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Demons ball movement a work in progress

3 minute read

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin is convinced his inconsistent AFL club is capable of playing outstanding football after their win over Gold Coast on Saturday.

SIMON GOODWIN
SIMON GOODWIN Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Melbourne's much-scrutinised style of ball movement is still a work in progress, but coach Simon Goodwin is convinced they are capable of playing outstanding football.

Lambasted by several pundits for their frenetic but often inaccurate ball movement in recent weeks, the Dees' decision making and execution were better in Saturday's win over Gold Coast in Sydney.

"We are just continuing to evolve in terms of how we want to play"' Goodwin said.

"You probably would have seen early we were probably a little bit careful with the ball a little bit too careful at times, but that's OK.

"We started to get a better balance to how we move the ball to help us defend, but that's still a work in progress.

"We still need to continue to get better, we still need to play better footy but we are right in the season and we and we are going to continue to try and progress forward.

"We think we have got the capability to play some really outstanding footy."

The match ended with Harley Bennell kicking his first goal in Demons' colours and his first major since August 2017, with his teammates running from all parts to offer their congratulations.

"I think you can see the spirit in the place, it's been there all year," Goodwin said.

"We played some really strong teams the last three weeks and we are 2-3 and we're certainly not in a poor position."

Goodwin praised leaders Max Gawn and Jack Viney and also Jake Lever for their performances.

He also hailed the efforts of recalled key forward Sam Weideman, who competed well after Tom McDonald was forced out of the game in the first quarter.

He was poked in the right eye and will get it checked during the week.

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