COACH Dean Bailey has praised his side’s defensive pressure and forward Ricky Petterd’s career-best 14 tackles in Melbourne’s 27-point win over Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.

Speaking at his post-match media conference, Bailey said his side’s ability to lay 88 tackles against the Tigers was one of the most pleasing aspects from the win.

“We’ve been really speaking about it for most of the year to be honest,” he said.

“Ricky Petterd had 14 for the game. I don’t know how many were in the forward 50 for Rick, but he had 10 or 11. For him to be able to do that was outstanding.

“He was one of many in the forward line that … put pressure on their backs. They’re a very good kicking team out of their back 50, so we really had to put pressure on there. Eighty-eight tackles is a good effort - a good effort.”

Bailey said winning the tackling and contested possession count remains among the top indicators each week.

“Like all clubs, we want to win the tackle count and the contested possession count - it goes without saying,” he said.

“It’s a stat that’s there every single week. But with the tackle count, it's where you tackle the ball that is the most important thing. And there have been times during the year, where we’ve been tackling in our back half too often.

“Today we were able to get the ball in deep and our forwards were able to compete and mark. If they weren’t, then the forwards were then able to tackle and put the pressure on.

“That was really pleasing to see the forwards work, because they work hard chasing. But to get the tackle count up was terrific.”

Although Bailey’s men booted 2.10 in the third term, he was not overly perturbed as he was genuinely pleased with Melbourne’s ability to create scoring chances.

“It wasn’t [a great return], but I thought we pressed the ground pretty well,” he said.

“We pushed and pressed well and we covered dangerous space. Our blokes who worked 20, 40, 60 and 80 [metres] away were in good positions for dangerous space to cover.

“So it was just opportunities we didn’t take, but at least we were creating them.

“You can look at the end result and say that we kicked poorly and we didn’t take our chances. But if you look at how the numbers were accumulated during that quarter … they pressed well and pushed hard and that was good, but we didn’t score enough.”