MELBOURNE midfielder Karen Paxman says despite her side’s victory, there is a significant lesson to take out of Sunday afternoon’s clash against GWS GIANTS.

The Demons, who have dominated the contested game in recent weeks, were challenged in the middle, with Paxman admitting her opposition’s power around the footy.

“It was a pretty contested game of footy, and we know that is one of GWS’ strengths,” Paxman told Melbourne Media.

“We prepared to match them from there, and then to tidy up our offensive game, but they probably had the contested ball over us in the end.

“We have done well in that area over the last few weeks, so it’s a lesson that you can’t become complacent in an area that you’ve been going well in.”

Registering its second successful interstate trip of the season, Melbourne were aggressive up forward, with its offensive pressure setting up the 39-point win.

The red and blue generated 18 shots on goal from their 29 entries, while their score was among the top of the round five matches.

“We were able to use the ball a bit better than our opposition when we had it, which was a positive,” Paxman said.

“Ultimately, you have to win the contest to be able to play your offensive game, so it was lucky that we did convert in those opportunities today.”

Finishing with 17 disposals and a goal, Paxman was among the best, but it was the top possession-getter who impressed her most.

“Maddi Gay was great today; she was just consistent,” she said.

“She won the ball, gave us a lot of inside 50 opportunities and just worked hard all day, so she really stood out.”

Alongside her 19 disposals, Gay continued to set herself as a target up forward, converting a much-deserved goal early in the fourth term.

Sitting fourth on Conference A's ladder, Melbourne will now prepare to take on North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium next Saturday night.

And there is a lot at stake for the Demons.

“Every week brings a pretty great deal of pressure, being such a short season,” Paxman said.

“On both sides, whether it’s a win or a loss, it’s pretty intense as every game is just so important.”

“We will prepare pretty similarly to how we approached this one. We just need to make sure we’re keeping it simple, doing the small things well and bringing lots of energy, as it’s certainly a game we need to win.”