NEVILLE Jetta says Melbourne’s ability to hold its nerve late in Sunday’s clash against Carlton at the MCG was critical in its eight-point win.  

Jetta, who once again stood up under pressure, said playing in several close matches this year had helped the Demons achieve their ninth win of the season.  

“We’ve had a few tight games this year, which helped … but we just had to remain calm, keep playing our way and not go away from that, because we’ve been in situations where we did go away [from our plan] and we’ve lost those games,” he told Melbourne TV.  

“So, we just kept grinding away and finding a way together as a team and everyone stood up when we needed them to.

“Some boys, it probably wasn’t their game, but they had their moment at the right time and that’s what we want from everyone.”

Jetta said it was a contest his side simply had to “grind out”.

“Carlton came to play; you could tell by the first quarter,” he said.

“But we just dug deep and really believed in what the coaches were telling us and the footy that we can play. And to come away with the win, especially at the MCG in front of our home fans, it’s magnificent.”

“We felt a little bit like our backs were against the wall. We needed to really come out and make a statement – more to ourselves and then to the public to show that no matter the injuries, we still have the players to come in and play their role.”

Jetta, a much-loved figure among the Melbourne faithful, said his aim this year was to be consistent on and off the field.

“[I’ve got] my two little ones … [and I] just [want to] keep [being] consistent with whatever I do. It’s coming out on field and I’m enjoying myself, and the boys are playing better footy and it makes it a bit easier for me to defend and join in,” he said.

“But it’s always tense in the last quarter, whenever the ball is in your area – you just want to do the right thing for the team at the right time and win that footy for the team and get it going back your way.

“I had a few lucky bounces, but [you] have to have that will to win and really [want to] beat your opponent.”