AFTER being the most hunted side in 2022, the reigning premier has fought off its rivals to secure a top-four spot on the AFL ladder.

And as a result of the challenges throughout the season, Melbourne defender Steven May thinks his side has grown stronger.

“I think it’s definitely been harder the second year because everybody’s sort of coming after you, being the premiers,” Steven May told Melbourne Media post-game.

“[Oppositions sides have] probably dissected our game plan 100 times and tried to figure out ways to beat us.

“For us to still stand up and find ways to grind out wins is super impressive.

“It shows a lot of maturity for a young group, to then go into a finals series.”

On the back of a successful season where the Demons won 16 of their 22 games, May is hopeful the best is yet to come.

“Who knows what Goody’s got in store for us,” he said.

“It’s going to be exciting.”

Melbourne’s 58-point win over the Lions was a commanding finish to the home and away season, leaving it well poised for September action.

“It’s huge,” May said.

“Momentum swings throughout games are critical, but also to be on a winning role.

“You look at Collingwood, they won 11 in a row.

“You start winning games, you build momentum, and it just starts snowball effect.

“Hopefully we’re timing our run pretty well.”

The clash at The Gabba was the perfect preparation for what’s to come, with both sides battling for a double chance.

And in a hostile environment, the Dees stood tall, restricting Brisbane to just 57 points.

“I was very nervous before this game,” May said.

“Brisbane are a very high scoring team, they’ve got a lot of good players, and at their home ground which makes it even better.

“It was definitely a tough ask – it felt like a final. It was a final, to secure top-four, so I’m very happy.”