DEFENDER Michael Hibberd has lauded his side’s midfield for setting up Melbourne’s 50-point win over the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Saturday.

The Demons produced a stunning period in the third term, when they booted seven goals in 12 minutes to set up the win. Hibberd said the work from the midfielders were instrumental.  

“We were backs against the wall a little bit at half-time and there wasn’t much in it, but to the credit [of the team], especially the mids – that third quarter, we just flicked the switch and really outplayed them and won around the contest,” he said.

“Maxy [Gawn] had a bit of dominance going in the ruck. I think Angus Brayshaw really stood out for me. We were just sitting back there [in the backline] for a good five minutes … so we were winning the clearances and pumping it in the forward line.

“The way we finished the game was a real positive and I’m sure we’ll focus on that during the week and going into the latter part of the year. It was a good win in the end and we’ll back it up for next week.”

Hibberd praised the recent return of Charlie Spargo to the side and inclusions of Jay Kennedy Harris and Mitch Hannan this week.   

“Little Spargo gives us a lot up forward. He’s a good attacking threat and his pressure is awesome as well,” he said.

“Jay Kennedy Harris stood out in the second half with his tackling and pressure. It maybe took him a little bit to get involved in the game, but his second half was as good as anyone’s.

“Mitch Hannan came in late for ‘Vines’ (Jack Viney) and he played well, so it’s good that we’ve got that depth in the team as well.”

Hibberd said Angus Brayshaw, who had an equal career-best 39 disposals, continued his fine recent form.

“He keeps on finding the ball and he’s a really good user of the ball as well, so we like it in his hands,” he said.

“He’s in some really good form. He’s had a really good six weeks now and he had a slow start to the year, but now we’ve seen what he’s capable of and what he can do in the midfield.

“We’ve got a good young brigade in there with ‘Clarry’ (Clayton Oliver), ‘Gus’ (Brayshaw) and ‘Trac’ (Christian Petracca), who can go in there a little bit as well. So, it’s pretty good to play with these guys and they’re only going to get better.”