A post-match mistake at the Melbourne Cricket Ground might've added more salt to the wounds of Demons fans following their finals exit to Carlton on Friday night.

Melbourne led the match with a minute left on the clock, only for a Blake Acres goal from deep in attack to be the difference on the night.

After the Demons took a 19-point lead early into the match, the Blues clawed themselves back in front at half-time, with neither side able to gain an extensive run of momentum and steer themselves clear.

A total of four lead changes would fall in the second half, however it was Melbourne who was in front for most of the final term prior to Acres' match-winning moment.

The win for Carlon sees the Blues make their return to the preliminary final stage for the first time in 23 years, while Melbourne suffered a straight sets finals exit for the second time in as many years.

For fans leaving the MCG, the messaging from the Members' gate read as though the Demons were the club advancing, as if those in charge might've gone a little too early on the result.

Across the electronic announcement banner outside Gate 2 of the MCG, the signage read "DEES ARE IN THE PRELIM!" while another also had Melbourne's emblem alongside Brisbane's with the words "PRELIM FINAL".

Carlton will be the side heading to the Gabba for next weekend's preliminary final, while the Demons' season has come to a cruel end.

The Blues are expecting to face the Lions on Saturday, September 23 in a game that will see Michael Voss face the club he once coached and led to three premierships as a player.

If Carlton's September streak continues, they'll book themselves a grand final finish that could see them going head-to-head with arch-rivals Collingwood in the season decider.

The Magpies will learn who their preliminary final opponent will be in the next 24 hours as Port Adelaide and GWS do battle at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

 2023-09-15T09:50:00Z 
 
 
 
MCG
MELB   
71
FT
73
   CARL
    #AFLDeesBlues
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