COACH Paul Roos says his side’s ability to keep the Brisbane Lions to just four goals was a big tick that shouldn’t be underestimated from last Sunday’s 24-point win at the MCG.

Reflecting on Melbourne’s round 16 win, Roos said the fact Melbourne held the Brisbane Lions to 4.12 (36) was a fine achievement, given the Demons haven’t kept a team to a score that low since round five, 1994 against the then Brisbane Bears, when they kicked 4.6 (30).

“You never get surprised in this industry [with] the criticism sometimes. For us to be up seven goals to one up against any team is an incredible effort in the first half,” he told Roos’ Views.

“It was 1994 since we’ve done that against anyone, so I thought it was a great effort from the players, certainly defensively for the whole game. To keep a team to four goals [is a fine effort].

“Clearly our second half and our ball use wasn’t as good, but we’re a work in progress and we know where we’re at as a footy club. I’d certainly rather win than lose.”

Roos said the fact Melbourne notched up its fifth win of the season – its best effort since 2011 – was an important step in its development.

“It’s a good win and it’s a really important one for the footy club,” he said.

“I said to the players after the game and early in the week – at least it gives them a clear message that we’ve improved. We won four last year and we’ve won five this year.

“You need that confidence and you need to win in order to keep going and keep training hard and working on your game, and believing in the coaches, so I thought it was a really important win.”

Roos said the players were eager to finish the final seven rounds strongly.

“I sense they’re really excited about continuing to improve and we know every game is going to be difficult, when you’re coming from where we are,” he said.

“Clearly we’re improving, but we just need to get there a little bit quicker.”