It could yet culminate in a rare finals appearance but Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin is confident the future is bright for his AFL club.
A five-point win over Greater Western Sydney in Brisbane on Saturday means the Demons head into next weekend’s match against Essendon firmly in the race to finish in the top eight.
Even if the Demons fall short of that ambition, the arrival of young guns Kysaiah Pickett and Trent Rivers gives Goodwin belief he’s got the club on the right path.
Rivers had a breakout game against the Giants, kicking his first two AFL goals including a fourth-quarter effort which proved to be the matchwinner.
Livewire Pickett was also impressive, picking up 15 disposals, kicking a goal and having a huge influence in the Demons’ forward play.
“They’re two quality kids,” Goodwin said.
“They’ve had outstanding first seasons of AFL footy.
“They’re young. They execute their role incredibly well and they’re continuing to grow and understand what AFL footy’s like.
“To be in a game like that – it’s great for their growth as individuals to be a part of the team and also a club that was under that type of pressure, but they’ve got another opportunity next week.”
The Demons have moved into the top eight with their win over the Giants but can drop out again if the Western Bulldogs defeat Hawthorn on Sunday.
The equation from there is simple. beat the Bombers and just hope things fall their way.
As far as Goodwin is concerned, he just wants his team to deliver a performance like they did against the Giants.
“Approach it no different to every game of footy. Clearly there will be bigger stakes,” he said.
“Destiny’s, not all in our hands, but we’ve got to play the way that we want to play.
“Our destiny really is in how we build our footy club both short term and long term. I want to see the same Melbourne rock up as what we saw today (Saturday).”
The real SC
Roar Rookie
if Melbourne to make finals: - Western Bulldogs to lose to Fremantle - St Kilda to win or lose to GWS - Collingwood to lose to Gold COast and/or Port Adelaide Melbourne could finish either through 7-10th place
CloudRunner
Roar Rookie
GWS are very unlikely to make it now. Have to thump the Saints just to have a chance, then hope other results fall their way. I'd reckon the Pies, Dogs and Saints are the likely Finalists now with only the Demons to possibly upset that outcome. Pies should beat the Suns who are out of juice and that should be enough for them. Dogs should win their last two, but risk a loss if they underestimate the Dockers and even if the Saints lose, it'll only be by a little and would only miss out if the Demons annihilate the Bombers.
Nico
Roar Rookie
Steven May is worth every penny, and saved them yesterday. Wonder what would have been if they had May in 2018... Anyway, in 2020, will first EF be: Eagles vs Dees at Optus?... payback? Or Eagles vs Pies at Optus? ... (also payback) or vs Dogs? Vs GWS? Personally hope first EF is against GWS at Optus, with their bad record on the road. Pies, Bulldogs, Dees all dangerous (especially Bulldogs).
Marty
Roar Rookie
Hold on, I thought they were a listless rabble? Oh sorry, my mistake, that was last week.
RT
Roar Rookie
I really hope the Demons come good, but a headline like that just screams “false dawn”.