SIMON Goodwin says his side’s outstanding recent form hasn’t forced a reevaluation.

Speaking at AAMI Park on Wednesday, in the lead-up to Friday night’s clash against the Sydney Swans at the MCG, Goodwin said his team was still in the building phase of its overall squad. 

“Four weeks ago, I said we were a developing side and that hasn’t changed. Yes, we’ve won four games in a row, but in a lot of ways – we still are developing. But what has developed as a footy club is a belief that they are very capable,” he said.

“What we need to be really conscious of as a club, is that we do keep improving throughout the year and that’s been the No.1 aim for us as a footy club – to keep developing, to keep improving and keep trying to build our game as best we can.

“Trying to put results aside, we’re really happy that we’ve won four in a row, but we still know that there is a lot of work to be done.”

With Melbourne aiming for five straight wins, Goodwin said this round against the Swans presented a massive challenge and opportunity for the red and blue.

“We’re really looking forward to it, playing Sydney. They’re a quality club that have been playing finals footy for many years,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to it and we’re excited – it’s a Friday night game. We haven’t had too many as a footy club and I think it’s great for our supporters to have such a big game on Friday night – to come along to the MCG and watch.”

Meanwhile, Goodwin praised AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan for hosting the AFL coaches for dinner at his house on Tuesday night.

“It was nice. He put on a good menu,” he said.

“I just think it was a great initiative by Gill and Simon Lethlean – to have dinner and just talk openly about the game and how we see the game, in a whole range of different ways.

“It was a great relationship building exercise and you get some genuine feeling that the AFL do listen to the opinions of senior coaches. I thought it was a great evening.”

Goodwin said “what was said there, we’ll leave there”.

“It’s really important that’s the case – it was just an open discussion about all elements of the game. It gives them feedback around the thinking of senior coaches.”  

Goodwin took a bottle of red around, but had a couple of beers instead.  

“I’m sure Gill will enjoy that bottle over the coming weeks,” he said with a smile.