STEVEN MAY has praised an electric atmosphere as a key contributor to the 50-point win over the Sydney Swans.  

Speaking with SEN this week, May was impressed by the noise level produced by Melbourne fans at the MCG, which gave not only the team but debutant Jacob van Rooyen an energy lift.  

Van Rooyen ended the game with three goals to his name along with six tackles proving to everyone that he is going to be a favourite with the Demon fans.  

“It was so good, I thought the crowd was really good, they were so loud and got to see Jacob’s debut, I think it was awesome how they were getting behind him,” May added. 

“He [Jacob] grew in confidence as the game went on and he has the measure of all the right things, he competes nonstop. 

“Jacob’s been a really competitive player, all through last year he corkied myself, Harry petty and Jake Lever during the week and we had to tell him, you can’t be crashing packs like that when we’re playing on the weekend, he really has that mongrel about.” 

In what proved to be a challenging game, the Swans turned up the pressure in the third quarter, getting within a goal of Melbourne. 

May loved the resilience shown by his team in closing out the win in solid style. 

 “Wow, I must admit in the third quarter when they got within a goal and they were just coming so hard, they’re a great outfit and a really solid team,” said May. 

“I think our ability to respond to that challenge, by not just try to grind out the win but to put the foot on the throat to try and win by a fair margin, was just a credit to our midfield and forwards, I thought they were just unbelievable.”  

With the loss of captain Max Gawn last week, all eyes turned to new-recruit Brodie Grundy who stepped up and played his role to perfection.   

Stepping into such a big role, Grundy ended the game with six AFLCA votes to partner his 25 disposals, 25 hit-outs and goal assist on his way to making the role his own.   

“It looks like a masterstroke, we never want to see our captain go down and Maxy is such an important player for us, but Grundy was able to step up into that role, not to play Maxy’s role but to play Grundy’s role,” added May. 

“I really liked how he has his own sort of play he’s like an extra mid in there, he’s got lightning quick speed for a big man and has got really good skills. 

“Although we’re missing Max in his marking power and his tap work, I think we’ve got another midfielder in there.   

“I think it’s only going to fast track his chemistry with the midfield group with Maxy out for a few weeks. Then, when Max is back, I think we’re going to be a better team for it.”