Bailey said his side's infamous inconsistency ensured there would be no over-the-top backslapping in the Demons' camp, with Melbourne now focusing on Saturday's vital MCG clash against Richmond.
"The effort today was good and we get a chance to break the (up and down) cycle next week," Bailey said on Sunday.
"The young guys really took another step, but that step can only be judged on next week's effort as well.
"Our inconsistency in effort hasn't been good enough and that's the reason our highs and lows are there, but we've got to do something about it. Next week is always the challenge.
"Today was a big game, last week was a big game … (we need) to get some consistency with our effort - we've been talking about it and it gets to a stage where the only way we can display it is on the ground.
"We were good today but next week's the big challenge for us. They're in good form, the Tigers."
The Demons smashed Fremantle from start to finish, with Brad Green (five goals), ruckman Stefan Martin and the emerging Jack Watts (three goals each) proving constant headaches for Freo's backline.
As well as lauding his team's running players and ability to carry the ball, Bailey was also rapt with his marking targets up forward.
"It makes it easier when you've got some forwards marking the ball, to finish it off," Bailey said.
"It hasn't been where we've been the last couple of weeks, we've been unable to take enough marks in our forward line.
"We certainly took more today than we have for the past three or four weeks."
Melbourne set up its victory with a dominant six goals to one first term, pleasing Bailey after the Demons were smashed on the big stage against Collingwood last round. However, he wasn't all smiles after the percentage-boosting win.
"The intensity at the start was good and we were able to maintain it for most of the game," he said.
"(But) we handballed the ball a bit too much. And when you play against a team that loses two players (Antoni Grover and Ryan Crowley), it can affect your rotations and freshness on the ground so we've got to keep it in perspective."
