No Petracca, No problem: Midfield star steps up as Melbourne Demons avoid upset in narrow victory over North Melbourne 

Melbourne Demons midfielder Jack Viney put up a Man-of-the-Match performance to help his side escape a narrow defeat at the hands of North Melbourne on Saturday (June 22). The Demons secured their eighth win of the campaign with a 70-67 victory, although it came with a scare in the latter stages of a game they dominated.

Simon Goodwin's side had to hold on tight to a 33-point lead after failing to kick a goal in the last quarter, as the Kangaroos booted five unreplied goals en route to what could have been a shocking comeback.

The Demons began the clash on the right foot, kicking five of the six goals in the first quarter. In the second quarter, they managed just one goal, and North Melbourne scored twice to take the quarter by nine points.

It was all goals in the three-quarter-time as no behinds were recorded. Melbourne kicked five more goals, while North Melbourne scored three, extending their lead by 33 points (70-37). However, the hosts took their foot off the pedal in the last quarter, serving a late resurgence to win by three points (70-67).

Melbourne entered the clash on the back of four losses in their past five matches. They desperately needed to return to winning ways especially with star midfielder Christian Petracca out for the rest of the season, and Viney stepped up with a delightful performance for the Demons.

The midfielder stood up for the Melbourne Demons when it mattered the most, filling the shoes in Petracca's absence. Viney had a match-defining impact, recording 25 disposals, 12 clearances, six tackles, and 19 contested possessions in the win.

Melbourne Demons surge into top 8 after North Melbourne victory

The Melbourne Demons moved into the qualifying final spot thanks to their slim victory over the North Melbourne Kangaroos on Saturday. The Demons held on late to secure a three-point win over their Kangaroos counterpart.

The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for Simon Goodwin's side and pushed them up in the standings. Before the match, Melbourne were 11th in the standings, but victory now sees them sit eighth in the table.

A more difficult encounter awaits the Demons in the next round as they will travel to the Gabba to play the high-scoring Brisbane Lions on June 28.