MELBOURNE coach Dean Bailey had paid tribute to the Demons president Jim Stynes, saying he had been the inspiration behind the club’s superb 33-point victory over Essendon at the MCG on Friday night.

The Demons believed their integrity had been questioned after last week’s capitulation to Carlton, after which several Blues players labelled the game “bruise-free” football. Bailey said the club had been challenged and had responded brilliantly, and praised Stynes’ leadership as a key factor in the stunning turnaround.

“We were challenged, and the great thing about our players when they were challenged tonight (was) they dug deep,” he said.

Bailey said the fightback after the Carlton loss had started last Wednesday at training, when Stynes went to the Demons’ training centre at Casey to present debutant Max Gawn with his jumper. The presentation was made just hours before Stynes returned to hospital for another round of surgery as he continues his fight against cancer.

“He spoke about the importance of showing resilience. He also mentioned, when he handed the jumper over to Max, that in the first game he played, he played and then he got dropped. He was making the point that it doesn’t matter how often you get knocked down, it’s how you get back up, and the experience that you gain can not only be life-changing, it can be a motivating factor.

“He was terrific, and this was 12 or 14 hours before he went into surgery, so the big bloke was an inspiration during the week. I think the players certainly took that message.”

While Melbourne is still battling with an extended injury list, the Demons were boosted by the return of Tom Scully from a knee injury and Jack Trengove from suspension. While both players excelled in their return, the match produced Melbourne’s best team effort of the year.

Bailey was keen to make sure all players were praised after the victory.

“We had a number of young players play, and at the end of the day you still have 22 blokes and they all contributed,” he said.

“They all made sacrifices during the game in their tackling, in their endeavour, in their chasing and it bred from one player to the next player.”

After a tough fortnight, Bailey’s own emotions were on show after the game as he celebrated lustily as the final siren rang.

“I was just proud of the players,” he said.

“As a coach, you expect the best from your players. You try and challenge them but you also try and encourage them. I was a very proud coach today watching our players put on the performance they did.”

Bailey said the challenge for Melbourne was to now find consistency and to “get off the rollercoaster” which has typified its season. The Demons now have four-and-a-half wins from the first 11 rounds of the year, but Bailey felt “better days” were ahead.

“We want to be consistent, we don’t want to be inconsistent, that is always going to be the challenge for us. We look forward to our next game.”

The Demons have an extended break before facing reigning premiers Collingwood on the Queen’s Birthday Monday holiday next weekend. Despite losing Colin Sylvia with a corked quad during the second quarter on Friday night, Bailey is confident the strong-bodied midfielder will be available for the clash against the Magpies.