The Dees celebrate as they continue their winning streak in 2021. Photo: Melbourne FC
Melbourne was challenged at points throughout their match against Geelong, but the Dees held strong, and are now 4-0 for the first time since 1994.
The Dees had a sizeable advantage at points of the match, though Geelong had a strong third quarter to put the game in the balance.
Melbourne were able to make the win safe with two quick goals at the beginning of the last quarter.
Coach Simon Goodwin said that it was a team effort that saw them make the game safe, rather than any moment of individual brilliance.
“As a group, I thought our ability to pressure the ball inside 50 went to a new level,” he said.
“And our leaders, who across the ground were outstanding.
“There were a range of different guys, but you need everyone to be able to execute in that moment.
“And the players [have] been great, they were able to reset themselves in those moments and find ways to get themselves back in the game.”
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The win against Geelong was soured however, by the loss of Steven May to an eye injury in the second quarter.
An errant elbow from Tom Hawkins left him with a nasty injury and forced him to be subbed out of the match.
Goodwin spoke briefly on the injury.
“He’s gone to hospital, to get stuff around his eye, get that checked out, so we’re not sure what that looks like yet,” he said.
“We’ll wait and see, but clearly he’s going to miss a few weeks.
“[Whether it’s] the concussion, the eye, it’s still going to be a few weeks.
“It’s disappointing but it gives opportunity.”
With Hawthorn next on the agenda for the undefeated Demons, Goodwin said that the lessons taken away from the win over Geelong will be critical.
“We need to establish the way we play, more often than not,” he said.
“And to continue to respect the game and how hard it is. You [have to] bring amazing effort. That’s what I loved today.
“For the first time for a long time, I heard the MCC and the supporters who came today. They were getting inspired by our pressure and our tackle and our effort, and our willingness to do hard things around the ball.
“It was great to hear our supporters back at the footy enjoying themselves.”
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