THE DEMONS took more than just the four points out of Saturday night’s narrow victory over Carlton at Casey Fields.

It came down to the wire in the final game of the home and away season, as the tightest of margins secured Melbourne a top-two finish, guaranteed a spot in a Preliminary Final and issued some important lessons.

The clash, which was the first between the two sides since 2020, was never quite on the Dees’ terms, largely due to Carlton’s relentless pressure.

Melbourne coach Mick Stinear acknowledged the Blues’ outing and the improvement he needs to see from his group moving forward.

“We’re happy to get the win – that’s what we came here tonight to do, to get the four points,” Stinear said in his post-match press conference.

“We’re pleased with the outcome, but looking at the process of the game, we certainly felt like we let ourselves down in the contest, particularly in the first half.

“Carlton came out firing. Their pressure was excellent, and we were a little off in that part of the game. The competition is so tight, and you can’t afford to do that.

Eager to make it 13 consecutive victories on their home deck, the Demons started reasonably well against the Blues, kicking two goals to zero in the opening term.

The margin was quickly cut from there though, as Carlton’s confidence grew alongside its contest work and scoreboard pressure.

The Blues registered eight more clearances than Melbourne for the game, while they dominated the hit-outs (11-31) and tackle count (72-85), with the intention of finishing their season on a high.

Melbourne was sound in the air when required, taking 44 marks compared to Carlton’s 25, and managed to navigate its way through another challenge.

For Stinear, there were several players across the ground that kept his side in touch, enough to grind out a win.

“Some individuals kept us in the game,” he said.

“Shelley Heath across half-back was outstanding. Her ability to win her one-on-ones [was excellent].

“Sarah Lampard did a great job early in setting up our offence off the back of little contest wins and Alyssa Bannan proved a handful and kept us in the game up forward.”

Bannan reminded fans of her form as a NAB Rising Star Nominee, finishing with three goals and five marks from 12 disposals, while Lily Mithen (26 disposals), Tyla Hanks (25 disposals) and Karen Paxman (24 disposals) were reliable in the middle.

Following her five-goal haul last week, captain Daisy Pearce kicked two crucial majors and, just as importantly, brought some much-needed composure when sent down back.

The one-point victory moves Melbourne to the top of the ladder, with Sunday’s games to decide the final positioning for 2022.

The Demons, awaiting their opposition and fixturing details, will now begin their preparations to progress further than last season, having fallen short in a Preliminary Final against Adelaide.

“The group is certainly looking forward to it,” Stinear said.

“Off the back of last year, all we wanted was another chance and the group has earned that this year, so we’re not going to waste it.”