Things haven't been going great all season for Melbourne and some of the frustration spilled out publicly at three-quarter time against Brisbane.
Having just conceded five of the previous six goals to go into the final change down by 14 points, tensions were high in the Demons huddle.
Key defenders Steven May and Sam Frost exchanged words in a heated conversation at the break, with teammates attempting to calm the discussion down.
May and Frost had a heated exchange at 3QT.#AFLLionsDees pic.twitter.com/m6kz1kBSIP
— 7AFL (@7AFL) June 30, 2019
May, who is playing his first season at the club since moving from the Suns, seemed to be doing most of the talking, possibly aggrieved at Frost's work in the lead-up to a late goal from Allen Christensen.
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Frost could have potentially marked a Brisbane inside 50 but instead opted to spoil, with the Lions mopping up and getting the footy to Christensen who finished it off.
Melbourne came into the match 16th on the ladder with a 4-9 record for the season.
Simon Goodwin's side held a narrow lead for most of the match at the Gabba until that third quarter run by the Lions, led by a four-goal spurt from Eric Hipwood.
Staring down the barrel of a 10th defeat for the season was clearly getting to Melbourne's players, with May and Frost's disagreement an example of the pressure the players are feeling.
The Brisbane match was May's fourth as a Demon after having his season interrupted by injury and suspension so far.
In the end, the Lions prevailed by 33-points, improving to 9-5 for the season and putting them in the box seat for a drought-breaking finals appearance.
Goodwin was asked about the confrontation between his two backmen after the match, though the coach didn't seem too concerned.
Goodwin on May + Frost: They had a bit of a disagreement over a defensive behaviour but they’re fine.
— Melbourne FC (@melbournefc) June 30, 2019
They’re two very competitive and proud players, and I only see that sort of discussion as healthy.
