Young Dees key to success

MELBOURNE star Jordan Lewis has backed young bulls Angus Brayshaw and Clayton Oliver to fill the void left by injured co-captain Jack Viney.

Viney (toe) has been ruled out for up to four weeks after being a late withdrawal from Saturday’s 50-point win against the Western Bulldogs.

His absence was not felt in the middle.

Brayshaw and Oliver, the major beneficiaries of Brownlow fancy Max Gawn’s ruck craft, did the heavy lifting.

Lewis said the finals-bound Demons had got better at handling setbacks at the selection table.

“I think it’s the attitude, and not saying that we’re a good side, but the attitude of a really good side,” Lewis said.

“It doesn’t matter who’s playing. Even when Maxy went down last year, we just continued to compete.

“Vines will get himself right and hopefully he’ll be back sooner rather than later.”

Brayshaw collected 38 disposals, 16 contested possessions and a game-high four centre clearances, and Oliver had 34 touches. Christian Petracca and co-captain Nathan Jones also pitched in.

Veterans Lewis and Bernie Vince, in his first game back from a VFL stint, shone across halfback.

“The young kids just keep turning up, especially at the contest, they’re really competitive,” Lewis said.

“He (Brayshaw) has been super-consistent for us this year, and it’s a key reason why we’re having a good year.”

Brayshaw, the 2014 No. 3 draft pick, had not had a 30plus possession game before this season, but has recorded five in his past 10 games.

The Demons surged to victory in the second half, having battled immense Bulldogs pressure in the first half.

“We were second to the ball, we weren’t tackling, so it was about improving the contest and getting the ball going forward,” Lewis said.

“In previous weeks when we aren’t playing our best football, we get down on ourselves.

“But it was about remaining positive, go out there the second half and play the way we want to play, and the scoreboard will take care of itself.”