AFL LIVE round 15: Demons kicking clear of Kangas; Coach jeered after massive defeat

There’s nothing like an old fashioned barney on half-time to stir the passion – and that’s what we’ve just seen.

I’m not entirely sure what sparked it but it was on between the 36 on the field.

There were several spotfires inside 50 at the Punt Road end.

The one I kept closest eye on involved Clayton Oliver and Luke Davies-Uniacke, who went head to head.

I’m not sure who would win between those two, but Davies-Uniacke had a chance to escalate the matter but, wisely for his hip pocket, chose not to.

I don’t think there was anything wilder than some pushing and shoving, and grabbing of jumpers, but it’s rare to see melees these days.

Michael Christian will no doubt dish out some fines tomorrow, though he’ll have to hit the rewind and fast-forward button a bit to work out exactly who should be fined, then cross-check dollar sums based on the number of previous offences.

I’m not sure where the money goes but, hopefully, some of it from this Pink Lady game will go towards the Breast Cancer Network Australia.

Roos forward Eddie Ford might find his pay packet a little lighter this week as the TV cameras showed him flipping the bird [his middle finger] twice at a Demons player following his missed shot at goal in the second term.

It was pretty funny to watch on screen but we know the sporting leagues are not very forgiving of use of that particular symbol, so there is a fair chance a fine will be heading Ford’s way.

The Demons still lead but the Roos made a lot of the play in the second term, just couldn’t capitalise on it.

Eddie Ford’s mark was a highlight while Oliver has had a running clash with multiple Roos in a feisty first half including George Wardlaw.

Zurhaar missed a chance from the boundary after the siren.

Trent Rivers has responded to a strong term from the Roos by kicking a brilliant running goal.

He dashed onto the ball at centre-half forward and ran a great line through the pack dodging tacklers and then kicking truly on the run.

Dees 40, Roos 17 with three mins to go in Q2.

Eddie Ford has taken a screamer – and boy did the game need a highilight. Ford has delivered it, using Max Gawn as a stepladder to take a speccy.

It’s not mark of the year material but he made the most of the sit he had to haul in a big pack mark, albeit on his chest.

Unfortunately, Ford’ shot for goal from about 35 metres out was as limp as wet lettuce, just floating across for a behind.

Though yet to score a goal in the first 22 minutes of the quarter, Dees are up by 16 points.

The Roos finally have a goal for their much improved play.

Cam Zurhaar pulled in the mark and kicked truly.

They are right back in this contest, now they need to reflect this on the scoreboard.

Dees 33, Roos 16 with eight mins to go in Q2.

North Melbourne have missed a couple of chances at goal this term while the Demons have been a little frustrated by a stronger defensive rearguard from the Roos.

We have yet to have a goal although the Demons are trying to switch play and shift that defensive zone.

Dees 33, Roos 10 with nine mins to go in Q2.

After the football trauma Melbourne have suffered in the past three weeks, this has been a nerve-settling start.

It’s nothing spectacular but there’s been a shift back to basics by Simon Goodwin’s men.

They’re up 11 for contested ball, and 16-10 for entries inside 50, which are the numbers you want for a team that builds its game on contest and territory.

Jack Viney’s playing like a man who has taken the past fortnight personally, leading with seven touches and four clearances.

The Dees look threatening when they get the ball forward. Harry Petty is having one of his better games as a forward, and Kosi Pickett has been dangerous when he gets near it.

North need to tighten up defensively. The Dees won’t give them the same liberties as the Pies did in the first half last week.

If you’re a Dees fan, or have made them your lock for the week like me, you’ll be a lot more comfortable now than you were at the start of the match.