MIDFIELDER Dom Tyson says Jeff Garlett and Jay Kennedy-Harris loom as an integral duo in Melbourne’s forward half this season.

The pair impressed in Melbourne’s win against the Western Bulldogs at Eureka Stadium on Saturday, with the duo kicking two goals each.

Tyson said the recruitment of Jeff Garlett from Carlton had already been a plus and Kennedy-Harris was building on his first AFL season.

“He’s (Garlett) really exciting. Even at training, he does things that really get your going. He’s just buzzing around and he’s busy for us and his defensive stuff is top notch as well. We’re rapt to have Jeffy,” he told Racing and Sport 927 AM.

“Those two are working really well for us. Jay’s really skilled and he’s just a natural footballer. The more we can get the footy in his hands in that forward half, he can create something for us.”

Tyson said the Demons were pleased with their first half against the Bulldogs, but praised the opposition for its endeavour after the main break, given they came from a 52-point deficit to lose by just seven points.

Although he said the win was still a positive, Tyson conceded it was disappointing to let the Dogs back in the game.

“Credit to the Bulldogs. They really cracked in and had a lot of youngsters keen to impress and stake a claim for round one,” he said.

“They got the jump on us … in the second half and we were pretty lucky to hold on in the end.

“We’ve still got a few weeks until round one and another solid hit out next week.”