COACH Simon Goodwin says he was delighted with the performance of co-captain Jack Viney, who had a game-high 33 disposals against Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.

Although Melbourne went down by three points, Goodwin said the 2016 best and fairest winner was a standout against the Hawks.

“We’ve been pretty happy with Jack’s last four or five weeks,” he said.

“He’s been criticised for not getting as many possessions, but the work he’s doing around the ball and clearances, and his tackling, has been outstanding.

“He hasn’t had the high possession game that everyone looks at Jack for, but what he does without the ball and around the contest is exceptional.

“I thought he stood up for four quarters and was very, very good.”

Goodwin said key forward Jesse Hogan performed strongly upon his return and added that midfielder Jordan Lewis also stood tall in his first match against his former side.

“I thought Hoges worked his way into the game. I thought his third quarter was outstanding and Jordie was pretty solid for us all day,” he said.

“He’s (Lewis) a quality player and we certainly love having him at the footy club. I thought both of those guys worked their way into the game and were pretty positive for us on the day.

“It’s always tough to come up against the side you played for, for 13 years, and won four premierships with. I’m sure he’s got some great mates and great friends and feels a lot for that footy club still.

“He was really focused on performing for Melbourne.”

In assessing the match, Goodwin thought his side was beaten at both ends of the ground.

“When you see Melbourne play, you see a real speed of intensity and pressure, and a willingness to win the ball and defend. We didn’t see that at all,” he said.

“Hawthorn had nine scoring shots to two in that first quarter.”

Meanwhile, Goodwin was optimistic about Josh Wagner playing next week against Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval, after he copped a heavy knock during the final term.

Jayden Hunt (shoulder) also copped an injury, but both finished playing the game.

“He (Wagner) seemed OK, so we’ll get him assessed over the next few days, but hopefully he comes up next week,” he said.

“He’s (Hunt) fine. He played forward in the second half and did a good job for us. He’ll be fine for next week as well.”