DEES DARE TO DREAM

FRESH from securing a finals berth for the first time since 2006, an “excited” Melbourne is determined to build some momentum as it looks to defeat a second top-eight side in as many weeks.

The Demons returned to Melbourne early yesterday after their upset 17-point win against West Coast in Perth. They have a depleted Greater Western Sydney in their sights at the MCG on Sunday.

Having not beaten a top-eight side this season, forward Jake Melksham said the triumph against the Eagles was a “huge” confidence boost. But the Demons don’t want to bask in the glory for too long.

“If you can gain some momentum going into a finals series, then that’s invaluable,” Melksham said.

“We saw that last year with Richmond and the year before with the Bulldogs.

“So we can go into this week knowing what’s ahead of us, but also playing some stress-free footy as the monkey’s off the back.”

Melksham said the group had come a long way since he crossed from Essendon at the end of the 2015 season. He said it was great to see smiles on the faces of success-starved teammates, such as co-captain Nathan Jones, and the club’s supporters.

“Everyone’s put in a heap of work … and a finals berth’s a good reward,” Melksham said. He said the club hoped Jack Viney (foot) would play some part in the finals.