Demons do some exorcising of their own
SIMON Goodwin yesterday hailed Melbourne’s 38-point win over Essendon as a victory that had “reset” his team’s whole season.
The Demons snapped a confidence-sapping threematch losing streak to get back to 3-3.
They take on Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday, with Goodwin promising to prepare for the Hawks’ best, despite their 1-5 start to the season.
Goodwin will speak to Jesse Hogan tomorrow to discuss the forward’s availability as he mourns the loss of his father, Tony.
But he stressed Hogan was under no pressure to return.
In Hogan’s absence, a small forward line led by Jack Watts (four goals) rolled over Essendon with a 13-goal second half.
“It was very important,’’ Goodwin said. “We have been through three tough weeks, that’s what I said to the players after the game.
“We had an opportunity to reset the footy club and get back to 3-3.
“We don’t talk about results too often, but we had given up some leads and haven’t got some results we may have got. To find a way under duress and pressure was just a sign of character for this footy club.”
The Demons beat the Hawks by 29 points last August and now takes on a team that has fallen even further from its premiership peak.
“We will prepare for their best,’’ Goodwin said. “We watched them two weeks ago against the Eagles and they were outstanding.
“They have high-quality players, they are well coached and have a lot of character.”