MELBOURNE’S race for finals footy has continued, with an important defeat over St Kilda pushing the Dees further up the ladder.
Sunday saw the side head to RSEA Park for a battle that ended in a 14-point win over the Saints.
“We definitely started the game well,” Mick Stinear told media following the victory.
“Then [St Kilda] started to get back into the game, but as the game went on, we started to make better decisions with the ball, we continued to get our hands on it first, the tackle pressure was pretty sound.
“And then the team was able to finish pretty strongly, particularly off the back of three games in 11 days, I was really pleased with how they were able to finish.”
Having lost four games consecutively, the Dees sat well outside the top eight heading into Week 6, their hopes of finals footy almost out of reach.
Following the side’s two wins against GWS and Adelaide, the quick turnaround then saw the Dees reset and secure a third victory within the space of 11 days.
Melbourne now sits at 11th on the ladder, with percentage the sole factor pushing them out of the top eight.
“We lost four in a row, and it was pretty tough and gruelling,” Stinear said.
“Now the team is just focused on competing hard and playing good footy together no matter who the opponent, no matter what the occasion, we’ve kind of let go of expectations and tying ourselves in knots.
“Now we just want to get after it and enjoy playing footy together.”
Key Demons during Sunday's win included star midfield duo Eliza McNamara and Tyla Hanks.
Hanks produced impressive numbers with 22 disposals, 14 contested possessions and 12 clearances, while McNamara registered a career-high 31 disposals and 578 metres gained.
"[Hanksy] really got after it, she was very clever with her footwork, great footy IQ," Stinear said.
"If she's getting seven clearances early, it's generally going to result in scoring opportunities...so I'm really pleased for her, she's been working really hard.
"Lizey's had a super year so far, her work rate has always been her strength, but she's really worked hard on her contest game.
"We've seen the growth of her as a footballer, which is exciting, and we're thankful she's on our side."
