FOR SIMON Goodwin’s men, there was only one way of keeping their season alive.

A win over Essendon on Saturday afternoon was a must, with their fate of playing finals footy ultimately out of their hands.

But despite a late challenge from the Bombers, Melbourne’s maturity stood up when it mattered – an aspect that has been a big focus for the coach.

“Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been in must-win situations,” Goodwin said in his post-match press conference.

“I thought the players just really stayed in the moment.

“They concentrated on what they could control, and they executed it very well.

“We clearly got a bit puffed at the end – it’s been a pretty arduous campaign, the past five or so weeks, and we stopped working.

“For the majority of the game though, it was outstanding.”

The Demons’ lead was cut to just seven points in the last term at Metricon Stadium, leaving many Melbourne fans on the edge of their seats and thinking the worst.

But while the nerves were high around the ground, and the country, the group’s performance reflected plenty for Goodwin.

“It’s about our team and our club and standing up and controlling what we could control,” he said.

“As I said, I thought it was outstanding the last couple of weeks.

“The boys have really focused in and narrowed themselves into their role – that’s [players], coaches, everyone.

“They’ve narrowed themselves in on what’s going to help us be successful through this period, and we come away with a win today.”

Melbourne now have to wait until Sunday night for their finals fate to be determined.

The red and blue need Fremantle to knock off the Western Bulldogs in Cairns, to pinch the remaining spot in the top eight.

And while hopeful, all they can do is sit and watch.

“We’ll gather our thoughts and talk about what the next 24 hours looks like,” Goodwin said.

“If we’re good enough to make it, then so be it – we progress. If we’re not, we’ve given it our best shot.

“We sat here 12 months ago in seventeenth position and we’ve progressed as a footy club.

“We aspire to play finals. We’re a chance to do that and if it doesn’t happen, we need to get better.

“That’s pretty much where it sits for us.”