THE DEMONS continued their winning ways on Friday night, banking a third win from as many outings in a clash with Essendon at the MCG.

But the 29-point victory wasn’t all on the home side’s terms.

After a three-goal to zero opening term, Melbourne was challenged by the winless Bombers, surrendering its lead in the third quarter.

Angus Brayshaw, one of the Dees’ best performers on the night, said he knew the Dons' fightback was coming.

“Goody talks a lot about respecting every game, every game is hard to win,” Brayshaw told Melbourne Media post-game.

“So when they came we were expecting that and I feel like our game style stands up to that stuff.

“I thought it was a good game for us – tested and responded, a good win in the end.”

While the Demons were missing five of their premiership players from 2021, the depth in the current playing list is helping the club perform in the early part of the season.

“We’ve got, I’d say, seven, eight, nine, 10 blokes who are probably stiff not to be playing and that’s a good place for us to be as a club,” Brayshaw said.

“We’ve had a few injuries down back in particular and blokes have been able to step up and still can play the game style.

“We’ve got good depth, we’ve been struck with injury a bit but I think it’s given guys opportunities which is good to see as well.”

Brayshaw, who spent most of last season playing on the wing, has been forced to adapt to a role in defence this season.

And despite enjoying 34 disposals against the Dons, the 26-year-old simply considered his strong offensive game to be a bonus in the end.

“With Rick (Jake Lever) out, Mayzy has been the leader back there and drives just playing your role no matter what,” Brayshaw said.

“You’ve all got individual roles as defenders, and last week Bowza got a bit of the prune and I got a bit of it this week.

“But what I’m really focusing on is just defending and playing my role in the system.”