NEVILLE Jetta was inspired to deliver his best performance in the Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round, and that he did.

With 24 disposals and nine marks, the small defender was an instrumental component in Melbourne’s 49-point victory over the Western Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon.

But for Jetta, the game was worth more than just four points.

“I’m very proud to be able to be a part of the Indigenous round,” Jetta told Melbourne Media.

“The respect and pride that my teammates have not only for my background but for all Indigenous backgrounds is something I take a lot of pride in.

“It probably started last week for us against Adelaide and I just really want to play well in those rounds.”

While Jetta is honoured to pull on the red and blue guernsey and play his role, he is thrilled with how the AFL has used this round to speak to a large audience.

“It get’s bigger and bigger every year,” he said.

“People are starting to educate and learn themselves which is the most powerful thing.

“People are asking questions, then going out and finding those answers and that’s where reconciliation comes into it.

“I’m very proud of what my club’s been able to do, and all clubs as well.”

Nathan Jones gave Jetta another reason to be inspired on Saturday, as the 28-year-old admitted he was desperate to celebrate his skipper’s 250^th game in style.

“My mindset was around trying to make Nathan Jones’ day a very, very good day,” Jetta said.

“He’s been a servant for a long time, so I tried to make his day as special as possible, so he can enjoy it and remember it.

“It was good to play well in a big win for a club great.”

Jetta’s prolific performance came on the back of a solid contribution from the defensive group which he has formed a great connection with in recent weeks.

“I feel like we’re starting to build something together,” Jetta said.

“I think it’s more around those habits and understanding the game plan together – the bonding side of things.

“Jakey (Lever) didn’t end up playing the game out, but we have other players who can come in, play a role and play our way.”

Melbourne was able to generate plenty of attack from half-back on Saturday, with some dynamic ball users in defence.

“It’s all about defending first, trying to get that turn over and then we get the lick of the ice cream pretty much,” Jetta said.

“[Christian Salem and Michael Hibberd] are good ball users, penetrating kicks, can find any teammate on the field and definitely help our scoring opportunities.”

Jetta continues to develop his own game and has become one of the most reliable defenders in the competition.

“I think just being in a good position to defend and be in the contest, that’s where my best footy is,” Jetta said.

“Whether it be on someone taller or smaller than me, just being able to be in that contest, be in a good position and do my work early so when the ball comes in I’ve got an advantage.

“I’ll back my one on one ability to not only bring the ball to ground but then also to get on the ball and feed it out.

“I’ll keep doing that throughout the year and play my role.”

Despite the sizeable victory, the Demons were challenged early, conceding the opening three goals of the match.

“Teams are going to come after us now and we need to keep our habits as good as possible and keep believing that we belong,” Jetta said.

Saturday’s performance was a good learning curve for Melbourne and Jetta said there were some crucial takeaways from the match.

“We’ve been pretty good over the last five weeks and teams are starting to come after us now,” he said.

“We need to absorb that pressure that they’re going to bring.

“Bulldogs brought it from the first siren and put us on the back foot, but we tidied up our contested ball … and we responded which we know we can.

“The last few weeks have been amazing to play in … but we had to grind it out and it was good to see.”

Jetta believes there is some serious momentum being built amongst the group after Melbourne’s sixth consecutive win.

“The momentum is definitely a big thing … and winning games in a row helps,” he said.

“But today probably showed our group that we can’t drop off in any area.

“I’m sure things will take care of themselves if we look after the small stuff off-field and on-field as well.”