KEY defender Lynden Dunn says his outstanding 2014 season came after “two or three years” of really consistent form.

Dunn, who capped off his finest year by finishing fourth in Melbourne’s best and fairest award, said this year was the result of plenty of hard work.

“It’s something that I’ve had to work really hard on. It has probably been my best overall season that I’ve had at the footy club,” he told Dee TV.

“I was really disappointed with the way that I finished the year and the way the team also finished the year in the back five games. I really wanted to launch into pre-season with some momentum as we’d had such a positive year and made so many gains.

“I feel like we went backwards a little bit with those last few games that we played, which was disappointing but nothing that we can’t fix. I’m really excited for next year and working with Roosy and the rest of the coaches going forward.”

Dunn said the public’s recognition of his good form this year was a result of playing at AFL standard consistently.

“When you play good footy, people notice you. People in the past had probably noticed me more for my moustache and that sort of thing, and I’ve had to work really hard to get to the position where I am now,” he said.

“I’ve always believed that I am a good AFL player but then to have other people see that, it’s nice to be recognised. It’s not why I play footy, but it is nice to be known as a good AFL player.

“I really feel like I’ve given myself a platform to continue my career and I feel like I’m coming into my prime now with my best footy ahead of me which is exciting. I’ve made some really good steps towards leaping off that platform.”

Dunn said coach Paul Roos had been “a great investment for the footy club, both on and off the field”.

“He’s been on the big stage and won a Grand Final as a coach and he’s got the runs on the board,” he said.

“He is genuine and cares about his players and I think that the players really admire that and respect him. He’s just a great role model for not only just the footy club but for the players and is someone to aspire to.

“He drives a really clear message and it is a simple message that is easy to follow. I think that the boys are really on board with his message and are looking forward to playing under him.

Dunn, who has played 139 matches since 2006, is of one a handful of Melbourne players with children and he said having a young son has also given him a sense of perspective on his career. 

“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how well or poor you play. I come home to my son and it just makes you forget about everything, which is a good thing but at the same time you don’t want to use that as an excuse for poor performances,” he said.

“It’s not a get out but it just puts everything into perspective. Having Emmett around at the footy club during the week – along with the other kids from the coaches and the other players who have children – is great. I think it’s really good for their development as they grow up approaching their teenage years and it sets a really good foundation for building them as a person.

“A footy club is a great environment for kids to come into and really grow as people themselves.”