CHRIS Dawes was best-on-ground in Melbourne’s thrilling three-point win over the Adelaide Crows at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, according to coach Paul Roos.

Speaking at the MCG on Tuesday, Roos reflected on Melbourne’s stunning win on the road and lauded Dawes’ performance, after the key forward kicked three goals and had 20 disposals (including 14 contested possessions).

“I thought he was exceptional. He’s been really good,” he said, in the lead up to Saturday night’s Field of Women match against the Western Bulldogs at the ‘G.

“To put his hand up three of four weeks ago and to play on the back of not much training and games was very important for us against Carlton. He’s continued to build and he’s really fit now he’s played four games.

“I thought he was the best player on the ground – he was very significant for us.”

Roos said the challenge was to now back up its win with another strong effort against the Bulldogs.  

“We’re on a similar journey to the Bulldogs – we’re training young players and then trying to get them to do it week in, week out,” he said.

“It’s very difficult, because it’s a long season and games go for 120 minutes and a lot of things happen within games.

“We’re just trying to reinforce to our players what we think makes them good players and clearly they did that on the weekend. We know we’re going to have to do it again this week, and the week after and the week after that.

“That’s all coaches’ greatest challenge, but particularly myself and [Bulldogs coach] Brendan [McCartney], who are in pretty similar situations. It is hard to get young players playing for 120 minutes and playing for 24 weeks a year and 22 games.”