MELBOURNE coach Simon Goodwin believes it was the "ownership" of defensive standards that led the Demons to snapping a three-match losing streak on Saturday night.
Goodwin's side held Fremantle to 28 inside 50s while amassing 78 entries of their own, en route to a 54-point win at a slippery TIO Stadium.
After a three-game block where they conceded an average of 109 points, Goodwin was most pleased in his side holding the Dockers to 48 points – their lowest score against of the season.
DARWIN DELIGHT FOR DEES Full match coverage and stats
"We had a focus on our defensive transition heading into the game and I thought the players' response in that phase was outstanding," Goodwin said post-match.
"There's been times throughout the year where we've been quite strong and times where it's been inconsistent.
"Our players really took ownership during the week of that phase and tonight's a stepping stone in doing better in that phase consistently."
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Despite the Demons' inaccuracy in front of goal, where they kicked a season-high 24 behinds, Goodwin was impressed by the new-look forward set-up.
Small forwards Charlie Spargo and Jeff Garlett – playing his first game since round five – earnt a recall, helping the Demons lay 25 tackles inside 50.
With marking types Sam Weideman and Mitch Hannan making way, Jesse Hogan and Tom McDonald combined for 14 marks.
WATCH Simon Goodwin's full post-match press conference
"What I loved about our forwards was the ability to defend," Goodwin said.
"Jesse set the standard tonight, not only with his defensive work… I thought he got back to being a real contested type of player."
Goodwin said the defensive half, where big man Sam Frost replaced first-gamer Harrison Petty, had been its most settled since Jake Lever's season-ending ACL in round 11.
Joel Smith, who has played much of the year as a defender, was swung forward after half-time as he battled a hip complaint. Goodwin said he would be assessed ahead of the seven-day break before the clash with the Western Bulldogs.
The Demons have asked for longer recovery periods should their existing deal for two matches in the Northern Territory be extended into next year and beyond.
"Seven days is enough, obviously it's tough conditions, (but) certainly that won't be an excuse from our end," Goodwin said
"Ideally, the more you can give the players when you play up in the Northern Territory, especially up in Darwin, the better."
Veteran Bernie Vince was the Demon's travelling emergency and will be in the frame for Saturday's clash at the MCG.
