Star's colossal final as 'villain' thrives late; veteran's dirty night Dees ...

Melbourne’s star defender played a final for the ages, while Kysaiah Pickett had a rollercoaster of a night.

Meanwhile, a veteran Dees forward was soundly beaten.

Every Melbourne player rated out of 10 from its semi-final against Carlton.

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1. Steven May

Colossal. As expected, went straight to Charlie Curnow. Had plenty of help from his teammates, but was able to curtail the Coleman Medallist effectively, while also providing efficient drive from defence. Some big intercepts in the final quarter. 9

3. Christian Salem

His most influential game in weeks. A big nine-disposal third term where he went at 100 per cent by foot and provided awesome run from the backline. 7

5. Christian Petracca

Tough in the contest and powerful when kicking the ball inside 50. Drifted forward for a team-lifting goal from a tight angle in the first quarter. 8

7. Jack Viney

At his brutal finals best early with 10 touches, seven contested possessions and two clearances in the opening term. Set the tone for a fantastic game. 8

8. Jake Lever

Lined up on Lachie Fogarty at the first bounce but was predictably referencing Charlie Curnow at all times. Started assertively and caused Carlton early headaches with several intercept marks. Didn’t have as much influence after quarter-time though. 6

9. Charlie Spargo

Want an injection of energy! Had Adam Saad for company early and had a significant influence with six first-quarter disposals. Showed great composure heading inside 50 and tackled well too. 6

11. Max Gawn

Some big effective hit-outs in the second quarter, but wasn’t able to have his usual intercept impact due to Marc Pittonet’s disciplined defensive performance. Threatened to impose himself on the game in the third term, but two shanked set-shots let him down. Still kept working all night. 6

12. Lachie Hunter

Had Blake Acres on the broadcast side wing. Ran hard between the arcs all night. 6

13. Clayton Oliver

Really got going in the second quarter with eight disposals and four clearances. Had more tackles than anyone else on the ground — and his ninth was crucial, bringing down Sam Walsh holding the ball. 8

15. Ed Langdon

Started on Sam Dochery on the wing and got an early win, pushing forward to kick the first goal of the game. Several kicks went out of bounds on the full, but used the ball well outside of that. 6

17. Jake Bowey

Started on the bench then spent time on Jesse Motlop. Found space well and used the ball efficiently by foot, but Motlop got away late. 5

19. Josh Schache

Started as the sub — and finished as the unused sub. N/A

20. Adam Tomlinson

Went to Tom De Koning and got shown up in the first quarter, with the young Blue kicking Carlton’s first two goals. By the end of the night had justified his selection as his bigger frame helped when the Blues bombed the ball inside 50. 5

23. James Jordon

Started on the bench then settled around half-forward. 4

24. Trent Rivers

Intercepted superbly and showed good one-on-one ability throughout the night. 7

25. Tom McDonald

Had Jacob Weitering for company and was well and truly beaten. 2

29. Joel Smith

Was the “most dangerous Melbourne forward by a mile”, according to Matthew Richardson. Manned up by Brodie Kemp and had a strong start, attacking the ball superbly in the air before being rewarded with a goal from a free kick. Added another two for the night. 7

30. Alex Neal-Bullen

Had a second-quarter goal denied by a late score review. Was strong forward of centre and at the contest. 5

31. Bayley Fritsch

Lifted when it mattered most. Had Mitch McGovern for company. Kicked a behind with his first set-shot when he had a chance for an early confidence-booster. Nailed a classy goal on the run in the third term against the grain then added another in the fourth. 7

32. Tom Sparrow

Came off the bench. Overall, used the ball poorly by foot but kept driving the ball hard inside 50. 5

36. Kysaiah Pickett

Quickly became the “villain” in the eyes of Blues fans, according to Fox Footy’s Garry Lyon, after a dirty start to the night … to the (near) match-winner in the second half. Cost his team a shot at goal in the first term due to a free kick reversal then laid a bump on Patrick Cripps that will almost certainly have him in strife with the MRO. Then in the second half set up Bayley Fritsch’s first two goals before conjuring two himself to ignite Melbourne fans. 8

37. Kade Chandler

Started on the bench then settled around half-forward. Didn’t have a massive influence on the game. 4

41. Judd McVee

Had Matt Owies for most of the night. Showed great strength in one-on-one contests then used the ball effectively going the other way. 7