Steven, Gresham, Acres |
| Oliver, Gawn, Hibberd, Petracca, Lever, Hogan | Oliver, Gawn, Hibberd, Petracca, Lever, Hogan | Best | Billings, Acres, Ross, Geary, Savage, Steele | Billings, Acres, Ross, Geary, Savage, Steele |
| O. McDonald (back tightness) | O. McDonald (back tightness) | Injuries | Steven (ankle) | Steven (ankle) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |

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

| | Round 1 | Round 1 | Round 1 | | |
| Sunday, 25 March (3:20 pm) | Melbourne | def. by | Geelong | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 54,112) | Report |
| | 6.1 (37) 8.5 (53) 12.9 (81) 13.16 (94) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 5.3 (33) 12.8 (80) 13.10 (88) 14.13 (97) | Umpires: Stevic, Deboy, Gavine Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Stevic, Deboy, Gavine Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Hogan 3, Pedersen 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Petracca, Garlett, Gawn, Oliver, Hannan, Fritsch | Hogan 3, Pedersen 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Petracca, Garlett, Gawn, Oliver, Hannan, Fritsch | Goals | Menzel 4, Parfitt 2, Ablett, Smith, Kelly, Ratugolea, Murdoch, C. Guthrie, Parsons, Fogarty | Menzel 4, Parfitt 2, Ablett, Smith, Kelly, Ratugolea, Murdoch, C. Guthrie, Parsons, Fogarty |
| Petracca, Gawn, Oliver, Jones, Hogan, Lewis | Petracca, Gawn, Oliver, Jones, Hogan, Lewis | Best | Selwood, Ablett, Menzel, Duncan, Parfitt, Kelly | Selwood, Ablett, Menzel, Duncan, Parfitt, Kelly |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Taylor (foot), Stewart (ankle), C. Guthrie (groin) | Taylor (foot), Stewart (ankle), C. Guthrie (groin) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Debut(s): Bayley Fritsch Debut(s) for MFC: Jake Lever (Adelaide) Milestone(s): Bayley Fritsch (1st AFL goal) Record: 0 losses, 1 win, 0 draws (96.91%) Ladder position: 9th ||||||

#### Round 2

| | Round 2 | Round 2 | Round 2 | | |
| Saturday, 31 March (6:25 pm) | Brisbane Lions | def. by | Melbourne | Gabba (crowd: 17,141) | Report |
| | 0.3 (3) 2.6 (18) 5.11 (41) 10.14 (74) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 5.4 (34) 8.7 (55) 9.11 (65) 14.16 (100) | Umpires: Fisher, Rosebury, Hosking Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Fisher, Rosebury, Hosking Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Cameron 3, Christensen 3, Bewick, Zorko, Hipwood, Cox | Cameron 3, Christensen 3, Bewick, Zorko, Hipwood, Cox | Goals | Hogan 5, Garlett 4, Jones 2, Fritsch 2, Neal-Bullen | Hogan 5, Garlett 4, Jones 2, Fritsch 2, Neal-Bullen |
| Cameron, Christensen, Cox, Taylor, Zorko | Cameron, Christensen, Cox, Taylor, Zorko | Best | Hogan, Garlett, Oliver, Jones, Petracca | Hogan, Garlett, Oliver, Jones, Petracca |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Nil | Nil |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Record: 1 win, 1 loss, 0 draws (113.45%) Ladder position: 6th ||||||

#### Round 3

| | Round 3 | Round 3 | Round 3 | | |
| Saturday, 7 April (2:10 pm) | Melbourne | def. | North Melbourne | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 35,518) | Report |
| | 3.2 (20) 9.7 (61) 12.13 (85) 18.15 (123) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 5.3 (33) 8.4 (52) 10.6 (66) 13.8 (86) | Umpires: Nicholls, Fleer, Mollison Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Nicholls, Fleer, Mollison Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Bugg 4, Kent 3, Garlett 3, Oliver 2, Hogan, Petracca, Vince, Fritsch, Lewis, Jones | Bugg 4, Kent 3, Garlett 3, Oliver 2, Hogan, Petracca, Vince, Fritsch, Lewis, Jones | Goals | Brown 4, Waite 3, Cunnington 2, Goldstein, Hartung, Simpkin, Ziebell | Brown 4, Waite 3, Cunnington 2, Goldstein, Hartung, Simpkin, Ziebell |
| Gawn, Hogan, Petracca, Lewis, Salem, Kent | Gawn, Hogan, Petracca, Lewis, Salem, Kent | Best | Cunnington, Brown, Higgins, McDonald, Dumont | Cunnington, Brown, Higgins, McDonald, Dumont |
| Melksham (cut head), Vince (groin) | Melksham (cut head), Vince (groin) | Injuries | Tarrant (hamstring) late withdrawal, replaced in the selected side by Daw | Tarrant (hamstring) late withdrawal, replaced in the selected side by Daw |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Record: 2 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws (123.35%) Ladder position: 4th ||||||

#### Round 4

| | Round 4 | Round 4 | Round 4 | | |
| Sunday, 15 April (3:20 pm) | Hawthorn | def. | Melbourne | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 41,973) | Report |
| | 3.5 (23) 7.5 (47) 11.7 (73) 18.7 (115) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 5.5 (35) 5.9 (39) 5.11 (41) 6.12 (48) | Umpires: Foot, Margetts, Chamberlain Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Foot, Margetts, Chamberlain Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Breust 4, Roughead 3, O'Brien 3, O'Meara 2, Smith 2, Gunston 2, Puopolo, Henderson | Breust 4, Roughead 3, O'Brien 3, O'Meara 2, Smith 2, Gunston 2, Puopolo, Henderson | Goals | Kent 3, Hogan, Salem, Neal-Bullen | Kent 3, Hogan, Salem, Neal-Bullen |
| Shiels, Gunston, O'Meara, Smith, Breust, Sicily, Mitchell | Shiels, Gunston, O'Meara, Smith, Breust, Sicily, Mitchell | Best | Oliver, Neal-Bullen, Hogan, N.Jones, Kent | Oliver, Neal-Bullen, Hogan, N.Jones, Kent |
| Frawley (migraine), Rioli (knee), Puopolo (hamstring) | Frawley (migraine), Rioli (knee), Puopolo (hamstring) | Injuries | Jetta (leg) | Jetta (leg) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Milestone(s): Christian Salem (50th AFL game) Record: 2 wins, 2 losses, 0 draws (98.12%) Ladder position: 12th ||||||

#### Round 5

| | Round 5 | Round 5 | Round 5 | | |
| Tuesday, 24 April (7:25 pm) | Melbourne | def. by | Richmond | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 77,071) | Report |
| | 1.5 (11) 2.6 (18) 5.8 (38) 8.8 (56) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 2.2 (14) 5.8 (38) 8.9 (57) 15.12 (102) | Umpires: Foot, Rosebury, Williamson Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Foot, Rosebury, Williamson Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Melksham 4, Hogan 2, Garlett, Harmes | Melksham 4, Hogan 2, Garlett, Harmes | Goals | Higgins 3, Lloyd 2, Castagna 2, McIntosh 2, Riewoldt 2, Lambert 2, Prestia, Cotchin | Higgins 3, Lloyd 2, Castagna 2, McIntosh 2, Riewoldt 2, Lambert 2, Prestia, Cotchin |
| Oliver, Hogan, Melksham, Jones, Hibberd, Gawn | Oliver, Hogan, Melksham, Jones, Hibberd, Gawn | Best | Martin, Edwards, Houli, Lambert, Grigg, Higgins | Martin, Edwards, Houli, Lambert, Grigg, Higgins |
| Kent (hamstring), Hibberd (nose) | Kent (hamstring), Hibberd (nose) | Injuries | Nil | Nil |
| Vince (striking) | Vince (striking) | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Record: 2 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws (96.89%) Ladder position: 14th ||||||

#### Round 6

| | Round 6 | Round 6 | Round 6 | | |
| Sunday, 29 April (1:10 pm) | Essendon | def. by | Melbourne | Etihad Stadium (crowd: 35,964) | Report |
| | 2.3 (15) 5.7 (37) 6.9 (45) 10.12 (72) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 1.3 (9) 4.7 (31) 11.10 (76) 16.12 (108) | Umpires: Foot, Rosebury, Williamson Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Foot, Rosebury, Williamson Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Stringer 3, McDonald-Tipungwuti 2, Smith 2, Laverde, Stewart, Zaharakis | Stringer 3, McDonald-Tipungwuti 2, Smith 2, Laverde, Stewart, Zaharakis | Goals | Hannan 3, Fritsch 3, Spargo 2, Gawn 2, Hogan 2, T. McDonald 2, Melksham 2 | Hannan 3, Fritsch 3, Spargo 2, Gawn 2, Hogan 2, T. McDonald 2, Melksham 2 |
| Z. Merrett, Zaharakis, Ambrose, Hurley, McGrath, Smith | Z. Merrett, Zaharakis, Ambrose, Hurley, McGrath, Smith | Best | Gawn, Salem, Hannan, Hibberd, Fritsch, O. McDonald, T. McDonald | Gawn, Salem, Hannan, Hibberd, Fritsch, O. McDonald, T. McDonald |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Hogan (ankle) | Hogan (ankle) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Debut(s): Charlie Spargo Milestone(s): James Harmes (50th AFL game), Charlie Spargo (1st AFL goal) Record: 3 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws (96.89%) Ladder position: 12th ||||||

#### Round 7

| | Round 7 | Round 7 | Round 7 | | |
| Sunday, 6 May (3:20 pm) | St Kilda | def. by | Melbourne | Etihad Stadium (crowd: 25,496) | Report |
| | 2.5 (17) 3.8 (26) 7.10 (52) 9.13 (67) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 5.1 (31) 8.6 (54) 13.10 (88) 16.10 (106) | Umpires: Foot, Fisher, McInerney Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Foot, Fisher, McInerney Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Membrey 2, Long 2, Armitage 2, Gresham, Dunstan, Hickey | Membrey 2, Long 2, Armitage 2, Gresham, Dunstan, Hickey | Goals | Hogan 3, T. McDonald 2, Weideman 2, Spargo, Gawn, Petracca, Jones, Tyson, Harmes, Brayshaw, Oliver, Neal-Bullen | Hogan 3, T. McDonald 2, Weideman 2, Spargo, Gawn, Petracca, Jones, Tyson, Harmes, Brayshaw, Oliver, Neal-Bullen |
| Ross, Webster, Steven, Newnes | Ross, Webster, Steven, Newnes | Best | Oliver, Hogan, Brayshaw, Tyson, Lewis, Hibberd | Oliver, Hogan, Brayshaw, Tyson, Lewis, Hibberd |
| McCartin (head), Gilbert (leg), Savage (ribs) | McCartin (head), Gilbert (leg), Savage (ribs) | Injuries | Jetta (head) | Jetta (head) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Record: 4 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws (103.59%) Ladder position: 10th ||||||

#### Round 8

| | Round 8 | Round 8 | Round 8 | | |
| Saturday, 12 May (4:35 pm) | Gold Coast | def. by | Melbourne | Gabba (crowd: 6,060) | Report |
| | 3.5 (23) 5.7 (37) 9.9 (63) 11.11 (77) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 4.5 (29) 8.11 (59) 13.17 (95) 21.20 (146) | Umpires: Brown, Schmitt, Harris Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Brown, Schmitt, Harris Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Martin 4, Day 2, Young, May, Sexton, Holman, Hall | Martin 4, Day 2, Young, May, Sexton, Holman, Hall | Goals | T. McDonald 5, Hannan 3, Hogan 3, Neal-Bullen 2, Spargo 2, Salem 2, Gawn, Hibberd, Brayshaw, Melksham | T. McDonald 5, Hannan 3, Hogan 3, Neal-Bullen 2, Spargo 2, Salem 2, Gawn, Hibberd, Brayshaw, Melksham |
| Martin, Miller, May, Hall | Martin, Miller, May, Hall | Best | T. McDonald, Harmes, Oliver, Gawn, Salem, Brayshaw | T. McDonald, Harmes, Oliver, Gawn, Salem, Brayshaw |
| Swallow (knee) | Swallow (knee) | Injuries | Nil | Nil |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Record: 5 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws (113.19%) Ladder position: 6th ||||||

#### Round 9

| | Round 9 | Round 9 | Round 9 | | |
| Sunday, 20 May (1:10 pm) | Carlton | def. by | Melbourne | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 44,142) | Report |
| | 3.1 (19) 5.3 (33) 7.6 (48) 7.8 (50) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 3.4 (22) 10.4 (64) 18.6 (114) 25.9 (159) | Umpires: Gavine, Hosking, Ryan Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Gavine, Hosking, Ryan Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| McKay 2, Lamb 2, Fisher, Murphy, Cripps | McKay 2, Lamb 2, Fisher, Murphy, Cripps | Goals | Melksham 5, T. McDonald 4, Neal-Bullen 4, Fritsch 2, Gawn 2, Hannan 2, Viney, Petracca, Harmes, Jones, Oliver, Hogan | Melksham 5, T. McDonald 4, Neal-Bullen 4, Fritsch 2, Gawn 2, Hannan 2, Viney, Petracca, Harmes, Jones, Oliver, Hogan |
| Cripps, Graham, Fisher, Murphy, Rowe | Cripps, Graham, Fisher, Murphy, Rowe | Best | T. McDonald, Melksham, Jones, Brayshaw, Gawn, Lever, Neal-Bullen | T. McDonald, Melksham, Jones, Brayshaw, Gawn, Lever, Neal-Bullen |
| Murphy (foot) | Murphy (foot) | Injuries | Nil | Nil |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Melbourne's final winning margin of 109 points was their greatest since their 121 point shellacking of Richmond in round 21, 1993 Melbourne's final winning margin of 109 points was their biggest ever win over Carlton, surpassing 105 points set in round 6, 2004 It was Melbourne's first 100+ victory since round 6, 2004 Record: 6 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws (127.03%) Ladder position: 3rd ||||||

#### Round 10

| | Round 10 | Round 10 | Round 10 | | |
| Sunday, 27 May (2:50 pm) | Melbourne | def. | Adelaide | TIO Traeger Park (crowd: 6,989) | Report |
| | 7.1 (43) 12.2 (74) 18.6 (114) 23.8 (146) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 3.1 (19) 4.2 (26) 5.4 (34) 8.7 (55) | Umpires: Donlon, Deboy, Brown Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Donlon, Deboy, Brown Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Hogan 5, Neal-Bullen 3, Petracca 3, Brayshaw 3, Smith 2, Melksham 2, T. McDonald 2, Hannan, Jones, Spargo | Hogan 5, Neal-Bullen 3, Petracca 3, Brayshaw 3, Smith 2, Melksham 2, T. McDonald 2, Hannan, Jones, Spargo | Goals | Douglas 2, Betts 2, Gallucci, Fogarty, Gibson, Jenkins | Douglas 2, Betts 2, Gallucci, Fogarty, Gibson, Jenkins |
| Brayshaw, Oliver, Lever, Gawn, Viney, Neal-Bullen, Hogan | Brayshaw, Oliver, Lever, Gawn, Viney, Neal-Bullen, Hogan | Best | Talia, M. Crouch, Laird, Greenwood, Doedee | Talia, M. Crouch, Laird, Greenwood, Doedee |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Seedsman (adductor) replaced in selected side by Poholke, Brown (concussion) | Seedsman (adductor) replaced in selected side by Poholke, Brown (concussion) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| For the first time ever, Melbourne have won consecutive games by more than 90 points. Record: 7 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws (136.60%) Ladder position: 3rd ||||||

#### Round 11

| | Round 11 | Round 11 | Round 11 | | |
| Saturday, 2 June (1:45 pm) | Western Bulldogs | def. by | Melbourne | Etihad Stadium (crowd: 28,485) | Report |
| | 3.3 (21) 4.6 (30) 6.8 (44) 7.9 (51) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 2.1 (13) 7.4 (46) 11.7 (73) 15.10 (100) | Umpires: Chamberlain, Hay, Wallace Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Chamberlain, Hay, Wallace Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Bontempelli 2, Honeychurch, Schache, Gowers, Roughead, Suckling | Bontempelli 2, Honeychurch, Schache, Gowers, Roughead, Suckling | Goals | Hogan 5, T.McDonald 4, Jones, Neal-Bullen, Petracca, Fritsch, Hannan, Brayshaw | Hogan 5, T.McDonald 4, Jones, Neal-Bullen, Petracca, Fritsch, Hannan, Brayshaw |
| Suckling, Bontempelli, Macrae, Hunter, Morris | Suckling, Bontempelli, Macrae, Hunter, Morris | Best | Brayshaw, Hogan, T.McDonald, Oliver, Jetta, Hibberd, Gawn | Brayshaw, Hogan, T.McDonald, Oliver, Jetta, Hibberd, Gawn |
| Dickson (hamstring) | Dickson (hamstring) | Injuries | Lever (knee), Melksham (ankle), Smith (neck) | Lever (knee), Melksham (ankle), Smith (neck) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Milestone(s): Nathan Jones (250th AFL game) Record: 8 wins, 3 losses, 0 draws (140.19%) Ladder position: 3rd ||||||

#### Round 12

| | Round 12 | Round 12 | Round 12 | | |
| Monday, 11 June (3:20 pm) | Melbourne | def. by | Collingwood | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 83,518) | Report |
| | 2.0 (12) 7.2 (44) 11.5 (71) 14.7 (91) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 5.5 (35) 9.9 (63) 15.11 (101) 20.13 (133) | Umpires: Donlon, Haussen, Findlay Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Donlon, Haussen, Findlay Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| T. McDonald 6, Hannan 2, Harmes, Fritsch, Neal-Bullen, Gawn, Viney, Oliver | T. McDonald 6, Hannan 2, Harmes, Fritsch, Neal-Bullen, Gawn, Viney, Oliver | Goals | Cox 5, Hoskin-Elliott 4, Stephenson 4, Thomas 3, Pendlebury, Mihocek, Adams, Treloar | Cox 5, Hoskin-Elliott 4, Stephenson 4, Thomas 3, Pendlebury, Mihocek, Adams, Treloar |
| T. McDonald, Jetta, Oliver, Smith, Jones | T. McDonald, Jetta, Oliver, Smith, Jones | Best | De Goey, Cox, Adams, Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom, Treloar | De Goey, Cox, Adams, Hoskin-Elliott, Sidebottom, Treloar |
| O. McDonald (concussion), Jetta (shoulder) | O. McDonald (concussion), Jetta (shoulder) | Injuries | Wells (foot) | Wells (foot) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Milestone(s): Christian Petracca (50th AFL game) Record: 8 wins, 4 losses, 0 draws (130.44%) Ladder position: 5th ||||||

#### Round 13

| Round 13 | Round 13 | Round 13 |
| Bye Melbourne | Bye Melbourne | Bye Melbourne |

#### Round 14

| | Round 14 | Round 14 | Round 14 | | |
| Friday, 22 June (7:20 pm) | Port Adelaide | def. | Melbourne | Adelaide Oval (crowd: 40,751) | Report |
| | 1.3 (9) 4.6 (30) 8.7 (55) 11.9 (75) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 3.5 (23) 4.8 (32) 9.9 (63) 9.11 (65) | Umpires: Deboy, Nicholls, Hay, McInerney Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Deboy, Nicholls, Hay, McInerney Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Ebert 2, R.Gray 2, Westhoff 2, Wingard, Boak, Dixon, Thomas, S.Gray | Ebert 2, R.Gray 2, Westhoff 2, Wingard, Boak, Dixon, Thomas, S.Gray | Goals | T. McDonald 3, Hannan 2, Petracca, Smith, Melksham, Salem | T. McDonald 3, Hannan 2, Petracca, Smith, Melksham, Salem |
| Wines, Wingard, Jonas, Powell-Pepper, Rockliff, Westhoff | Wines, Wingard, Jonas, Powell-Pepper, Rockliff, Westhoff | Best | Viney, Brayshaw, Oliver, Jones, T.McDonald, Jetta | Viney, Brayshaw, Oliver, Jones, T.McDonald, Jetta |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Jetta (head knock/ankle), T. McDonald (ribs) | Jetta (head knock/ankle), T. McDonald (ribs) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Debut(s): Oscar McDonald (50th AFL game) Record: 8 wins, 5 losses, 0 draws (127.32%) Ladder position: 6th ||||||

#### Round 15

| | Round 15 | Round 15 | Round 15 | | |
| Sunday, 1 July (1:10 pm) | Melbourne | def. by | St Kilda | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 38,910) | Report |
| | 4.2 (26) 9.3 (57) 11.6 (72) 18.9 (117) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 4.3 (27) 11.6 (72) 14.10 (94) 18.11 (119) | Umpires: Deboy, Gavine, Pannell Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Deboy, Gavine, Pannell Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Fritsch 4, Harmes 3, Hogan 3, Brayshaw 2, Petracca, Tyson, T.McDonald, Neal-Bullen, Melksham, Lewis | Fritsch 4, Harmes 3, Hogan 3, Brayshaw 2, Petracca, Tyson, T.McDonald, Neal-Bullen, Melksham, Lewis | Goals | Gresham 4, Membrey 4, McCartin 2, Savage, Steele, Clark, Newnes, Armitage, Billings, Battle, Steven | Gresham 4, Membrey 4, McCartin 2, Savage, Steele, Clark, Newnes, Armitage, Billings, Battle, Steven |
| Gawn, Brayshaw, Harmes, Viney | Gawn, Brayshaw, Harmes, Viney | Best | Carlisle, Billings, Gresham, Sinclair, Steele, Steven, Armitage | Carlisle, Billings, Gresham, Sinclair, Steele, Steven, Armitage |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Brown (hamstring) | Brown (hamstring) |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Debut(s): Harrison Petty Record: 8 wins, 6 losses, 0 draws (124.38%) Ladder position: 7th ||||||

#### Round 16

| | Round 16 | Round 16 | Round 16 | | |
| Saturday, 7 July (7:10 pm) | Melbourne | def. | Fremantle | TIO Stadium (crowd: 8,689) | Report |
| | 2.9 (21) 5.15 (45) 9.18 (72) 13.24 (102) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 2.0 (12) 4.2 (26) 6.5 (41) 7.6 (48) | Umpires: O'Gorman, Chamberlain, Pannell Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: O'Gorman, Chamberlain, Pannell Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Oliver 2, Hogan 2, Melksham, Jones, Garlett, T.McDonald, Salem, Gawn, Spargo, Harmes, Neal-Bullen | Oliver 2, Hogan 2, Melksham, Jones, Garlett, T.McDonald, Salem, Gawn, Spargo, Harmes, Neal-Bullen | Goals | Cox 2, Sheridan 2, Walters 2, Mundy | Cox 2, Sheridan 2, Walters 2, Mundy |
| Oliver, Gawn, Brayshaw, T.McDonald, Viney, Petracca, Hogan | Oliver, Gawn, Brayshaw, T.McDonald, Viney, Petracca, Hogan | Best | S.Hill, Mundy, Cerra, Walters, Sheridan | S.Hill, Mundy, Cerra, Walters, Sheridan |
| Smith (hip) | Smith (hip) | Injuries | Nil | Nil |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Record: 9 wins, 6 losses, 0 draws (127.85%) Ladder position: 6th ||||||

#### Round 17

| | Round 17 | Round 17 | Round 17 | | |
| Sunday, 14 July (4:35 pm) | Melbourne | def. | Western Bulldogs | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 30,305) | Report |
| | 3.4 (22) 6.9 (45) 14.9 (93) 18.11 (119) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 4.1 (25) 6.6 (42) 9.9 (63) 10.9 (69) | Umpires: Brown, Chamberlain, Jeffery Television broadcast: Fox Footy | Umpires: Brown, Chamberlain, Jeffery Television broadcast: Fox Footy |
| Hogan 4, McDonald 3, Garlett 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Spargo 2, Petracca, Melksham, Oliver, Hannan, Lewis | Hogan 4, McDonald 3, Garlett 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Spargo 2, Petracca, Melksham, Oliver, Hannan, Lewis | Goals | Wallis 3, Schache 2, Johannisen 2, Hunter, Lipinski, McLean | Wallis 3, Schache 2, Johannisen 2, Hunter, Lipinski, McLean |
| Gawn, Brayshaw, Oliver, Hogan, Melksham, Salem | Gawn, Brayshaw, Oliver, Hogan, Melksham, Salem | Best | Macrae, Wallis, Hunter, Dunkley, Gowers | Macrae, Wallis, Hunter, Dunkley, Gowers |
| Hannan replaced Viney (toe) in the selected side | Hannan replaced Viney (toe) in the selected side | Injuries | Nil | Nil |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Milestone(s): Alex Neal-Bullen (50th AFL game) Record: 10 wins, 6 losses, 0 draws (130.23%) Ladder position: 6th ||||||

#### Round 18

| | Round 18 | Round 18 | Round 18 | | |
| Saturday, 21 July (7:25 pm) | Geelong | def. | Melbourne | GMHBA Stadium (crowd: 30,125) | Report |
| | 2.1 (13) 5.3 (33) 8.4 (52) 14.16 (100) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 2.3 (15) 5.8 (38) 11.9 (75) 14.14 (98) | Umpires: Rosebury, Brown, Nicholls Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Rosebury, Brown, Nicholls Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Hawkins 7, Dangerfield 2, Tuohy 2, Jones, Duncan, Henry, J Selwood, Kelly | Hawkins 7, Dangerfield 2, Tuohy 2, Jones, Duncan, Henry, J Selwood, Kelly | Goals | T. McDonald 4, Garlett 2, Melksham 2, Brayshaw, Spargo, Jones, Hogan, Gawn, Petracca | T. McDonald 4, Garlett 2, Melksham 2, Brayshaw, Spargo, Jones, Hogan, Gawn, Petracca |
| Hawkins, Dangerfield, Kelly, Stewart, Blicavs, Ablett, Stanley | Hawkins, Dangerfield, Kelly, Stewart, Blicavs, Ablett, Stanley | Best | Oliver, T McDonald, Harmes, Petracca, Lewis, Brayshaw | Oliver, T McDonald, Harmes, Petracca, Lewis, Brayshaw |
| Nil | Nil | Injuries | Nil | Nil |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Milestones(s): Jake Melksham (150th AFL game), Nathan Jones (100th game as MFC captain), Angus Brayshaw (50th AFL game) Record: 10 wins, 7 losses, 0 draws (127.91%) Ladder position: 6th ||||||

#### Round 19

| | Round 19 | Round 19 | Round 19 | | |
| Saturday, 28 July (7:10 pm) | Adelaide | def. by | Melbourne | Adelaide Oval (crowd: 45,880) | Report |
| | 4.4 (28) 6.8 (44) 7.10 (52) 10.17 (77) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 3.1 (19) 5.7 (37) 12.11 (83) 13.12 (90) | Umpires: Stevic, Meredith, Harris Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Stevic, Meredith, Harris Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Greenwood 2, Betts 2, Seedsman, Gibbs, Murphy, Atkins, Gallucci, Walker | Greenwood 2, Betts 2, Seedsman, Gibbs, Murphy, Atkins, Gallucci, Walker | Goals | T. McDonald 3, Lewis 2, Melksham 2, Fritsch 2, Kennedy Harris, Jetta, Hogan, Neal-Bullen | T. McDonald 3, Lewis 2, Melksham 2, Fritsch 2, Kennedy Harris, Jetta, Hogan, Neal-Bullen |
| M.Crouch, Milera, Laird, Gibbs, Atkins | M.Crouch, Milera, Laird, Gibbs, Atkins | Best | Oliver, T. McDonald, Petracca, Gawn, Harmes, Lewis | Oliver, T. McDonald, Petracca, Gawn, Harmes, Lewis |
| Seedsman (hamstring) | Seedsman (hamstring) | Injuries | Nil | Nil |
| Nil | Nil | Reports | Nil | Nil |
| Milestones(s): Jordan Lewis (300th AFL game), Dom Tyson (100th AFL game) Record: 11 wins, 7 losses, 0 draws (127.33%) Ladder position: ||||||

#### Round 20

| | Round 20 | Round 20 | Round 20 | | |
| Sunday, 5 August (3:20 pm) | Melbourne | def. | Gold Coast | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 23,072) | |
| | 9.3(57) 14.6(90) 16.12(108) 21.17(143) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 1.0(6) 4.2(26) 5.4(34) 7.5(47) | Umpires: Foot, Schmitt, Hay Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Foot, Schmitt, Hay Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Hogan 4, Harmes 3, Spargo 2, Oliver 2, Garlett 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Jones 2, Petracca 2, Salem, Brayshaw | Hogan 4, Harmes 3, Spargo 2, Oliver 2, Garlett 2, Neal-Bullen 2, Jones 2, Petracca 2, Salem, Brayshaw | Goals | Sexton 5, Holman, Rischitelli | Sexton 5, Holman, Rischitelli |
| Oliver, Brayshaw, Hogan, Salem, Garlett, Harmes | Oliver, Brayshaw, Hogan, Salem, Garlett, Harmes | Best | Sexton, Bowes, Harbrow, Weller, Fiorini | Sexton, Bowes, Harbrow, Weller, Fiorini |
| Smith (shoulder) | Smith (shoulder) | Injuries | Wright (knee) | Wright (knee) |
| nil | nil | Reports | nil | nil |
| The 96 point thrashing of Gold Coast means that the Demons have won their 3rd game by 90+ points in a single season, the first time they've ever done that in their history ||||||

#### Round 21

| | Round 21 | Round 21 | Round 21 | | |
| Sunday, 12 August (3:20 pm) | Melbourne | def. by | Sydney | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 51,424) | |
| | 2.6 (18) 3.12 (30) 7.14 (56) 10.18 (78) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 1.1 (7) 7.2 (44) 13.6 (84) 13.9 (87) | Umpires: Dalgleish, Nicholls, Fleer Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Dalgleish, Nicholls, Fleer Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| vandenBerg 3, Tom McDonald 2, Petracca, Hogan, Pedersen, Garlett, Jones | vandenBerg 3, Tom McDonald 2, Petracca, Hogan, Pedersen, Garlett, Jones | Goals | Papley 3, Heeney 2, Franklin 2, Cunningham, Hayward, Hannebery, Dawson, Kennedy, McCartin | Papley 3, Heeney 2, Franklin 2, Cunningham, Hayward, Hannebery, Dawson, Kennedy, McCartin |
| Brayshaw, Tyson, Harmes, Oliver, Salem | Brayshaw, Tyson, Harmes, Oliver, Salem | Best | Lloyd, Heeney, Newman, Aliir, Franklin, Kennedy, Hewett | Lloyd, Heeney, Newman, Aliir, Franklin, Kennedy, Hewett |
| Hunt (ankle), Jetta (nose), Hogan (foot) | Hunt (ankle), Jetta (nose), Hogan (foot) | Injuries | Johnson (knee), Smith (back) | Johnson (knee), Smith (back) |
| nil | nil | Reports | nil | nil |

#### Round 22

| | Round 22 | Round 22 | Round 22 | | |
| Sunday, 19 August (1:20 pm) | West Coast | def. by | Melbourne | Optus Stadium (crowd: 55,824) | |
| | 3.0 (18) 5.4 (34) 11.6 (72) 14.7 (91) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 4.4 (28) 7.6 (48) 12.8 (80) 16.12 (108) | Umpires: Stevic, Hosking, Schmitt Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Stevic, Hosking, Schmitt Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Rioli 3, Hutchings 2, Masten, Ah Chee, Cripps, Vardy, Sheed, Yeo, Venebles, LeCras, Ryan | Rioli 3, Hutchings 2, Masten, Ah Chee, Cripps, Vardy, Sheed, Yeo, Venebles, LeCras, Ryan | Goals | Melksham 4, McDonald 3, Hannan 3, Weideman, Harmes, Brayshaw, vandenBerg, Jones, Kent | Melksham 4, McDonald 3, Hannan 3, Weideman, Harmes, Brayshaw, vandenBerg, Jones, Kent |
| Rioli, Redden, Hutchings, Sheed, Masten | Rioli, Redden, Hutchings, Sheed, Masten | Best | Harmes, Melksham, Hannan, Brayshaw, Gawn, Jones | Harmes, Melksham, Hannan, Brayshaw, Gawn, Jones |
| Darling (concussion) | Darling (concussion) | Injuries | nil | nil |
| nil | nil | Reports | nil | nil |

#### Round 23

| | Round 23 | Round 23 | Round 23 | | |
| Sunday 26 August (3:20pm) | Melbourne | def. | Greater Western Sydney | Melbourne Cricket Ground (crowd: 37,285) | |
| | 4.2 (26) 7.6 (48) 12.9 (81) 15.12 (102) | Q1 Q2 Q3 Final | 4.1 (25) 5.5 (35) 5.8 (38) 8.9 (57) | Umpires: Dalgleish, Rosebury, Stevic Television broadcast: Seven Network | Umpires: Dalgleish, Rosebury, Stevic Television broadcast: Seven Network |
| Tom McDonald 3, Petracca 3, Neal-Bullen 2, Harmes, vandenBerg, Brayshaw, Gawn, Jones, Weideman, Melksham | Tom McDonald 3, Petracca 3, Neal-Bullen 2, Harmes, vandenBerg, Brayshaw, Gawn, Jones, Weideman, Melksham | Goals | Coniglio 2, Tomlinson, Lobb, Cameron, Himmelberg, Langdon, Finlayson | Coniglio 2, Tomlinson, Lobb, Cameron, Himmelberg, Langdon, Finlayson |
| Gawn, Harmes, Brayshaw, Oliver, Petracca, Jones, Frost | Gawn, Harmes, Brayshaw, Oliver, Petracca, Jones, Frost | Best | Coniglio, Ward, Shiel, Haynes, Kennedy | Coniglio, Ward, Shiel, Haynes, Kennedy |
| Kent (right shoulder), Tyson (left wrist), Melksham (head) | Kent (right shoulder), Tyson (left wrist), Melksham (head) | Injuries | Coniglio, Ward, Shiel, Haynes, Kennedy | Coniglio, Ward, Shiel, Haynes, Kennedy |
| nil | nil | Reports | nil | nil |
| The win means Melbourne finishes season 2018 5th on the ladder, meaning they will play finals for the first time since 2006, ending a 12 year drought. ||||||

## Ladder

| Pos | Teamvte | Pld | W | L | D | PF | PA | PP | Pts | Qualification |
| 1 | Richmond | 22 | 18 | 4 | 0 | 2143 | 1574 | 136.1 | 72 | 2018 finals |
| 2 | West Coast (P) | 22 | 16 | 6 | 0 | 2012 | 1657 | 121.4 | 64 | 2018 finals |
| 3 | Collingwood | 22 | 15 | 7 | 0 | 2046 | 1699 | 120.4 | 60 | 2018 finals |
| 4 | Hawthorn | 22 | 15 | 7 | 0 | 1972 | 1642 | 120.1 | 60 | 2018 finals |
| 5 | Melbourne | 22 | 14 | 8 | 0 | 2299 | 1749 | 131.4 | 56 | 2018 finals |
| 6 | Sydney | 22 | 14 | 8 | 0 | 1822 | 1664 | 109.5 | 56 | 2018 finals |
| 7 | Greater Western Sydney | 22 | 13 | 8 | 1 | 1898 | 1661 | 114.3 | 54 | 2018 finals |
| 8 | Geelong | 22 | 13 | 9 | 0 | 2045 | 1554 | 131.6 | 52 | 2018 finals |
| 9 | North Melbourne | 22 | 12 | 10 | 0 | 1950 | 1790 | 108.9 | 48 | |
| 10 | Port Adelaide | 22 | 12 | 10 | 0 | 1780 | 1654 | 107.6 | 48 | |
| 11 | Essendon | 22 | 12 | 10 | 0 | 1932 | 1838 | 105.1 | 48 | |
| 12 | Adelaide | 22 | 12 | 10 | 0 | 1941 | 1865 | 104.1 | 48 | |
| 13 | Western Bulldogs | 22 | 8 | 14 | 0 | 1575 | 2037 | 77.3 | 32 | |
| 14 | Fremantle | 22 | 8 | 14 | 0 | 1556 | 2041 | 76.2 | 32 | |
| 15 | Brisbane Lions | 22 | 5 | 17 | 0 | 1825 | 2049 | 89.1 | 20 | |
| 16 | St Kilda | 22 | 4 | 17 | 1 | 1606 | 2125 | 75.6 | 18 | |
| 17 | Gold Coast | 22 | 4 | 18 | 0 | 1308 | 2182 | 59.9 | 16 | |
| 18 | Carlton | 22 | 2 | 20 | 0 | 1353 | 2282 | 59.3 | 8 | |

### Ladder breakdown by opposition

| Opponent | Played | Won | Lost | Drew | Premiership points | Points for | Points against | Percentage (%) |
| Western Bulldogs | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 219 | 120 | 182.50% |
| Adelaide | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 236 | 132 | 178.79% |
| Carlton | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 159 | 50 | 318.00% |
| Fremantle | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 102 | 48 | 212.50% |
| Gold Coast | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 146 | 77 | 189.61% |
| Essendon | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 108 | 72 | 150.00% |
| North Melbourne | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 123 | 86 | 143.02% |
| Brisbane Lions | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 100 | 74 | 135.14% |
| St Kilda | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 223 | 186 | 119.89% |
| Geelong | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 192 | 197 | 97.46% |
| Port Adelaide | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 65 | 75 | 86.67% |
| Collingwood | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 91 | 133 | 68.42% |
| Richmond | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 56 | 102 | 54.90% |
| Hawthorn | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 115 | 41.74% |
| Greater Western Sydney | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
| Sydney | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
| West Coast | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
| Total | 18 | 11 | 7 | 0 | 48 | 1868 | 1467 | 127.33% |

## Tribunal/match review officer cases

| Player | Round | Charge category | Verdict | Early Plea | Result | Victim | Club |
| Jordan Lewis | Round 2 | Misconduct | Guilty | Yes | $1500 | Rhys Mathieson | Brisbane Lions |
| Sam Frost | Round 3 | Rough conduct | Guilty | Yes | $2000 | Jed Anderson | North Melbourne |
| Sam Frost | Round 3 | Misconduct | Guilty | Yes | $1500 | Isaac Smith | Hawthorn |
| Bernie Vince | Round 6 | Striking | Guilty | Yes | $2000 | Darcy Parish | Essendon |
| Nathan Jones | Round 7 | Misconduct | Guilty | Yes | $1500 | Jack Newnes | St Kilda |
| Jordan Lewis | Round 12 | Misconduct | Guilty | Yes | $2000 | Steele Sidebottom | Collingwood |
| Oscar McDonald | Round 14 | Rough conduct | Guilty | Yes | $2000 | Todd Marshall | Port Adelaide |
| Jesse Hogan | Round 16 | Misconduct | Guilty | Yes | $1500 | Lachie Neale | Fremantle |
| Jordan Lewis | Round 16 | Striking | Guilty | Yes | $2000 | Michael Walters | Fremantle |
| Nathan Jones | Round 16 | Misconduct | Guilty | Yes | $2000 | Lachie Neale | Fremantle |
Best and fairest== ===Max Gawn