FIRST year Demon Dean Kent says he felt he produced his best AFL match yet against the Gold Coast Suns, but he is eager to build on his impressive display – and start to his career.

Kent said he went into the match with a new level of confidence after kicking a couple of goals against Greater Western Sydney last round, having been the sub against North Melbourne in round 18.

“It was good. I got onto a few and I kicked some goals. We got a big rev up from Craigy (Neil Craig) and Browny (Leigh Brown) before the match – they told us to roll up and help the mids and defenders out. So there was plenty of space at the back and I was lucky enough to get onto a few,” he told melbournefc.com.au, after kicking 2.2 against the Suns.

“I was a sub two weeks in a row. Craigy and Browny were happy when I was sub two weeks in a row. I came on and had an impact. Craigy said he was going to give me a full game, and I showed him what I could do and hopefully the fans and the coach and crew as well.”

“I had to back it up this week, so hopefully I can keep progressing and keep taking little steps forward.”

The forward said his defensive side had pleased the coaching staff in recent times, but they backed him to take on the game offensively.

“In my reviews, in my past six weeks, my defensive pressure has been there,” he said.

“But Browny said he wanted me to get on the offensive train and kick a few goals and get a few touches my way - I’ve shown I can do it, so it’s all good.”

Kent said the fact he had a few shots at goal helped build his belief that he could impact on the scoreboard.

“I kicked two last week as well, so it’s amazing what things like can do - it gives you a bit of confidence and you can go into the game against the Gold Coast and know that you’re playing against guys who are a similar age,” he said.

“It was good that I could get some confidence and kick a few.

“But I really should’ve had three or four goals. It’s something I need to work on.”

Despite his encouraging form, which also included a career best 19 disposals, Kent said he was disappointed not to taste his second AFL win, given he has only played in one victory for the Demons so far, against the Western Bulldogs in round 14.

“We were close, but still far away from getting a win,” he said.

“We’re not really in that position often - we got blown away and we didn’t know what to do, so it’s something we need to focus on.

“Hopefully, we can hang in there and keep showing progress over the next three weeks and get a couple of wins.”