COACH Paul Roos says there is “no doubt” the win over Hawthorn at the MCG last Saturday was his best win at the club.

Reflecting on the 29-point victory – and Melbourne’s first win over the Hawks since 2006 – Roos said it a big step in the club’s development.

“I said after [the win against] the Suns that you hoped that the win would generate some enthusiasm. If you lose those games [like the one against the Suns], players tend to maybe switch off a bit and start to think about the off-season,” he said on Roos’ Views.

“I think it was a critical win [against the Suns], with Wattsy (Jack Watts) kicking the winning goal [to get us over the line] by two points. Clearly, it did energise the group like we’d hoped.

“To beat the three-time premiers, who were two games [clear] on top of the ladder and with nine [wins] in a row – it was the best win we’ve had in the three years [I’ve been at Melbourne].

Roos said it was a fantastic day for all who bleed red and blue.

“It was really exciting. It was great for the footy club and great for the players, who put in a fantastic effort against the Hawks – the three-time premiers. To finish off the way we did [was great],” he said.

“We played well against them last time, but they kicked the last four [goals of the match] and we didn’t score [a goal in the final term], so it was great for the footy club.

“There was some real excitement and hopefully it brings some excitement and enthusiasm and energy for the last three games.”

Roos said another great opportunity, but big challenge awaits his side this Saturday night, when it takes on Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

“They’ve (Port Adelaide) had some terrific wins. On the weekend, they got beaten by the Swans, but their history is that they bounce back really strongly after a loss, so we can expect them to play really well. They play well at home anyway,” he said.

“There is still a lot to play for – for us and still a lot to play for them.

“It’s going to be a really tough game and we’ve played some good games against them in the last three years, but we’ve also been a bit disappointing a couple of times against them, where we fell away significantly, so for us it is a big challenge.”

Roos expects key forward Jesse Hogan (knee) to return for the Power clash, after he was a late withdrawal against the Hawks.

“He trained [on Wednesday] and looked good and I suspect we’ll name him and he should fine to play,” he said.

Roos added that another tall goalkicker Sam Weideman would be monitored after copping a corkie on debut.

“He got that corkie in the first quarter, so he was a bit sore at training [on Wednesday], so we’ll need to make sure [he’s OK] because you don’t want to take any risks with young players,” he said.

“Clearly, if he’s fit to play, he’ll get a game, because we thought he was really good last week, but you don’t want young players going out feeling 80 or 85 per cent.

“Nathan Jones or Bernie Vince can get over that, but certainly a young player needs to be 100 per cent fit, so hopefully he (Weideman) runs well on Thursday and we’ll monitor him as the week goes on.”

Looking at this week’s selection, Roos said it was going to be difficult to alter the side.  

“It’s hard to make changes to a winning team, particularly when you have such a good game like we did. It was terrifically important the Casey win [against Essendon at Casey Fields last Saturday night] and the way the guys are playing there,” he said.

“The message I’ve been giving them (the players), as have the other coaches, is make sure you’re ready, because you never know what’s going to happen. Make sure you’re ready to play and make sure you’re in good form. If our seconds are in good form, they’re generally winning and that helps the footy club as well and it helps drive the standards for everyone.

“I’m sure Melbourne supporters would love to see Casey playing finals and doing well in finals.”

With three matches remaining in Melbourne’s season, Roos said there was still plenty to be gained.

“Hopefully the significance of last week’s win is going to drive them in the off-season and pre-season,” he said.

“When you win big games at the MCG against high quality opponents – that’s what you’ve got to do to win premierships.

“The side that is often winning interstate is like a final, so this is another dress rehearsal for that as well, so there is certainly a lot to play for and we’re looking forward to the three games.”