The flying start to the 2021 AFL season shows no signs of slowing down for Melbourne, although they had to survive an almighty scare in the derby encounter with North Melbourne, who led the fiercely contested Round 7 duel at half-time.

Despite being bottom of the ladder and without a single win, North Melbourne looked ready to inflict the first defeat of the campaign on their much-fancied rival, heading into the interval with an advantage of 19 points. However, there was no denying an under-strength Melbourne side, who already had Jack Viney absent and then lost Adam Tomlinson early in the game.

The Kangaroos were full of bounce in the first half, putting in what looked to be their best
shift of the season. The highlight for North Melbourne was a classy display by midfielder
Ben Cunnington, who eventually played all four quarters. He registered 34 touches, 8
clearances and 2 goals, yet that excellent performance wasn’t enough for his team in the end.
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The future looks bright for Luke Jackson

After a breakout performance against the Roos, the young Demon claims the round seven nomination for the Rising Star Award thanks to @NAB pic.twitter.com/bZLgf0f8Hv

— AFL (@AFL) May 3, 2021

Rediscovering their inner fire, the Demons turning an already fascinating battle into a six-goal third quarter, as the Kangaroos quickly lost their grip on the game. The keys to unlocking the rival team were defender Christian Salem and ruckman Luke Jackson, while marksman Bayley Fritsch booted six goals.

North Melbourne remained in the fight for points throughout the second-half confrontation, yet there was no stopping Melbourne, who showed the extra quality and class needed to dominate the remainder of the game. That said, the final winning margin of 30 points was perhaps a little misleading for the Demons, given the Kangaroos deserved more for their efforts.

Following the joy of victory for the Demons at the weekend, they were struck with bad news regarding key defender Adam Tomlinson, after he suffered a knee injury in the first quarter against the Kangaroos. The 27-year-old has been diagnosed with a ruptured ACL, which unfortunately means a premature end to his campaign, along with a long and arduous road to recovery.

A tearful Adam Tomlinson was consoled by his teammates and coach Simon Goodwin after suffering what looks to be a serious knee injury.

MORE > https://t.co/W2YAM1FDQs#AFLNorthDees pic.twitter.com/61Iower8rI

— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) May 2, 2021

Having won each of their opening seven games of the 2021 AFL campaign, Melbourne are now 4.00 Aussie Rules betting favourites to win the regular-season title. Due to their impressive start, the Demons could also be serious contenders for the Premiership title, tipped at 5.50 odds to win the 2021 Grand Final.

Making such a deep run for glory would be an exceptional feat for Melbourne, who made their last Grand Final appearance in 2000, losing out in the end against Essendon. For the last Premiership title won by the Demons, we have to go all the way back to 1964, when they edged Collingwood by just four points in a classic encounter at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Regardless of finishing 9th in the ladder last season, narrowly missing out on reaching the finals series, the current Melbourne squad is packed with confidence and belief. Prior to the frustration of being unable to reach the finals series last year, the Demons finished the 2019 campaign way down at 17th on the ladder, so their improvement over the last couple of seasons has been remarkable.