SIMON Goodwin has praised his coaching staff and his team’s tackling as two key ingredients towards a stunning 41-point victory over the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

The coach said Melbourne’s ability to restrict Adelaide to nine goals – and kick 17 in the process – was also telling. And he was rapt with his side’s character to fight back from a 28-point deficit in the second term.

“When we’ve been down, we’ve actually found a way to get back into games. It hasn’t always been getting the result, but once again this group found it when we were down,” he said.  

“We’re still a developing team and we’re still maturing into the team that we want to become. Along that journey, you face a lot of hurdles and you face injuries, suspensions and close games.”

“You learn and grow from those experiences. We’re a team that’s going through that this year and I thought once again, to the boys’ credit, you can get into a position like this where you can lose morale pretty quickly as a footy club, when you’re continually losing close games.

“But the way they responded in an away game shows they’ve got plenty of belief in where they’re going.”

Goodwin praised a host of players, including defenders Sam Frost and Oscar McDonald down back, and midfielder Jordan Lewis. He also said ball-magnet Clayton Oliver continued to shine.

“He’s coming along really well, Clay,” he said.

“We’re starting to play him a little bit forward at times as well. But his contest work and ability at stoppages was excellent again.

“He’s only going to get better and better, and he showed a little bit of dash tonight, which was pleasing to see.”

Meanwhile, defender Jayden Hunt will be assessed during the week after suffering concussion.