SUNDAY saw Melbourne solidify its ability to turn a challenge into an opportunity.
The Dees faced the Swans at the SCG and despite trailing at the final break, sparked a momentum swing to seal a 21-point win and spur them into a September campaign.
Simon Goodwin gave credit to the opposition's game but highlighted Melbourne's hallmark strength to turn the match around.
“I thought the Swans’ third quarter was outstanding,” Goodwin said.
“Their desperation, they were just a bit tougher in the clinches and the scrimmages, they certainly had the game on their terms for the majority of that third quarter.
“But to our boys’ credit, and this has been a hallmark of our team this year, it’s our ability to reset ourselves and really come back at our opposition when we’re down.
"That’s the perfect preparation in terms of the game you want to play leading into a pretty big campaign.”
Melbourne’s next step will be a qualifying final against Collingwood on Thursday 7th September.
The Pies will present a tough contest, having finished the home-and-away season with a 70-point win and a minor premiership in-hand.
Goodwin said his team was ready to embrace the finals test, with the hope that their preparation and momentum would propel them deep into September.
“We’re as best prepared as we can be,” Goodwin said.
“We think we’re well-placed, but we’re playing a formidable appointment in Collingwood who are sitting atop the ladder for a reason.
“So, we’re looking forward to that opportunity, but we’ll have to play at our best.”
