Now their AFL season is back on track, the next challenge for the young Melbourne team is keeping it there.
Melbourne face another major test this Sunday when they host the Western Bulldogs.
The two teams bounced back on the weekend with important wins - the Demons hammering Gold Coast by 77 points and the Bulldogs holding off Adelaide by 15 points in a pulsating clash.
Demons captain Nathan Jones said the days of celebrating wins - because they were so rare - are over.
"There's greater expectation - the players are wanting to drive the club in the right direction," he said.
"In the past we haven't won many games, so you do probably celebrate those wins a bit too much and revel in your performance.
"But we're treating it as business as usual and moving on to the next challenge ... it shows maturity in our group."
As much as the jury remains out on what Melbourne can do this season, Jones noted they have rebounded quickly from poor games against Essendon and St Kilda.
"We lost our little way a little bit against St Kilda, but got back on track," he said.
"That is a sign of a good team that can respond, but consistency is the challenge."
While the Bulldogs will start favourites, they have lost their last two games at the MCG, including last year's season-ending elimination final against Adelaide.
If captain Easton Wood had his way, the 'Dogs would play more games at the MCG.
He grew up watching games at the MCG and always dreamed of playing there.
"To be at the home of footy, how good is that - we love the MCG," Wood said.
"If you're going to go anywhere, you have to win at the MCG.
"I wish we could play here a little bit more often, if I'm honest."
Share
