AFL round 12 2026, scores, results, odds, stats and start time from Optus Stadium
Melbourne delivered a mid-season reality check at home to Alice Springs on Sunday, slumping to a 49-point defeat against an impressive Greater Western Sydney.
The Demons have lost back-to-back games for the first time in the Steven King era, following a narrow defeat to the Western Bulldogs a week ago.
There were similarities in this defeat to the inefficiencies that constantly plagued them under previous manager Simon Goodwin.
The game ended with Melbourne trailing 5 to 2 in the third quarter despite going inside 50 18 times to the Giants’ 7, who cut the lead to 12 points with the last two goals of the first half.
But King could also be disappointed by a lackluster final quarter in which the margin turned into a blowout.
GWS were slick in transition and punished the Demons for their stubbornness en route to a crucial 19.5 (119) to 9.16 (70) victory before a bye next week.
Finn Callaghan, Harvey Thomas, Connor Idun, Toby Greene and Lachie Ash were the standout names for the Giants.
Adam Kingsley’s Giants appear to have an inconsistent start behind them to break into the top 10 after conceding 14 goals in the third term to beat reigning premierships Brisbane a week ago.
Jack Steele was Melbourne’s leading ball-winner with 25 disposals, 13 possessions and four clearances, while fellow tackle Brody Mihocek kicked three goals.
