FOLLOWING a 33-point win over Fremantle, Melbourne coach Mick Stinear has highlighted his side's ability to stand up under tricky conditions. 

The Dees hosted the Dockers at Casey Fields in their final home game of the fixtured season, with the wind providing another battle for the two teams. 

“I was really pleased with the outcome in the end,” Stinear said.

“In really challenging conditions against a tough, physical side, [I] was pleased with the team’s application across the four quarters.

“We felt like we controlled the game for majority of the day, 21 scoring shots in a game that was really tough to convert.

“Overall, the team’s effort, their contest work and their ability to play in our forward half was really pleasing.”

02:44

AFLW | RD 9 | Media Conference | Mick Stinear

Watch Melbourne's press conference after round nine's match against Fremantle

An integral asset to the Dees throughout 2023 has been their player versatility and the Round 9 performance, once again, embodied this.

With six goal-kickers, a number of standout displays across the midfield and various performers in the backline, Melbourne showed its depth in all aspects of the contest.

“I think it’s been a strength of the team all season – that versatility,” Stinear said.

“A number of players can play in multiple roles, they do it without fuss and it just helps being able to change momentum in games and [create] different looks.

“We think the team is in good shape…the pressure will continue to be on at selection.”

The Saturday win saw Melbourne retain its top spot on the league ladder with one game to go ahead of finals.

The Dees will round out the home-and-away season with a trip up to Brisbane in a highly anticipated grand final rematch.

With the storylines surrounding the game set to be a discussion point for the league, Stinear said his team was eager to narrowly focus on the task ahead.

04:31

AFLW | RD 9 | Match Highlights

The Demons and Dockers clash in round nine of the 2023 NAB AFLW Season

“We’ve been pleased with the home-and-away season to date,” Stinear said.

“We’ve now got a massive test against Brisbane on the road and that’s where we want to be, playing against the best teams.

“We’re expecting that there’ll be some external noise around the importance of that game.

“It’s ideal for our group to be able focus on playing footy together and doing what we love.

“[Focus on] creating something special as a team and doing that across four quarters against a team that is desperate to do the same.

“We think that will give us the best preparation possible heading into finals, so we’ll enjoy the win today and look forward to the challenge ahead.”