The overlooked numbers from the AFL Grand Final

With the 2021 AFL Grand Final in the history books, Melbourne snapped their 57-year premiership drought. In what was a see-sawing encounter for three quarters, the Demons ultimately took control of the game to run out 74-point victors over the Western Bulldogs.

While much of the fanfare has been around the colossal performance of Norm Smith medallist Christian Petracca and six-goal hero Bayley Fritsch, many of their teammates played instrumental roles which helped Melbourne lift the cup at Optus Stadium on Saturday Night.

The unheralded Demons ranged from veterans, previous top draft picks and some of their brightest young stars who showed up when the lights were shining their brightest.

For the Bulldogs, off-season recruit Adam Treloar had arguably his best game in the red, white and blue, while Caleb Daniel found plenty of the Sherrin down back. Captain Marcus Bontempelli also left his mark on the game.

Below are some of the glossed over stats and performances from the 2021 AFL Grand Final.

Christian Salem

The smooth-moving, running defender was at his absolute best in the biggest game of his career. Salem started out the game hot and didn't slow down.

Amassing a game-high seven marks, his most impressive stat might have been his disposal efficiency. Salem collected 27 disposals during the game, going at 96% efficiency off the half backline. Only Tom McDonald went at a higher rate (eight disposals at 100%).

After being included in the 40-man All-Australian squad this season, he was unlucky to not earn his first blazer in the final 22. A former top-10 pick from the 2013 Draft, Salem has now more than repaid that selection.

Alex Neal-Bullen

One of the more underrated Melbourne players, Alex Neal-Bullen simply plays his role week-in, week-out. His Grand Final performance was no different.

Playing a half-forward role in the Melbourne side, Neal-Bullen covered a game-high 16.5km across the four quarters. His work rate didn't stop there, he also had 25 pressure acts, showing the selfless and team-orientated role which would have him so respected inside the four walls of the footy club. 24 disposals and 1.1, Alex Neal-Bullen did it all.

His 10 score involvements were also the second-highest for the game only behind Norm Smith medallist Christian Petracca who had 15.

Angus Brayshaw

A much loved Demon, Angus Brayshaw saved one of his best games for the Grand Final. Spending a lot of his time on the wing, Brayshaw found plenty of the footy and collected 25 disposals for the match, 11 of them contested.

Brayshaw had seven inside 50s, up from his season average of 2.7 per game.

However, it is his third quarter which will be remembered by Demon fans for a long time. In the so-called 'premiership quarter' Melbourne found themselves on the ropes, at one stage behind by 19 points after Marcus Bontempelli booted his third major.

Nine possessions - five of them contested - four intercepts, three marks, two tackles and three clearances for the term by Brayshaw helped steady the flow and ultimately kickstart the Demon onslaught.

He also slotted a crucial goal to put Melbourne in front late into the third stanza.

Luke Jackson and Tom Sparrow

The two Melbourne young guns were not over-roared by the occasion, each having big moments throughout the game.

Rising star winner Luke Jackson looked right at home being back in Western Australia. The former No.3 draft pick put all his talent on display in a terrific outing, with the 199cm backup ruckman having the most goal assists on the ground with four of his possessions resulting directly in Demons goals.

Fellow youngster Tom Sparrow ranked second in goal assists only behind Jackson with three himself, showing the ability by these young players to stay composed and have an impact in the biggest moments.

Sparrow also kicked a long-range goal late in the third quarter, part of the now-famous last minute of that premiership quarter.

Jack Viney

Jack Viney took his scintillating preliminary final form against Geelong into the Grand Final. The big-bodied midfielder played with grunt and aggression, becoming a vital reason why the Demons were able to turn the tide of the match so quickly.

Viney had a game-high 12 clearances, three clear of the next best of nine from Christian Petracca. His game-high six centre clearances highlighted the impact he was able to have when the ball was there to be won in the middle.

Much like Brayshaw, his third quarter was his best. eight disposals - five of them contested - five clearances including two from the centre bounce where Melbourne completely dominated the flow of the game to start their run of 12 consecutive goals.

Viney finished with 25 disposals and six tackles.

Adam Treloar

After coming across from Collingwood at the end of last season, Adam Treloar almost capped off the fairytale first season at the Kennel.

Coming into the game off the back of a terrific performances against Essendon and Port Adelaide earlier in the finals series, Treloar picked up from where he left off. The former Magpie had 27 disposals at a disposal efficiency of 89%, which is up from his season average of 72%.

The hard-running midfielder also booted three goals, two of which came in the second quarter during a Bulldog resurgence which saw them take an eight-point lead into the main break.

Caleb Daniel

At halftime Caleb Daniel was arguably on his way to the Norm Smith Medal. A staggering 26 possessions for the Bulldogs defender had him on a record-setting pace. He ended up with 37 for the game, being somewhat nullified after the main break.

However his impact on the game was profound, Daniel had a game-high 10 intercept possessions, with three of them coming in the second quarter as the Bulldogs started to make their move. He had 14 disposals in that second term, however only had the three in the third quarter when the Demons were able to hit back.