Melbourne are playing with confidence and belief as they pursue a victory that will mark the AFL club’s best start to a season in 27 years.
The Demons downed Greater Western Sydney by 34 points at Manuka Oval on Sunday night, joining Western Bulldogs and Sydney as the league’s only remaining undefeated sides after three rounds.
Melbourne, who haven’t enjoyed a 4-0 start to a season since 1994, next face Geelong at the MCG on Sunday.
The Demons resemble a different side to that which failed to finish in the top eight during the past two years, when they struggled to kick on after a preliminary final loss in 2018.
“We’ve got plenty to work on and learn from. We play a really strong opponent next week in Geelong,” coach Simon Goodwin told reporters.
“We’re in a good position, but we need to keep getting better.
“This competition is too hard to look too far ahead, we’ve got a massive game against Geelong.”
Banking early premiership points is always handy, but Goodwin highlighted the importance of the knock-on benefit that is “belief and confidence in the way you play”.
“Our players are really confident in our method. The coaches have done a great job throughout summer to build that and build a brand that is now recognisable,” he said.
“Our supporters can understand and see it.
“But the challenge is still there. We’ve won three games, we’ve got plenty to learn.
“This competition is really tough. You have to maximise your momentum when you’ve got it and be really strong, through your character as a footy club, when you haven’t got it.”
Captain Max Gawn was dominant on Sunday night, while Goodwin also praised livewire Kysaiah Pickett’s four-goal haul.
“He’s exciting,” Goodwin said.
“Last week was a great example, he’s backed it up.
“He wants to learn, wants to get better … he’s only going to get better.”