THE HALLMARK of Melbourne’s game has gone from strength to strength in 2023. 

According to senior coach Simon Goodwin, his team’s ability to switch the moment of the game and respond when faced with adversity, has been its defining factor this season. 

This was once again proven to be the case in Round 21 when the Demons reigned supreme on Sunday afternoon at Blundstone Arena, despite a slow start against the Roos.

The travelling team were trailing by nearly five goals at the start of the second quarter, but Melbourne fought to get the match back on its terms and when the final siren sounded, the red and blue were 32-point victors.

“It’s becoming a hallmark of how we play our footy - our ability to respond when challenged,” Goodwin told media post-match.

“I thought we were a little bit off in our contest and the way we like to defend...we shifted a few things around, and our coaches were pretty strong on making some shift.

“I thought we started to stabilise defensively, our contest and pressure game and tackling started to ramp up and we got our looks in offence.

“The response was significant, to be 33 points down and then to win by 32 – it’s become the hallmark of our team."

A notable star of the win was fan favourite Kysaiah Pickett, who once again wowed supporters with his speed and logic-defying goals.

In a new role that’s seen him work across both the midfield and forward line, Pickett continued to impress, collecting three goals, 14 disposals and eight score involvements.

“He’s been able to give us a bit of a spark through the middle of the ground but also up forward,” Goodwin said.

“It wasn’t only his goals, but his ability to bring other teammates into the game, [that] was really special.

“He could’ve had more shots at goal, but he decided to lay off and bring other teammates into the game, which is a real credit to him.”