DOM Tyson says his team has a genuine belief that it can win from any position, particularly after securing a stirring win over the West Coast Eagles at Domain Stadium on Saturday night.
Speaking soon after Melbourne’s come-from-behind three-point win, Tyson said the win hadn’t “quite sunk in” after Tom McDonald kicked the match-winner in the dying stages.
“I don’t know, did we steal it? Did we deserve to win?” he told Melbourne TV.
“I know we played a good brand – we just timed it well. Tommy’s played an unbelievable game and he’s just popped up at the right moment. Everyone just did their little bit, in that last couple of minutes.
“I felt confident throughout the game – even when they (West Coast) got a couple of goals up, I just feel like there is this belief. It’s not really talked about, but it’s building and it’s a good train to be on at the moment. We are just turning corners and we are growing as a group and I’m really excited – I’m just buzzing.”
Tyson said the team was not daunted by the task at hand, after it hadn’t defeated West Coast at Subiaco since 2002.
“We were pretty calm to be honest, [even though] we were in enemy territory,” he said.
“It went really quiet when we started to get a lead and got on top.
“It was eerie in a way, but in another way, we could talk to each other, we could hear each other, we could set up, we could get our structures right and play from there, so in a way it helped us. But to be honest, I’m already looking forward to next week, we are just on a good roll at the moment.”
Tyson, who was outstanding with 33 disposals, played down his performance.
“I just wanted to contributed. We are getting 22 people contributing and I’m just happy if I’m contributing and playing my team role – then I’m going to bed pretty happy,” he said.
“You can look around at the smiles and the supporters in the change rooms, and all of the support staff – everyone is just rapt. It’s a good feeling to be able to deliver in Perth, which is the first time we have done that in years, so it’s just exciting.
“It’s the best I’ve felt after a game of footy. I haven’t been part of finals, I haven’t really won a grand final even as a junior, so it was just elation.”
Tyson said it was important to enjoy the win, but quickly focus on Friday night’s clash against the Sydney Swans at the MCG.
“I know we don’t want to get too carried away – it’s a round 14 game, but it just felt really good and we’ve got a six-day break, so we will enjoy it and take it pretty easy, recover well and fly out and then review it on Monday,” he said.
“We’ll get back on the horse and see if we can make it five wins in a row against a Swans side that is in pretty good touch.
“So, we will have to move on pretty quick – if you celebrate your wins for too long you miss a beat for your next game, but we will get around Tommy.”
