MELBOURNE coach Mick Stinear says he was proud of his players’ six-point win over the Brisbane Lions at Casey Fields on Friday night.

Although Stinear conceded Melbourne’s goalkicking was an issue – it kicked 4.10 to 4.4 – he was delighted with his side’s grit to bounce back from two losses on the road against Fremantle in Perth and Collingwood in Alice Springs respectively.

“They’re (the Lions) a really tough side and it’s no coincidence they were in the Grand Final last year, as they've brought a really strong and hard effort around the ball this year,” he said.

“We felt that we’d gone away from our game style and strength the last couple of weeks and for the girls to come back tonight and be that strong around the ball for four quarters – we’re really proud of them.

“There were a lot of smiling faces in the rooms afterwards and that’s what we want – we just want them to bring their best effort for the four quarters and we’re really pleased with what they did tonight.”

Stinear said captain Daisy Pearce was “outstanding” with two goals and 23 disposals.

“There are probably no other words to describe her – her leadership and ability to step-up when the team requires it [is outstanding],” he said.

“Even her ability to get more out from those around her, with her communication – I was really proud of her and what she did for the group tonight. She represented our club and our brand really well.

“She wants to get better at every opportunity and that’s why she’s our captain and she led really well tonight.”

Key forward Tegan Cunningham suffered a nasty collision with Lion Nicole Hildebrand late in the game and Stinear said the first-year Demon would continue to be assessed.

“It was a really heavy collision and she had the concussion test and copped a fair whack on her nose, so we didn’t think it was worth the risk putting her back out," he said. 

“We just want to make sure she’s OK – but it was a critical contest in the context of the game and it really lifted her teammates to give a bit more as well.”