BELIEF was the biggest winner for Melbourne coach Mick Stinear on Monday night.
The Demons found themselves in trouble at the halfway mark of the much-anticipated clash with Brisbane but managed to claw their way back at Metricon Stadium, holding on to win in dramatic fashion.
The impressive fightback made for their sixth win of the season; with Stinear confident the group will take away more than just four points.
“We were definitely on the back foot at half time,” the Dees coach said in his post-match press conference.
“Their (Brisbane) intensity around the ball and their work rate taught us a lot in a short space of time.
“I think our midfield was able to respond. I think Daisy (Pearce) throughout the course of the game helped our backline and help our ball movement and Tayla Harris forward of the ball was extraordinary and really kept us in the game.
“The second half, to be able to put our heads down and grind out a win will build massive belief in our group.”
The Demons were out of sorts early on against the reigning premiers, with the slow start resulting in Melbourne’s first goal coming late in the second quarter – Brisbane kicked three in the first half.
But a major reset at the midway point saw a more determined, aggressive side take to Metricon, with an obvious increase in work rate, composure and skill execution proving paramount.
Karen Paxman led from the front, clocking up 23 disposals, while Tyla Hanks put in another classy performance, finishing with 16 touches, seven tackles and three clearances.
Up forward, it was Alyssa Bannan who got the scoreboard ticking – the No.16 kicked back-to-back goals on either side of the half-time break – before Eliza West added a first career goal to her list of achievements.
But the night was made for Harris, whose impact (two goals and seven contested marks) was instrumental in the result.
“I think tonight we saw Tayla’s work rate go up a level as well tonight,” Stinear said.
“She didn’t get much of a rest because she was so important for us.
“She was continually competing in the air, giving us a contest, marking, but then her ability to finish as well [was extraordinary].
“She’s quite a remarkable player and I’m really pleased she’s enjoying her footy and playing with her teammates.”
Melbourne will now head home to prepare for what is set to be another great contest, taking on North Melbourne at Casey Fields next Saturday.
