Melbourne Demons win big pre-season game by 80 points against North Melbourne

The Melbourne Demons won by a huge 80 points, scoring 129 points compared to North Melbourne's 49. This is much higher than North Melbourne's score.
By Newsroom | AFL, Sports |

Melbourne, Australia – In what appears to be a significant display of early-season form, the Melbourne Demons have secured a decisive win in a recent match simulation against the North Melbourne Kangaroos. The contest, held at Casey Fields, saw the Demons emerge with a commanding 129-49 scoreline.

The match simulation was marked by standout performances from several Melbourne players. Kozzy Pickett and newcomer Latrelle Pickett were particularly noted for their speed and impact on the field, contributing significantly to the Demons' victory. This early success comes after a period of review for the team, with reports indicating strategic adjustments were made during the off-season.

Match Simulation Details

The Melbourne Demons achieved a final score of 19.15 (129), while the North Melbourne Kangaroos registered 7.7 (49). This resulted in an 80-point margin in favor of Melbourne.

Kozzy explodes in epic start to new Dees era; Roo to face MRO scrutiny for dangerous tackle - 1

  • Melbourne Goal Scorers: K. Pickett (5), Kentfield (3), Mihocek (2), Chandler (2), Steele (2), Laurie, Fritsch, Tholstrup, Langford, van Rooyen.

  • North Melbourne Goal Scorers: Larkey (2), Darling (2), Duursma, Zurhaar, Powell (2).

"Kozzy and new face Latrelle Pickett were a step faster than everyone on the field…"

The performance of Kozzy Pickett, in particular, has drawn attention. His ability to influence the game with multiple goals, including five in this simulation, suggests a strong return to form or an elevated level of play.

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Strategic Adjustments and Player Focus

Reports suggest the Melbourne Demons have undertaken a strategic reset, which may have contributed to their current form. This included potential shifts in player roles and formations.

  • Off-Season Review: Following a period of criticism after a five-game losing streak to start the previous season, the Demons reportedly made changes. This involved dropping players like Bailey Fritsch and Jacob Van Rooyen and adapting to the absence of key defenders Steven May and Jake Lever.

  • New Faces: The integration of players like Latrelle Pickett is a notable aspect of the team's current dynamic. His reported maturity and strong performance in the simulation suggest a promising addition.

"I think there was a slight change in the way that they played as well… With Harrison Petty shifting forward to bag four goals, Daniel Turner venturing back and an entirely new look front half, the Dees put on a controlled performance from start to finish…"

The mention of Harrison Petty moving forward and Daniel Turner playing defensively indicates a flexible approach to player deployment.

Kozzy explodes in epic start to new Dees era; Roo to face MRO scrutiny for dangerous tackle - 2

Player Performance Insights

Kozzy Pickett's contribution has been highlighted across multiple reports, with specific praise for his individual scoring and overall impact.

  • Goal-Scoring Prowess: His five goals in the recent match simulation underscore his offensive threat.

  • Midfield Influence: In a previous match described as a "best on ground performance," Kozzy Pickett was noted for 24 disposals and five goals while rotating through the midfield.

"Kozzy dominated the contest, finding 24 disposals and booting five majors in a best on ground performance."

The club's commitment to retaining key players like Kozzy Pickett has also been a topic of discussion among journalists.

"Brad Green staying staunch in keeping Kozzy Pickett at the club…"

Analysis of Defensive Actions

While the focus has largely been on offensive displays, a concerning incident involving a North Melbourne player and a dangerous tackle has been flagged for review.

  • MRO Scrutiny: A North Melbourne player is expected to face scrutiny from the Match Review Officer (MRO) for a "dangerous tackle" during the game. The specifics of the incident and the player involved were not detailed in the provided summaries.

Expert Commentary

Commentary from figures like former Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney suggests a positive outlook for the Melbourne Demons, with Kozzy Pickett seen as a potential difference-maker.

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"Former Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney was thoroughly impressed with Kozzy, believing that he will be the difference maker in the Dees’ mission to return back on track."

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Melbourne Demons' decisive victory in their recent match simulation provides an early signal of their readiness for the upcoming season. The strong performances from key players, particularly Kozzy Pickett, and the apparent success of strategic adjustments suggest a team that is focused and capable. The noted dangerous tackle incident involving a North Melbourne player will be subject to official review. Further information regarding the MRO findings is anticipated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How did the Melbourne Demons do in their pre-season game against North Melbourne on April 20, 2025?
The Melbourne Demons won by a large margin of 80 points. The final score was 129 to 49.
Q: Which Melbourne players played well in the game?
Kozzy Pickett scored 5 goals and Latrelle Pickett showed good speed and impact. Harrison Petty also scored 4 goals.
Q: What was the final score of the match simulation?
Melbourne Demons scored 19 goals and 15 points, totaling 129 points. North Melbourne Kangaroos scored 7 goals and 7 points, totaling 49 points.
Q: Are there any player reviews from the North Melbourne team?
One North Melbourne player may be reviewed by the Match Review Officer for a dangerous tackle made during the game. More information will be released later.
Q: What is the outlook for the Melbourne Demons based on this game?
Experts like Adam Cooney think Kozzy Pickett's strong play could help the Demons have a successful season. The team also made changes in the off-season that seem to be working.