Melbourne have recorded three wins under Paul Roos, but Saturday’s 20-point loss to Port Adelaide may well be their most promising performance yet.
Anyone still doubting the never-say-die attitude and defensive steel Roos has instilled at an AFL club arguably at its lowest ebb last year would have done well to watch the inaugural regular-season match in Alice Springs.
The Demons started poorly and conceded the opening four goals, only to steady and give the table-topping Power an almighty scare.
“To play against a team that’s only lost one game and do really, really well and play some terrific footy for the majority of the game – it’s a huge step forward,” Roos said.
“Clearly the boys have improved significantly over the course of the year, but I get impatient and I’m sure they are as well.
“We’re extremely disappointed we didn’t win the game.”
Port coach Ken Hinkley compared the Demons’ revival to his own club’s sudden resurgence last year.
“They’re an up-and-coming side that is getting better, a bit like ourselves,” Hinkley said.
“We might be a step or two in front of where Melbourne are coming from.”
Defender Jack Hombsch also paid tribute to Melbourne’s relentless pressure.
“That was probably the reason we were off today,” Hombsch told Fox Footy.
“They are holding teams to real low scores and their defence has improved heaps.
“It’s really hard to get the ball back off them. They were great today and there were a few scary moments.”
Utility James Frawley returned from injury and played well up forward and there’s every chance he will stay there when key forward Chris Dawes returns from a one-match suspension.
“We can push him (Frawley) back if we need to, our defence has been pretty solid as well,” Roos said.