DESPITE being without its two-man leadership group, coach Simon Goodwin says a mature Melbourne stood up on Sunday night at Adelaide Oval.
Captain Max Gawn and vice-captain Jack Viney were withdrawals from the Round 11 clash, with forward Jake Melksham stepping in to lead the team to a 57-point victory over North Melbourne.
But while Melksham took care of the official role, it was the team-wide leadership that impressed the coach the most.
“There’s a bit of maturity building in our group,” Goodwin said in his post-match press conference.
“The way they go about their footy, without the captain and vice-captain today; our emerging leaders really stood up.”
Melbourne’s midfielders played a big role in this, with Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca and Angus Brayshaw all among the best players on the ground.
The trio combined for 89 disposals and three goals, which certainly excited Dees fans and set up plenty of opportunity forward of centre.
But it was the No.10’s influence, in the absence of Viney, that really caught the eyes of fans.
"I gave (Brayshaw) added responsibility last week and I thought he stood up last week, and (he had) even more leadership stuff today," Goodwin said.
"He continues to improve and grow his game. He's an outstanding footballer, he's a smart footballer and he continues to get better.
"He's, obviously, much talked about, Angus, but he's also much-loved by us and he's going to be a really strong player for our footy club for a long time."
The Demon youngsters were also out to impress – particularly the 2019 draftees.
Luke Jackson showed a lot of promise in the ruck, Trent Rivers found his share of the footy and Kysaiah ‘Kozzy’ Pickett provided the spark Melbourne needed from the outset.
“He’s got an amazing talent, Kozzy,” Goodwin said.
“He had his moments tonight and we’re excited by our young kids.
“Pickett, Jackson and Rivers all showed glimpses of what they’re going to become.”
The Demons now turn their attention to Round 12, where a clash with Collingwood at the Gabba awaits.
Viney, who missed with a concussion, will be right to face the Pies on Saturday, while the Dees are optimistic their skipper will get up in time.
“We’re really hopeful Max Gawn will play next week,” Goodwin said.
“He hasn’t done a lot of work since the game against Adelaide, but we’ll give him every chance to play.”
And with the Demons now sitting at five wins and five losses, it’s shaping up to be another must-win match.
“We’ve got a really big game next week against Collingwood,” Goodwin said.
“Now it’s about us becoming even more mature and improving as the year goes on.
“Hopefully we’re putting ourselves in a position to start really challenging the best sides.”
