AN EVEN contribution across the board was one of Melbourne’s highlights in its 73-point win over the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, according to youngster James Harmes.

Harmes, who was one of Melbourne’s best with a career-high 26 disposals, said the effort from all 22 players was pivotal in the comprehensive victory.

“I think that’s what we’re seeing more and more with us across the board – we’re being a lot more consistent,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“It’s hard to pick a best player because everyone is doing their role and everyone is doing really well. It’s great to have that.

“It’s great that all of the young boys in the VFL are starting to put pressure on us too. If we’re not in form, then you’re playing twos, so the club is going forward in that area and it’s exciting times for us.”

With Melbourne trailing by 11 points at quarter-time and leading by just five entering the second half, Harmes said Melbourne knew it had to up the ante after the long break.

“We came into half-time knowing it was a pretty tough battle. But we knew if we kept cracking into the contest and hitting their bodies that we knew that we could run over them,” he said.

“The two areas that we wanted to win were contested ball and tackles, which we did and it showed in our footy. We definitely felt it switch out there after half-time, when we started kicking a lot of goals.

“It was a great effort to come out after half-time and implement what we were trying to do.”