MATT Burgan looks at the talking points, facts and moments from Melbourne’s 32-point loss against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Sunday …

1 – A third of the season has gone …

With eight of 23 rounds gone for 2016, Melbourne sits ninth on the ladder – and out of the eight on percentage – after notching up four wins and four losses so far this season. Although it went down to the Dogs on the weekend, the fact that Melbourne is in this position at this stage of the season is a major positive from recent years.

2 – Good crowd

Almost 40,000 watched the clash between Melbourne and the Bulldogs – the crowd was 39,921 – which was the seventh best attendance between the two sides in home and away matches. It was the 11^th best crowd figure between the two sides, including four finals.

3 – No quarters won

Melbourne didn’t win a quarter against the Dogs, but lost two (the second and final terms) by one point each. It was also close in the third term when the Bulldogs won by nine points. But Melbourne’s opening quarter – when it kicked 2.2 to 5.5 and lost by 21 points – proved costly in the wash-up.

4 – The tackling machines

Bulldog Tom Liberatore and Jack Viney had outstanding matches with 25 disposals each, but incredibly, their tackling numbers were pushing the amount of times they won the ball. Liberatore had an equal AFL record of 19 tackles and Viney wasn’t far behind with 16. It was an outstanding effort from both players.

5 – Roos backs Gawn

Max Gawn has been outstanding for Melbourne all season – and is right in All-Australian contention. Although he still managed 42 hit outs against the Dogs, coach Paul Roos said the big man had a tougher day at the office with six touches. “He’s still a young ruckman. He’s been terrific and he just had a down day today,” he said.

6 – Petracca progressing

In just his third AFL match, Petracca again showed some impressive signs, notching up 20 disposals and seven inside 50s. He also chipped in with a goal. Roos said Petracca was building nicely after coming into the side in round six. “He’s certainly picking up the game nicely and made some errors like young players do, particularly early with his kicking,” Roos said.

7 – ANB ready to go

Alex Neal-Bullen has been on the cusp of selection all season – literally. He has been an emergency for every match since round three. ‘Nibbler’ as he is affectionately known has been impressing strongly in the VFL and after notching up 39 disposals for Casey against Sandringham at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Saturday, he will be pushing strongly for a call-up against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG next Sunday. Roos said changes were likely for round nine. “Without mentioning names, we did have a few players that had been good that dropped off. That’s the challenge – do you leave someone out? We did that with Clayton Oliver three weeks ago and then he went back [for Casey]. His first week [back] was good and this week wasn’t so good. So they’re the discussions that will have to take place, because you want to continually reward performances in the seconds.”

8 – Billy’s best so far

In just his third match for the year and his 14^th overall, Stretch played his best AFL match, winning a career-high 25 disposals. His ability to win both the contested ball (10) and uncontested possession (14) was impressive.

9 – The Dogs have plenty of bark

It’s hard not to admire the Bulldogs – they are an exceptional team. With six wins from eight rounds, the Dogs are building strongly this year and are now a serious contender to go all the way. They were ahead of Melbourne in terms of age and games on the weekend – the Dogs had 307 more games experience – and that slight edge was a factor in the win.  

10 – Tyson top ball-winner

Dom Tyson notched up an equal career-best 32 disposals against the Dogs. It was the third time he has won 32 touches in a match, with the other two times occurring in 2014 against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium in round one, and Port Adelaide at AdelaIde Oval in round 18.