MELBOURNEhalf-back/wingman Paul Wheatley says an air of optimism has been created at theclub with the Demons’ back-to-back victories after nine consecutive losses fromthe start of the season.

Speaking after Melbourne's13-point win over Collingwood at the MCG on Monday, Wheatley said “you neverknow what can happen” in the second half of the season.

“It’s good to get a couple of wins in a row and get a bit ofmomentum and if we don't make the finals, at least we can definitely shape them,”Wheatley told melbournefc.com.au.

“It’s a long, long way, but when there is mathematically achance, then you've got that hope there.

“But if we keep playing competitive and move forward andstring a few wins together, then that's probably more important.

“If we win nine in a row, then we can start talking about it[finals].”

Wheatley has been among Melbourne's best in the past two rounds sincereturning from a shoulder injury – he accumulated 25 disposals against the Pies– but he downplayed his effort in the Queen's Birthday clash.

“I thought I was just okay,” he said.

“I feel like I've got my penetration back in my kicking andI feel like I'm kicking the ball really well, so from that point of view I waspleased with my skills,” Wheatley said.

“I’m pulling up a lot better than last year.

“Last year I couldn't bend over three or four days after agame, but my body feels a lot better and recovery has been a lot better.

“So as I've got older, I've got a lot smarter with my body,”the 26-year-old said.

With both player and team having regained form and momentum,the mid-season break may have come at a bad time.

“I’ve missed a bit of footy this year and had a lot ofbreaks in between, so I'm still pretty fresh and I won't go away,” Wheatleysaid.

“I don't want to get ahead of myself. I'll start lookingahead to Richmondbecause they're going to be really competitive and playing good football aswell.

“It’s actually a short break, as it's only a 10-daybreak before Richmond,so Friday [June 22] will come around pretty quickly.”