MELBOURNE coach Simon Goodwin says it was an entire team performance that ultimately led to his side’s Round 12 victory over Collingwood.
The Demons dominated the Pies at the Gabba on Saturday night, running out 56-point winners to keep them in finals contention and into eighth position on the ladder.
They finished with 10 individual goal-kickers, who managed 16 majors for the night, leading them to their third consecutive win of the season.
“It was a total team performance,” Simon Goodwin said in his post-match press conference.
“There’s no easy game in AFL footy, and we’ve been building over the last couple of weeks.”
The Dees’ presence in their forward half was most impressive, with their efforts inside 50 a big standout.
They recorded a 50-percent strike rate from their 40 entries, while their shots on goal were on target this week – they kicked just four behinds for the night.
And having put a lot of work into this area of their game, it proved pleasing for the coach.
“Our efficiency inside 50 was something that stood out – it was much improved,” Goodwin said.
“Some of our forwards are really dangerous at drop of ball, so we’ve improved our connection, but it’s come off the back of some strong contests.
“There’s no question we’re getting a better aerial presence in our forward half.”
While the offensive attack was entertaining for fans, Melbourne’s defence played a big role in the win, keeping Collingwood to just six goals.
“I was really rapt with how we defended tonight,” Goodwin said.
“Our defenders had a good night aerially and got the job done for us.
“What we’re starting to build is a really strong, identifiable brand with our defence.”
But while the result sees the Dees moving in the right direction, Goodwin and his group aren’t looking too far ahead.
"We’ve still got a lot of work to do,” he said.
“Collingwood was off a four-day break and were two guys down early in the game, so we understand what the opposition were dealing with as well.
“All we have really done is put ourselves back into position for the season."
The Demons will now have seven days before they take on the Western Bulldogs in Round 13.
