MELBOURNE interim coach Todd Viney has refused to buy into the idea that his team cannot perform at Etihad Stadium.
The Demons have lost their past 11 matches at the venue, having not won there since round 15, 2007, but Viney said there was no reason why the location of the game should have any effect on the result.
"From my point of view, I'm in this job for five or so weeks. It is anywhere, any time, any conditions," he said on Monday morning.
"If you can't play well at Etihad then you can't play well anywhere. That is the mindset of our playing group going forward this week."
Melbourne takes on West Coast this week after losing to the Eagles by 54 points at Patersons Stadium in round six.
Viney said an emphasis on defence - how to improve their own and how to beat West Coast's - was the order of the week.
"From a defensive point of view they were fantastic. There's been a lot of discussion on their defensive press," he said.
"That was fantastic, so we'd been looking at how we can work our way through that and try not to give as many turnovers and break it down if we can."
Defence was high on Viney's agenda as he assessed the performances of Colin Sylvia and Liam Jurrah, who were both banished to the VFL last week.
"They had a great win out at Casey and a number of players played really well. From the things I was looking for out of Sylvia and Jurrah I was pretty happy with and Cale Morton was also very good. I'm pretty happy out of yesterday's game," he said.
"It was the things we've been talking about - defensive intent and structurally playing their roles. Both boys were very good and will be right up in selection this week."
There is room for at least one change to the Melbourne team this week after James Strauss' sickening leg injury against Carlton on Saturday.
Viney said the club would do all it could to support the 21-year-old.
"I spoke to him yesterday. I think he was high on the pethidine and drugs but he's in good spirits. I think he's had a little bit of a run of injuries. Our guarantee as a footy club is we'll do everything we can to help him get through this period of time and help him in his rehab," he said.
"There is no doubt he will get back and play some really good footy. We see him as one of the really exciting players at the club and it's great he's had the opportunity to play around 11 games or 10 games this year. He's showing some good signs."
Luke Holmesby covers Melbourne news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_LHolmesby
