MELBOURNE’S ability to reset during matches is proving to be the difference.
The Demons found themselves 20 points down at the midway point in Sydney on Friday night, before a dominant second half saw them run out victors over Brisbane.
And of all their performances so far this season, the 22-point win was a standout for coach Simon Goodwin.
“I think the group’s been terrific at being able to reset in-game right through the season, but that’s as impressive as we’ve had,” he said in his post-match press conference.
“To come off the back of last week’s game, into another Friday night game and be under the pump at half time, 20 points down [was the challenge].
“Our ability to respond and get the game back looking like a Melbourne game and winning in that way – I’m just incredibly proud of them.
“It’s as good as we’ve played.”
The clash was always set to be a fiery one, with both sides capable of putting on a show.
But a slow and “boring” first half of footy from the Dees almost proved costly, before a third-term blitz flipped the game on its head and helped secure victory – Melbourne’s 11th of the year.
Coming out of the main break and kicking five goals to Brisbane’s two went a long way in determining the result, with Goodwin acknowledging the stark contrast of the two halves.
“We were absorbing a lot of territory against us and from the back half, we just weren’t generating the run with our ball movement into getting the turnovers we wanted,” Goodwin said about the first half.
“Brisbane’s forwards were dynamic; they have been for a while, but I thought our ability to deny that in the second half was a big reason for turning the game around.
“Our defensive method didn’t change too much at all. Our ability to win contests behind the ball was the thing that changed.”
While this match was originally set to be played in Alice Springs, a late venue change at the hands of COVID-19 was the benefit of New South Wales-based Dees supporters.
And with the annual Queen’s Birthday blockbuster against Collingwood now to take place at the SCG – the AFL confirmed the change on Friday night – Goodwin urged the local Demon faithful to, once again, come out in force.
“It’s going to be a big game,” he said.
“We’re looking to get the crowd the game deserves. It’s a special occasion for Neale Daniher, raising as much money and awareness as we can in that space.
“To see the crowd here tonight, it was just brilliant.
“I didn’t realise we had so many Dees supporters in Sydney, so we’re looking to fill the SCG come next Monday. It’s going to be awesome.”
