AFL wildcard finals 2026, scores, results, odds, stats and start time from the MCG

The Demons have missed multiple, relatively easy shots at goal in this last term, including the mercurial Kysaiah Pickett, who just burst through a pack only to run into an open goal and spray his shot wide.

The Dees have gone more than 37 minutes without a goal now. It feels like an eternity, and in the context of this game it is.

Blues 63, Dees 55 with 11 mins left to play.

That was a flowing move from the Blues, who went from a kick-in to their own goal square in a matter of moments as Jagga Smith finished with a goal.

This is the Blues’ biggest lead of the night, but it is only nine points.

Blues 62, Dees 53 with 18 mins left to play.

Jagga Smith and Jake Bowey were shown mouthing off to each other late in the term – Smith appearing to ask Bowey, “Who are you?”

Moments later, Smith took the ball from a ball up and burst clear.

His run led to a Blues kick to Ainsworth who booted his third goal.

Smith had another touch late in the term. The Blues lead going into the last term.

Who saw that coming?

The ball has repeatedly entered Melbourne’s forward 50 since that Ben Ainsworth goal, but they can’t do anything with it as Harry Dean and the Blues’ defence keep either winning the footy or punching it clear.

Dean’s latest punch led to a huge roar from the Blues fans. They really do love the son of a gun.

But now the Blues need to turn their turnovers and run-outs into goals.

Dees 51, Blues 50 with two mins to go in Q3.

Ben Ainsworth has booted another goal as the Blues consolidate a couple of solid minutes of rebound football.

Their defence, led by Jacob Weitering and teen sensation Harry Dean, is holding strong, and now the Blues are using the ball effectively.

Dees 50, Blues 49 with seven mins to go in Q3.

Patrick Cripps looks in some discomfort after limping off the field.

He could get a jog up but was clearly not happy after twisting his knee in a tackle.

Cripps is still on his feet on the boundary line, so he won’t be going anywhere but watch this space.

Dees 49, Blues 42 with 14 mins to go in Q3.

That was a decisive response from the Blues as Jagga Smith took the ball from the middle and kicked it forward, where Brodie Kemp won the bouncing ball and flicked it to Harry McKay, who ran into an open goal.

Dees 42, Blues 41 with 17 mins to go in Q3.

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